Griffith Business School has recognised students making a difference through leadership, community service and professional development at its 2026 Co-curricular Awards.
The annual awards celebrate students who go beyond their academic studies to develop their skills, support their communities and create opportunities for others. This year’s recipients have demonstrated the value of getting involved, embracing new challenges and making the most of their time at Griffith.
Leadership Award
Rabi Olsen
The Leadership Award was presented to Rabi Olsen, whose leadership spans student organisations, international finance competitions and community services.
Studying a Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours), Rabi leads Griffith’s team in the CFA Institute Research Challenge, after returning from an unsuccessful selection attempt in 2025 to win the internal round in 2026. He also leads Griffith’s team in the McGill International Portfolio Challenge and is president of the Griffith Golfers Association, which he founded.
Beyond university, Rabi works as a Disability Support Worker with Multicap, where he has coordinated staff and supported children with a range of disabilities.
Rabi credits his mother, who raised him while working and studying, with shaping his understanding of leadership.
“Leadership is measured by where you take the people who depend on you, not by the position you hold,” he said.
Jake Lawrence and Julie Lyons were highly commended for the Leadership Award.
Jake founded the Griffith Student Investment Association, which has grown to more than 100 students and provides opportunities to develop practical finance skills and connect with industry. He has also raised more than $60,000 to help Griffith students participate in international finance competitions.
Julie Lyons was recognised for her leadership across research, disability services and community development. As Queensland Node Coordinator for the Indigenous Genomics Network at Griffith, she works with researchers, health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support culturally responsive research and meaningful engagement.
Community Service Award
Samantha Pooley and Jade de Beer
The Community Service Award recognises students who make a positive difference through volunteering, advocacy and support for others.
Samantha Pooley has channelled her passion for the safety and equality of women and children into fundraising for the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre (DVPC).
After signing up to run the Gold Coast Marathon in support of the organisation, Samantha organised fundraising initiatives, including a Bunnings sausage sizzle and a clothing market stall. With support from friends, family and local businesses, her sausage sizzle raised $2,183.45 in profit, exceeding her fundraising goal three months ahead of schedule.
Jade de Beer’s commitment to community service is grounded in the values of community and Ubuntu she grew up with in South Africa.
Jade volunteers weekly as an English tutor through the Adult Migrant English Programme, helping an adult migrant build language skills and confidence. She also volunteers as a social companion at Bethanie, supporting older residents through conversation and activities.
Her community work began in South Africa, where she founded the Creative Kids project, which collected more than 1,000 school books for disadvantaged students and raised funds for local charities.
For Jade, community service is about helping people feel connected and included.
“Being part of a community means contributing to it, looking out for others and supporting those around you,” she said.
BusinessPLUS Award
Brianna Margetts and Paris Grange
The BusinessPLUS Award celebrates students who have embraced professional development, volunteering and industry experience alongside their studies.
Brianna Margetts, who is completing a Bachelor of Sport Development and Bachelor of Business, majoring in Sport Management, has used BusinessPLUS to build her confidence and pursue her passion for sport.
Since joining Griffith Sport as a volunteer in her first weeks at university, Brianna has progressed to supervising event leaders and securing paid employment with Griffith Sport. She has also served as Secretary of the Griffith Netball Club, helping grow participation in social sport competitions and improve club processes.
Her experiences have extended beyond campus, including a six-week internship in Tokyo through the Griffith Asia Business Internship program and an 80-hour internship with the Gold Coast Titans, where she gained practical experience in sport event operations.
Brianna said BusinessPLUS had encouraged her to pursue opportunities that challenged her and helped prepare her for a career in the sporting industry.
Paris Grange has also made the most of opportunities across professional development, industry experience and community involvement.
As a dual degree student (Business and Law), Paris has completed internships with the Director of Public Prosecutions and Caxton Legal Centre, gaining insight into the legal profession and the importance of accessible legal services.
She has contributed to student life as Director of Student Experience for the Griffith University Law Society, previously serving as its LGBTQIA+ Officer. Paris has also supported fellow students through leadership camps, Orientation Week and the RAISE mentoring program.
Through BusinessPLUS, Paris said she had developed the confidence, practical experience and community focus to support her transition into the workforce.
The 2026 Co-curricular Award recipients demonstrate the impact of combining academic learning with leadership, volunteering and industry engagement.
Congratulations to all our winners on their achievements and contributions to the Griffith community.
