Business-minded mother and daughter Madelain and Shannon Roscher have both been nominated for the 2017 Woman of Stature Awards: Woman of the Year Awards in their respective categories.
Avid sociopreneur paves the way for women empowerment
Launched in April 2013, Woman of Stature’s purpose is to inspire and empower women from all walks of life, as well as to raise awareness and much needed funds for charities through various projects and fundraising initiatives. The awards ceremony will take place on March 11 at Emperors Palace.
All proceeds raised will go towards Woman of Stature’s charitable causes, which are CANSA and HospiceWits, and its own 5 Pillars of Empowerment programme, which trains, develops and uplifts women across South Africa.
A total of 30 of South Africa’s most prominent women will be competing for these awards in various categories.
Madelain has been nominated in the Woman in Media category; and Shannon, in the Youth Ambassador category.
The Roschers lived in Boksburg some years back, but still operate their ventures there.
Madelain is the managing director of PR Worx, which has been in existence since 2001 and has been awarded for being the best PR company in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, South Africa and Africa. According to Madelain, the company’s out-of-the-box ideas generate extensive media coverage, stakeholder exposure, and tangible results that receive both local and international awards.
Before Madelain ventured into business she was working at South African Airways. She studied communications through Damelin and the London School of Journalism.
“Prior to starting up PR Worx, I was head of South African Airways’ worldwide public relations function and the airline’s spokesperson for six years.
“While I enjoyed the challenges of the job, I found that I was travelling quite a bit and considering that my children were still young at the time, I knew I needed to make a change so that I could be around for them more. This is why I started PR Worx in 2001.”
She expressed her joy at being a finalist in the awards.
“I am truly flattered and humbled to have been nominated for this prestigious award that recognises creative, innovative and philanthropic business talent that extends beyond the ordinary.
“Through association with Woman of Stature, I will be able to use this platform to extend my mentorship and guidance beyond my team and clients and to the communities in which PR Worx operates,” Madelain said.
Her daughter Shannon (25) is the managing director of an NPO called DeskBags, which is a company that produces functional, eco-friendly schoolbags that also provide a portable desk solution.
A DeskBag is a hybrid satchel that acts as a fully functional schoolbag which folds open into a portable desk that learners can use at school and at home.
It is also made from 100 percent recyclable billboard materials.
Through corporate sponsorships, DeskBags are donated to needy schools free of charge.
Shannon studied communications and psychology at the North West University.
“I am thrilled to be nominated as a finalist as it shows that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, regardless of your age,” she said.
“Winning the title will mean so much as it can do so much for the venture. And it’s incredible that my mother and I are finalists in the same competition. We both push each other to work even harder and that’s great,” she said.
Describing her relationship with her mother, she said her mother is her pillar of strength and they are inseparable best friends, as they see each other five times a week.
She advised young women who want to venture into business not to be scared.
“Young people should choose careers that they love and they must do what they enjoy to eliminate being miserable their whole life,” said Shannon.
Some of the roles the Woman of Stature participants are required to perform are to create publicity around the awards, set up interviews, create social media awareness and empower women.
