Marist Youth Care CEO Cate Sydes has been named a finalist in the 2015 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Cate’s nomination in the category for Purpose and Social Enterprise reflects a 35-year career focused on the welfare of children.
With 10 years at the helm of Marist Youth Care, Cate is passionate about providing vulnerable young people in poverty with the resources and tools to work towards economic independence.
“I am proud that I have helped build an organisation that is vibrant, diverse and innovative with an ever-expanding range of programs to support the most disadvantaged youth in the western suburbs,” she said.
“Social inclusion is a priority for Marist Youth Care, ensuring that we allow access for all young people who need safety, support, education, training or employment.”
The organisation works with those at risk of exclusion from education, young offenders, homeless youth, Aboriginal people, migrants, refugees and young people in transition from care.
Through the introduction of a wide variety of innovative youth programs and services, Cate has transformed Marist Youth Care into a leading not-for-profit agency helping more than 1800 disadvantaged young people and their families each year to “see life differently”.
Landmark programs such as the Aboriginal Trainee Support worker Program have established MYC as the largest employer and trainer of aboriginal people in Western Sydney.
“I love what I do because it provides very real solutions to improving the life chances of vulnerable young people in the western suburbs so they can go on to live successful and fulfilling lives,” she said.
“Our services enable them to be responsible for themselves and take control of their destiny.”
