ALTA McMaster is no stranger to the South and has been an influential pillar in the lives of many women in our community.
She is the founder of the Epic (Empowering People In Crisis) Foundation and has been selected as a nominee in the Woman of the Year Awards 2018 in the category Woman in Community.
“I am honoured to announce that I have been selected as a nominee in the Woman of the Year Awards 2018 in the category Woman in Community. Thank you Charlotte Du Plessis (managing director of Woman of Stature) for this platform that gives recognition to women. I am very excited to be a part of this event this year,” said Alta.
Read: Alta’s strength behind her story
Alta as a nominee
We spoke to Alta to understand how she felt to be a part of Woman of Stature.
“I attended the Women of the Year awards last year and was so inspired by all the women doing absolutely amazing work in the various categories. To be a nominee this year is, therefore, a great honour for me. It is good to know that there are organisations such as Women of Stature who provides a platform to give recognition to all who have achieved so much. Charlotte du Plessis presents these awards annually and she has been doing amazing work to motivate and inspire all women through various platforms,” said Alta.
She did not apply for this but was nominated by people in her community for the Woman in Community award. She recalled how shocked she was to be nominated and she is now excited and grateful for the opportunity.
A difficult year
“Managing a non-profit, especially in the sector where we work (rape and abuse) is very difficult. People do not always want to talk about the issues and getting support is also very difficult. It, therefore, means a lot to me and Epic Foundation that there is recognition for the work we do and an opportunity for us to increase our visibility in the field,” she said.
Alta spoke about what a difficult year 2017 was for the foundation as promised funding did not come in and office rental swallows up most of the foundation’s funding for projects.
“This event came at the right time for us to highlight Epic Foundation again. I have seen by being chosen as Lead SA Hero of the month back in June 2013 and also being selected as one of the top 100 Difference Makers International that these platforms definitely helps us to gain more visibility and through this more support from the community,” said Alta.
More about Woman of Stature
Woman of Stature is a membership platform for women from all walks of life. The team is committed to empowering women to live their purpose and reach their full potential by empowering them to achieve their personal, professional and financial goals. It’s a platform that empowers, educates, upskills, connects, networks, and supports women.
The four major projects are five pillars of empowerment, youth empowerment, world of wellness and woman of the year. The project is based on values like gratitude, integrity, commitment, respect, trust and friendship.
Woman of Stature is committed to nurturing young women by providing a platform where they will be mentored and sufficiently equipped with the required skills to enter the business world. The Youth Empowerment Learning Journey is designed for young women from the ages of 17 to 25. As a part of its mission, Woman of Stature hosts the annual Woman of the Year Awards that honours those South African women who make a significant contribution to the South African economy and its diverse community by presenting them with an award for their achievements.
Prominent women competing
The next Woman of the Year Awards will be held on March 24, 2018 at Emperors Palace. Nominations have been received from all over the country and sponsorship opportunities are available as well.
Some of South Africa’s most prominent women will be competing for one of eight awards. The awards are divided into the following eight categories: Woman in Community, Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman in Finance, Woman in Media, Woman in Healthcare, Woman in Education, Youth Ambassador and Director Award.
Tickets to the formal event, which include a three-course dinner, cost R750 and can be booked through Quicket.co.za. Corporate tables are available at R15 000 which includes a table seating ten people and offers an advertising opportunity. Further information and bookings at events@womanofstature.co.za.
“A percentage of the proceeds go towards our charitable cause which is The Cradle of Hope, and our own Five Pillars of Empowerment programme to train, develop and uplift women across South Africa. These nominees are prominent within their respective communities and have reached considerable heights within their careers. They each reflect our values and focus at Woman of Stature, which is empowering of women from all walks of life,” said Charlotte du Plessis, managing director of Woman of Stature, who herself received recognition as the founder of Woman of Stature, being the 2016/7 winner of the Margaret Hirsch Women in Business Achievers Regional Award for Strubens Valley.
Sponsors of 2018 Awards include Emperors Palace, PR Worx and PixelPinkInc. Contact du Plessis for bookings and further information on 082 553 0061.
Read: Making a difference
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.