For more than two decades, Carole Adriaans has used her considerable professional skills - which include event management, production and design - combined with a passion for the land of her birth to improve the lives of others. Carole’s determination, commitment and dedication to humanitarian aid have made a tangible difference to the lives of many South Africans in need. Carole’s remarkable achievements, throughout the country’s turbulant history, as well as in the exciting post-liberation era, have earned her the undisputed reputation of Renaissance woman.

In her role as President and Founder of South African Women for Women (SAWW)(1966 - Present), Carole has made an immense contribution to South African woman, children and society as a whole. In this capacity she also participated in the Violence Against Woman Project in partnership with Sunnybrook Hospital/Woman’s College Health Centre - developing and funding a program supporting forensic testing for sexual abuse victims in South Africa. Through SAWW programs she has implemented and directed education and health initiatives, as well as secured annual scholarships for financially disadvantaged female students. Under Carole’s direction, the highly regarded SAWW Annual Gala Awards continue to acknowledge and honour South African women who have achieved excellence in their fields.

Adriaans & Associates - a premier event production and design company - was founded by Carole in 1999. In addition to directing various commercial events, the company has partnered with a number of non-profit companies in fundraising initiatives. This has further channelled Carole’s expertise into projects and organisations that assist in the upliftment of disadvantaged communities. More recently, Carole co-founded the Zenzele Development Organization - a charity established to facilitate micro-banking enterprises in developing countries - encouraging economic self-sufficiency of women and their families.

Carol’s distinct blend of artistic ability, strategic thinking and business acumen has ensured the success of countless high-profile events and fundraisers. Carole’s resumé includes the management of Canadian visits and related events from dignitaries including Their Royal Highnesses, Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Whales in 1993; The Most Reverend Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Actor and Civil Rights Activist Danny Glover. She has directed a wide range of events which include South African Women for Women Annual Awards; The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada) Annual Galas; Canadian Council of South Africans - Freedom Day Celebrations; The Harmony Movement Awards; MusicaNoir’s production of a film-opera ”The Passion of Winnie” ; Tribute Gala at York University in honour of The Hon. Jean Augustine Education Research Chair. As well, Carole has acted as a consultant to the Office of the Hon. Counsel General of Senegal (Toronto) and to Diversity Accord Canada Inc., linking core capabilities in diversity and organizational development, cross-cultural awareness and education with a focus on gender and cultural dynamics.