From brilliant brews to better healthcare, four Brisbane entrepreneurs have taken top honours at the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards.
Celebrating 20 years, the awards recognise multicultural business leaders creating jobs, breaking barriers and helping make Australia’s lifestyle capital even better.
Marcela Lapertosa was crowned Multicultural Business Person of the Year for helping create inclusive workplaces through Value Learning.
Originally from Argentina, the Holland Park resident draws on her migrant experience to champion women and multicultural communities as President of LatinOz Queensland.
Fortitude Valley’s Jen Ravenswood opened her first pharmacy at 24 and has since grown RAYS Wellness to serve more than 60,000 patients nationwide.
The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, she was named Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year for her healthcare achievements.
Eddie Cho brewed up success by growing The Hideout Speciality Coffee from one café into a thriving multi-site inner-city business.
Overcoming language barriers and COVID-19 challenges, the South Korean-born entrepreneur creates jobs for migrants and young people, earning Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year.
Kenmore Hills’ Helena Uhm was named Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year for tackling period poverty through Inoya.
Drawing on her public health experience, she produces sustainable, non-toxic menstrual products to improve women’s wellbeing.
More than 550 guests celebrated at City Hall, with proceeds supporting multicultural business scholarships.
Since 2007, the awards have recognised more than 40 winners and helped deliver 750 scholarships, helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn big ideas into successful businesses.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Brisbane is a city of big ideas and bold ambition and these entrepreneurs are showing why Australia’s lifestyle capital is such a great place to turn dreams into reality.
“From overcoming language barriers to opening a business at just 24, they’ve backed themselves, worked hard and built some incredible success stories right here in Brisbane.
“The best part is they’re bringing others along for the ride, creating jobs, opening doors and making Brisbane an even better place to live, work and play.
“For 20 years, these awards have celebrated the people and cultures that make Brisbane special, while our scholarships are helping the next generation of business stars have their shot at success.”
