The winners of the 2025 Parbery Canberra Women in Business Awards, led by Business Woman of the Year Debra Parker (centre). Photo: Canberra Women in Business.
Family law specialist Debra Parker has been named Business Woman of the Year at the 2025 Parbery Canberra Women in Business Awards.
As Canberra’s only dual-accredited Family Law and Dispute Resolution Specialist, Debra was recognised for her leadership at Parker Coles Curtis and her long-standing commitment to supporting women and families across the region.
The annual awards, held at the Hotel Realm, celebrated 10 Canberra women for their outstanding achievements in business and community leadership.
Other winners included Jamala Wildlife Lodge general manager Amanda Mead, named Leadership Business Woman of the Year for her work over the past nine years building Jamala into what it is today.
Canberra creative Eryn Marshall was named Young Business Woman of the Year.
Canberra Women in Business president Mandy Hill said this year’s awards once again shone a light on the drive and dedication of the city’s women entrepreneurs and leaders.
“Reading the stories of all our finalists is one of the greatest rewards of my role with Canberra Women in Business. I continue to see the commitment women business owners and leaders have to lift others up and make a difference,” Mandy said.
“It’s an honour to shine a light on these women and the work they do. Congratulations to every nominee, finalist and winner – you are all deserving and inspirational.”
Business Woman of the Year Debra Parker with Parbery Consulting co-CEO Kylie Burnett. Photo: Canberra Women in Business.
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson said the awards reflected the ingenuity and resilience that underpin Canberra’s business community.
“What a wonderful celebration of the ingenuity, resilience and leadership of Canberra’s businesswomen. These awards deservedly recognise the long hours and the sheer determination it takes to turn a vision into a thriving business,” Mr Pettersson said.
“Women-led businesses make a significant contribution to the ACT economy, and their success inspires future generations of leaders to ensure we have a more inclusive and innovative business landscape.”
Parbery Consulting founder, owner and co-CEO Kylie Burnett congratulated Debra Parker on her win, describing it as a fitting recognition of leadership.
“This is a well-deserved recognition of leadership for a business that supports women and families,” Kylie said.
“The Canberra business sector is in safe hands with all these incredible women leaders contributing to and shaping our community.”
The full list of 2025 award winners:
- Business Woman of the Year – Debra Parker, Parker Coles Curtis
- Young Business Woman of the Year – Eryn Marshall, Eryn Marshall Artistry
- Small Business Woman of the Year – Sophie Mclean, Your Property Profits
- Leadership Business Woman of the Year – Amanda Mead, Jamala Wildlife Lodge
- Community Service Business Woman of the Year – Courtney Smith, Completely Rescued
- Innovation Business Woman of the Year – Laura Chapman, The Know You Co. and Careen Redman-Matthews, humaneer
- Social Impact Business Woman of the Year – Vanessa Schimizzi, Curated
- Sustainability Business Woman of the Year – Vanessa Brettell, Stepping Stone Social Enterprise
- Micro Business Woman of the Year – Reiné Williams, Tranquil Architecture.
