A HIGH Wycombe resident was one of six women awarded at the inaugural Swan International Women’s Day breakfast.

Taekwondo gold medallist at the state, national, and international level Chloe Perez was awarded the Swan young woman of the year at the event held at Mineral Resources Park in Lathlain on March 8.

Ms Perez said winning the award was not only an honour, but it was also a reminder of the positive influences she had on the community through her time teaching taekwondo at Taekwondo Oh Do Kwan in Belmont.

“To be recognised amongst many other wonderful, influential women instilled the confidence to continue to inspire others as well,” she said.

“I believe that after a while, what I do becomes natural routine and I tend to forget the potential impact I have on others and the community.”

Ms Perez said it was inspirational to hear from all the other award winners, and that organisers also did a wonderful job organising the event.

The Swan International Women’s Day awards breakfast was run by federal Swan MHR Zaneta Mascarenhas and the Jacaranda Community Centre.

Other winners from the day included Maryann Tsai, who was awarded Swan woman of the year; Swan scientist of the year went to Dr Parwinder Kaur; Swan senior woman of the year was awarded to Joan Sutherland; Swan sportswoman of the year went to Michele Burton and the Swan social cohesion award was given to Sobia Shah.

Ms Mascarenhas said all the nominees were amazing women, with each having their own inspirational story.

“There are so many amazing women in Swan, and I was delighted to work with Jacaranda Community Centre to bring the community to recognise them and celebrate the work they do,” she said.

First starting in taekwondo when she was seven, Ms Perez now has her sights set on making the Australian national team in a few months – and if she’s successful, she’ll be representing the country in Hong Kong later this year.

“To be part of the national team, I have to attend selection trails in Brisbane and win gold in my division amongst many other amazing competitors across Australia,” she said.

“I take my studies very seriously so coupled with ATAR in high school, this will be one of my busiest years yet.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.

“Nevertheless, I know I can do it.”