Moyamoya Australia founder Nicola Baker honoured at international awards

A Far North mum and entrepreneur has been recognised for her volunteer and advocacy efforts at an international awards ceremony.

Nicola Baker, founder of Moyamoya Australia, was named Volunteer of the Year at the Women Changing the World Australia and the Pacific Awards on November 27, and placed third in the advocacy category. Picture: Sandhya Ram

A Far North mum and entrepreneur has achieved global recognition by transforming personal tragedy into advocacy.

Moyamoya Australia founder Nicola Baker was named Volunteer of the Year at the Women Changing the World Australia and the Pacific Awards on November 27.

She also placed third in the advocacy category.

Ms Baker, who founded Moyamoya Australia in 2019, said her work was driven by a motivation to find the cause of the disease which caused her son, Jed, to have a stroke at 11 months old.

Ravenshoe resident Nicola Baker founded the charity Moyamoya Australia after her son Jed was diagnosed with the condition. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This work is so important because Moyamoya Disease affects just one in every 100,000 people,” Ms Baker said.

“It’s an incredibly rare condition with long delays in diagnosis and treatment.”

Through fundraising campaigns, marketing initiatives and events, Ms Baker said she was committed to making an impact through her work and encouraged others to make a positive change in the world.

“If you dream of making an impact in your life, today is the day to start.”

The Women Changing the World APAC Awards celebrate and recognise women achieving success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian impact, leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, product development, education, health and innovation across the Australian and Pacific region.

Originally published as Moyamoya Australia founder Nicola Baker honoured at international awards