Swinburne alumnus Liz Rodriguez recognised for exemplary humanitarian service
In Summary
Swinburne University of Technology alumna Liz Rodriguez has won the 2014 Swinburne-Camberwell Rotary Community Service award.
The $2000 award recognizes exemplary humanitarian service, personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others by an individual with links to Swinburne and the local community.
Ms Rodriguez said winning the award was unexpected and an incredible honour:
“When I started volunteering, I never thought of getting something back, but of course it feels incredible that other people think that I have made a great contribution to the community. This award gives me a lot of motivation and happiness.”
Ms Rodriguez’s passion for community and humanitarian aid programs developed whilst studying International Business at Swinburne, where she’s been involved in many initiatives including:
- Volunteering with St Vincent de Paul nursing homes, the Epilepsy Foundation, and Engineers Without Boarders Spokes in the Wheel program
- Fundraising for Mission Mexico Orphanage
- Organizing the 2014 Youth Humanitarian Festival
Earlier this year, Ms Rodriguez was appointed the 2014 Humanitarian Affairs Ambassador of the year by the international organization Humanitarian Affairs United Kingdom for her work. She also represented Swinburne at the University Scholars Leadership Symposium 2013-14.
Ms Rodriguez believes in encouraging and empowering women and young people to become involved in community engagement and indigenous and migrant community initiatives. Her future employment plans involve fundraising and marketing for a non-profit organisation.
Other outstanding nominees for the 2014 Swinburne-Camberwell Rotary Community Service Award were Melanie Kleinoth, Paul Kneebone, Danielle Brown, Madeleine Shearer Munn, Corey Bransden, James Williams, Shane Goodall and Mobarake Amini.