REDLAND Bay resident and Sheldon College graduate Madina Mohmood has won the inaugural Soroptimist International Women Empowering Others Award at the 2019 Seven News Young Achiever Awards.
The award, which received hundreds of nominations, celebrates the commitment of young women to enabling change in the lives of women.
She was also named the 2019 Young Achiever of the Year.
Ms Mohmood's win was announced on Friday, May 3 at a ceremony at Royal on the Park Brisbane.
More than 400 guests gathered from across Queensland including Women and Youth Minister Di Farmer.
Ms Mohmood, 22, was awarded for her work to promote and raise awareness of cultural diversity and empower young women.
She helped to establish the Afghan Student Association and the Muslimah Student Society at the University of Queensland, and was also involved in creating the Queensland Afghan Community Association youth committee.
As the association's Youth Representative, she also organised a multicultural festival for Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.
Ms Mohmood was selected as the 2014 World Vision Queensland Youth Ambassador, travelling to Rwanda learning from families experiencing poverty and injustice before speaking with high school students across Queensland about her experiences.
In 2017, Ms Mohmood was chosen as university delegate to visit New York for the National Model United Nations.
She secured a state leadership position as part of the Queensland Vision Generation.
Ms Mohmood said it was important for Australians to recognise the importance of diversity in society.
"Now more than ever, all Australians need to support multiculturalism, unity and peace," she said.
"We must to stand together against hate and injustice and love indiscriminately.
"Valuing cultural diversity and religious freedom is an integral part of this."
As a winner, Ms Mohmood will receive a cash prize and trophy.