Emily Korir: Kenyan woman receives plum award in Australia
Emily Korir has continued to defy odds by turning adversity, which threatened to end her dreams, into a lifelong legacy.
Korir, who turned a new leaf after a life-altering stroke, is among the recipients of the King’s Birthday 2025 honours in Australia.
In a statement shared by Australia’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Emily Korir was conferred with a Medal of the Order (OAM) on Monday, June 9, 2025.
The award was in recognition of her dedication towards helping people battling different disabilities in Southern Australia.
Emily Korir has championed disability advocacy and inclusive services in South Australia. A stroke survivor, she founded a rehabilitation centre and has worked with multicultural communities to improve health equity and access.
“Congratulations to Emily Korir on receiving the Medal of the Order of (OAM)! Her dedication to people with disabilities and multicultural communities in South Australia is inspiring, as is her current focus on building the first accessible respite home in Kenya for children with disabilities,” the statement announcing her win read in part.
Her recognition
Emily Korir was among those confirmed for conferment by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn. The achievements of 830 Australians across community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts, and more were recognised.
“Every day, and all across the country, Australians are doing extraordinary things with passion, generosity, energy, and resolve. These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country,” the Governor-General said.
Suffering stroke
Emily Korir’s rise to a globally revered figure was not all flowery. In 2012, at the age of 37, she was living part of her best life as a healthy career woman working as a human resource strategist in the healthcare sector in Australia.
However, everything took a turn when she suffered a stroke that same year.
“It was a dark time for our family. They told me I would never walk, talk, read, or write again. But here I am, and here we are, changing the narrative every day,” Emily Korir said during a previous interview with Forbes.
For the next 12 months, Emily Korir had to go through a long and painful journey to recovery. She was in hospital for about two months before she was referred to a rehabilitation centre, as she had lost her speech and the right side of her body was paralysed.
After completing 12 months of rehabilitation, she applied for online studies at the Australian Institute of Business and was accepted.
This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as in she went on to open a firm advocating the needs and rights of people with disabilities.
Her leadership has been particularly lauded, culminating in her winning the 2023 Global Recognition Award for her achievements.
