Prominent businesswoman and gender equality advocate Diane Smith-Gander was awarded an AO in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list last week.

Ms Smith-Gander (pictured) is well-known to many in the business community, and particularly the resources industry as past chair of Broadspectrum, along with her involvement in Chief Executive Women.

She has been awarded an AO for distinguished service to business, women’s engagement in executive roles, gender equality and the community.

Renowned for her “get on with it” attitude, Ms Smith-Gander has served on a number of boards including AGL and Wesfarmers.

She has made a name for herself not just in corporate Australia, she through spending much of her available time helping community groups.

Ms Smith-Gander’s career also spans to include two years at National Broadband Network Company as deputy chairwoman, Committee for Perth director and Chief Executive Women past president.

Among other roles, she has been chair of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Council, Safe Work Australia, Basketball Australia and the Australian Sports Drug Agency.

She has led better ­representation for women in corporate Australia through her role as president of Chief Executive Women.

“My mum and dad instilled in me that direct action is very important. It’s all very well to be a senior leader, manager, but being actually on the ground giving of your own effort and time — that’s why I love Chief Executive Women, because CEW is direct action,” she told The Australian.

“Recognition is always a wonderful thing and recognition Australia-wide like this is something that is new for me. I haven’t been acknowledged in this way before.

“So this award makes me feel I learned the lessons that my mum and dad gave me of service to ­others.’’

Her mother Betty, 89, has an OAM.