As ambassador for the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, year after year I continue to be amazed. Not just by the outstanding achievements of the finalists and winners, but by the level at which they are operating.

In my mind, the Awards have transformed over the past 18 years, from recognising women who have been successful in business, to now celebrating global leaders in innovation, who are changing and shaping the future.

Australian women are brave, smart and passionate about adopting technology and using social media to add value to their business. They are innovating in health, education, retail, manufacturing, construction, and tourism. The Awards reveal that women in every sector of Australian business – and that includes government and charities – are driving innovation that will underpin Australia’s future.

Continued world class innovation by Australian business women is critical to the nation’s social and economic future. The Telstra Business Women’s Awards are designed to celebrate this innovation and I urge you to think about someone you could nominate and recognise their outstanding achievements.

Thousands of women have been recognised in the Awards since 1995 and there have been many outstanding examples of innovation in sales and marketing, process, products and service.

In 2011, two national Award winners were taking their innovation globally – a scientist who developed ‘green steel’ technology that uses waste resources and cuts carbon emissions during production and the founder of an online retail business where women can design their own shoes. Another national winner was giving elderly Australians the ability to be safe and independent through new medication compliance solutions.

Nominating today will ensure we uncover women just as inspiring and deserving in 2012.

Entries are open until midnight on 19 June.

To nominate business woman or for further information about the Awards, please visit: www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com or call 1800 817 536 between 9am and 7pm AEST Monday to Friday.