AIS CEO Elena Gosse selected as one of four, national finalists in the Medium-Large Business Category, and one of 12 overall finalists in the Ethnic Business Awards. As the world’s news centres on migrant crises, refugees and asylum seekers, these awards refreshingly celebrate the hard work, determination, enterprise, innovation and hurdles that each finalist has had to overcome in order to achieve outstanding business success in Australia. An additional award category for Indigenous Australians was added in 2010, the first national business award of its kind.

After leaving behind a successful entertainment career in Russia and arriving in Australia as a single parent to two daughters (one of whom lives with a disability) Elena found herself unable to speak English and unemployed. After marrying her Australian husband Kerry, she and Kerry purchased a small, family business – a water disinfection and pool chlorine generator company – complete with three staff and a very modest annual turnover.

Seeing opportunities for the business that others had not dreamed of, Elena set about learning English and furthering her education including completing multiple TAFE and University courses and acquiring a (second) degree – a Bachelor of Business with a double major in Accounting.

Rising through the ranks of AIS to the top job of CEO, she fought immigration bureaucracy, cultural and gender discrimination and her own self-doubts to emerge triumphant, making AIS the multi-million dollar export business success story it is today.

Elena said that being a finalist in the EBAs was a highlight in her 20+ year Australian business career.

“I have always admired the contributions that other immigrants have made to this country and to be recognised as one of them is an incredibly humbling and wonderful experience, Elena said.

“My parents and siblings still live in Russia and I know they will be very proud.

“I hope that my story provide inspiration for other immigrants, as proof that it is possible to overcome many obstacles in life and achieve your dreams and success.”

Elena said that she would be forever grateful for the opportunities Australia provided and believes in giving back to her community as a way of expressing her gratitude.

“As well as running a female mentorship program, I am a member of the Queensland Government’s Red Tape Reduction Advisory Council and a board member for Access Community Services Limited. Access is a community based, not-for-profit organisation providing settlement, employment, training and youth support services to migrants, refugees and the general community in Queensland.

“At AIS we also employ people from over 14 different countries. I remember what it was like to be a new arrival in this country and like to draw on these experiences to help others.”

The EBA’s are judged by an expert panel comprising Eve Crestani – Chairman of Mercer’s Trustee Company, Allan Gyngell AO – Director-General of the Office of National Assessments and Carla Zampatti AC AM – Australia’s famous fashion pioneer. The winners will be announced at a Gala Presentation Ceremony in Adelaide on November 6, 2015 and share in cash and prizes, including $10,000 for individual category winners, from founding partner and major sponsor, National Australia Bank. The Gala Presentation will be broadcast on Saturday 14th November from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, and then again on NITV on Saturday 21st Nov from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.