In 2025, the Girls’ Brigade International launched our Trailblazer awards, designed to honour the tireless dedication and selfless service of the thousands of members and volunteers around the world that make Girls’ Brigade happen.
The “Inspiring Leader” category recognised a current young GB Leader/Officer (between the age of 18-35) who had inspired others through her Christian leadership within GB. Judged by former members of the International President’s Committee, the women nominated showed incredible commitment and servant-heartedness towards the girls and young women we work with.
Meet our worthy winners!
International Winner: Monique Robertson (Australia – Pacific Fellowship)
Monique (pictured here on the left) is currently serving as a company leader and Queensland Deputy State Commissioner! Monique was nominated for the way she demonstrates Christ-like leadership as she walks alongside each girl she works with showing them compassion, care and encouragement. Serving with humility, she is dedicated to raising up the next generation through mentoring and peer support. Having trained in theology, she is not only committed to teaching the young women at GB about God but also professionally in her role as a school Chaplain and Christian studies teacher!
Country Winner: Chilolo Carol (Zambia – Africa Fellowship)
Chilolo has been involved in the leadership of many events from company to national level, including assisting in the organisation of the 2025 Girls’ Empowerment Symposium celebrating International Day of the Girl. She is a passionate advocate for girls and young women speaking publicly on topics such as mental health and gender-based violence. She was nominated for the attitude in which she serves defined by unwavering integrity and dignity and respect for every individual she meets.
Country Winner: Esther Choi Tin Wai (Hong Kong – Asia Fellowship)
Esther is the current Chair of Girls’ Brigade Hong Kong. Despite being the youngest member of the committee, she leads the group with incredible courage and confidence, being dedicated to encouraging and nurturing girls and young women, helping them to realise their potential and achieve success in society!
Country Winner: Hazel McArdle (Scotland – Europe Fellowship)
Hazel has been involved with Girls’ Brigade since the age of three. She was nominated for her dedication to serving the girls within her company and also within her local area. Hazel spends many weekends not only organising events but fundraising for groups and recruiting new members at fundays, supermarkets and community events. Having recently joined the National Executive, she is committed to using her gifts to serve Girls’ Brigade throughout the whole of Scotland.
Country Winner: Janell Ward (Bahamas – Caribbean & Americas Fellowship)
Janell faithfully serves as a young leader in her company working alongside the younger members of the group showing initiative, integrity and genuine commitment to make a positive impact. Through the way she models leadership, she inspires and uplifts others. Her heart for service extends beyond GB into her wider church family and community where she has participated in numerous outreach events and is pursuing a career in nursing.
Country Winner: Omolewa Taiwo Oyebode (Nigeria – Africa Fellowship)
Omolewa currently serves as a GB Africa Millennial Ambassador, a position in which she provides support and training to young leaders across multiple countries, including through helping develop the GB Africa Mentorship programme. Treating every young person as someone with value, she strives to build collaborative relationships and unity across teams wherever she serves. She is committed to amplifying GB’s advocacy voice by seeking strategic partnerships including media collaborations for events such as International Day of the Girl Child.
Country Winner: Patricia Sarfo (Ghana – Africa Fellowship)
Patricia is involved in GB in both a company and regional level. As a reliable leader, she was nominated for the way she takes initiative and uses both her innovation and creativity to teach the girls and young women within her company. On a weekly basis, she demonstrates excellent communication and teamwork skills to serve harmoniously with those she works alongside. She is committed to educating girls and young women beyond GB through her teaching career.
Country Winner: Sarah Hannah (New Zealand – Pacific Fellowship)
Sarah is a member of New Zealand’s National Youth Board. Within her company, she is a kind and compassionate leader demonstrating Jesus’ love by the way she adjusts her leadership style to accommodate everyone and ensure all are included. Despite studying hard for a PhD, she is diligent in her own responsibilities and always willing to step up if another leader is away or needs support with their activities.
Country Winner: Shenicia Brooks (Anguilla – Caribbean & Americas Fellowship)
Shenicia is a warrant officer in her company and currently training as a Lieutenant. Shenicia shows a passion that is unmatched amongst her peers and was nominated for her humility in service, not seeking recognition or praise for what she does. She is a dependable leader, getting involved in all aspects of company life whether it be setting up for activities, taking registers or running devotions. Her commitment to service extends beyond GB as a member of a local dance troupe performing at many outreach events.
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers”
Ephesians 1:15-16 NIV