Winner: Ms Sara Shams
Ms Sara Shams is a disability advocate, speaker, model and health care professional. Born in Bangladesh, she had a congenital anomaly which led to her becoming a bilateral above-knee amputee at the age of six.
Sara’s physical vulnerability affected her confidence and self-esteem. She also noticed that people with disabilities and people of colour were not adequately represented in the workforce and media, so she decided to become an advocate for inclusion and diversity.
Through her advocacy work and public presence, Sara represents culturally and linguistically diverse people living with disabilities. Her Instagram account @nolegs_noworries, which has more than 24,000 followers, provides a platform for education and connection. Her work as a model, participating in fashion shows such as Designer Q and Brisbane Fashion Week and also in advertising, has courageously advanced representation of culturally diverse people with disabilities. Sara also shares her unique story as a motivational speaker at various events.
As a member of the Carers QLD board, she has also become part of the policy-making process.