Greenfields fashion designer Tia Semi will be hoping to add a WA Youth Award to her list of achievements after being named as a finalist for the Mission Australia Cultural Endeavours category earlier this month.
Ms Semi has cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and is deaf, but she hasn't let any of that stand in the way of her dreams.
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The inspiring 21-year-old has utilised her career as model and designer to travel across WA and in 2019 has also travelled interstate and internationally.
This has been a breakout year for Ms Semi as she showcased her designs in three indigenous and Pacific Island runway events.
She is particularly proud of her Samoan heritage, which largely inspires her clothing designs, and she regularly participates in Samoan dance and has put on runways as part of Samoan Independence Day in Perth.
Ms Semi is passionate about inspiring others to follow their dreams, especially those who live with disabilities.
The WA Youth Awards were established in 1999 to recognise young Western Australians aged 12 to 25 years for their achievements and contributions to the community.
Youth Affairs Council of WA chief executive officer Ross Wortham said finalists like Ms Semi are examples of the diversity of talent among WA's young people.
"Many of these young people have overcome challenges with resilience, determination and perseverance, qualities that will ensure that they continue to lead and contribute in the future," he said.
"The WA Youth Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the positive difference they are making in their communities."
Winners of the awards will be announced at a presentation night at the State Theatre Centre on Friday, October 25.
