Patricia reaching great heights

North Coast entrepreneur Patricia Schroeder – winner of the 2016 Ilembe Chamber Entrepreneur competition – has been nominated as an entrepreneur of the year finalist at the annual Woman of Stature Awards.

Schroeder is one of 80 prominent South African women who will be competing for one of the 12 awards at the sixth annual event.

As founder and owner of Reclite SA (Pty) Ltd, Patricia’s passion for environmental protection and awareness was put into practice when she started her business, a company that deals with collecting, transporting and recycling a variety of toxic waste.

Her goal was to develop sustainable solutions to eliminate the dangers of human and environmental exposure to very harmful toxic substances.

Her business has been successful and innovative, addressing problematic waste streams with very high negative impact and reducing landfills with zero negative impact.

Her company also has a national and international footprint.

“The key to successful SMMEs (small, medium and micro-sized enterprises) is to have commitment, resilience and be engaged in your business at all times. True entrepreneurship is a full-time, everyday job,” said Schroeder.

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Her invention of a unique project to recycle waste electric lights and save landfills from poisonous mercury and other toxins, landed her first prize in the 2016 Ilembe Chamber Entrepreneur competition.

Her company Reclite was also the recipient of the 2016 Enviropaedia Eco-Logic Awards.

Last year she was named the 2018 Fair Lady/Santam Woman of the Future and was also the regional winner at the 2018 Margaret Hirsch Woman in Business Award.

Launched in April 2013, Woman of Stature’s purpose is to inspire and empower women from all walks of life.

Woman of Stature managing director Charlotte du Plessis said, “The 80 finalists are each prominent within their respective communities and have reached considerable heights within their careers. They each reflect our values and focus at Woman of Stature, which is empowering other women whether through active mentorship, or just by setting the example for leading a purposeful life.”

Speaking on the nomination Schroeder said: “I am very excited to be selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award, and especially for such an empowering cause. It is a cause dear to my heart and I am looking forward to making a difference in the lives of other women.”

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