Catherine Kolomyjec

Catherine Kolomyjec, with nearly four decades of experience in trauma, mental health, and youth work, holds a wealth of powerful firsthand stories from around the globe. As a Stanford University Global Ambassador for Applied Compassion, she remains connected to a global community focused on discussions and discoveries related to compassion and mental health.

Having delivered hundreds of talks in schools, community organisations, and workplaces globally, Catherine shares insights from her human rights and mental health work. Her presentations, tailored to specific needs and themes, aim for a transformative impact in the workplace. In 2023 alone, she spoke to over 4000 people, showcasing her dedication to spreading the physical and mental health benefits of compassion.

Catherine's expertise extends to running workshops and presentations via Zoom, reaching remote locations. As an experienced writer, she co-authored a book on the Bosnian refugee women experience, wrote for publications like The West’s ED! Liftout, and contributed to esteemed journals such as the International Journal of Community Development and Australian Medical Journal.

Her numerous accolades include the prestigious Grace Vaughan Award from UWA in 1996 for making a lasting impact in Human Rights, earned through trauma research in South Africa. Catherine's recent recognitions include the Westfield Local Hero (2021), Santa Maria Project of Mercy Inaugural Grant Recipient (2021), United Nations Day Human Rights Award Winner (WA) (2023), and Community Citizen of the Year (2024 – award received on January 26).

Beyond her individual achievements, Catherine founded The Periscope Crew, a film crew of young people with disabilities, commended for their media work at the WA Youth Awards and the Australian Disability Awards.