YLAA NewsBeyond The Boardroom

Beyond The Boardroom

Author 

Bonnie Ryan-Rowe

Published 

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

 | 

minute read 

The YAB has been busy these last few months, and would love to share what it is that we have been up to!

Hi,  Emma here! I am fortunate enough to be the chairperson for the YAB board. My role is to help build and empower the YAB to create a positive impact and change in the YLAA community, the YAB communities and beyond.


Our YAB have been pretty active with three of us heading to some Leadership Camps to upskill, network and develop our identity. Ashutosh was lucky enough to attend Burn Bright's National Leadership Camp! This is a four day camp that brings together leaders to focus on personal values, purpose, and character whilst enhancing their leadership skills. Let’s hear about his experience!

“I had the amazing opportunity to attend Burn Bright's National Leadership Camp in July. Honestly, it was life changing and the best experience, of my entire life! I learned and gained so much knowledge and met some of the most amazing passionate leaders; it was the most unforgettable 4 days. I was immersed in a space filled with purpose, energy and connection, as well as so many likeminded people. During the 4 days I was discovering what type of leader I wanted to be, exploring authenticity, vulnerability and the different types of leadership. The days were split into the themes of Value, Service, Grit, and Vision where I was able to discover my true self. Each day challenged me to think deeper, lead bolder and act with greater intention, being true to myself and those I lead.

I also had the opportunity to hear from amazing speakers like Nathan Strempel, Hannah Darlington, Wil Massara and Robyn Moore, who shared so much wisdom around the four core themes. Their stories were powerful, relatable, and packed with lessons I’ll carry and action in all aspects of my life.

I can’t put into words the impact it had and now continues to have on me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space of self-discovery, personal growth and meaningful relationships. The people here, the speakers and the experiences I had helped me discovered the type of leader I want to be, the culture I want to create and my vision for the future, in my school, in my business and in my life. I honestly can’t express the energy and the presence I felt at camp in words. It is something that you must experience before you understand. It changed my life in so many ways, and I really hope that I can go back next year.”

Shraddha, Soraya and I all had the opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership & Business Summit, another camp that runs over 5 days that focuses on tools and strategies for young people to succeed in developing their true leadership potential and to take what they learn back into their communities to create positive change. Let’s hear about Shraddha’s expereince!

“In July, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Magic Moments Youth Leadership and Business Summit. This summit was a transformative experience, teaching young people how to lead themselves to reach their full potential.

Each day was filled with many lessons and activities to equip us with the wisdom and knowledge to lead our life. Purpose, connection, courage, entrepreneurship and legacy were the themes over the 5 days. Through meaningful workshops and activities, the summit brought a stronger sense of purpose, making everyone realise the value each individual can contribute in their lives and to their communities. We took part in team challenges and stepped out of our comfort zone, showing us the power of connection and courage to achieve growth. Most importantly, the summit taught us the importance of legacy. It showed how the journey, the connections and the strength we build on, matters more than the destination. We are here to embrace the learning journey and the path of growth. One thing I truly learned is that we are never alone in life, there are many others facing the same struggles and hardships, showing that we all must support each other and embrace our vulnerabilities.

The summit left a legacy that goes far beyond the few days we were there. It has planted many seeds in the garden of our soul. How courage, purpose and connection can shape us how we live every day, and the lessons learned will be something I will carry with me long after the summit was over.”

It is incredible to see how involved the YAB is within the community, and passing on their knowledge to those around them, especially in their school communities. It has been such an uplifting and inspiring few months, and we cannot wait to share what the YAB get up to next month! Stay tuned...

Emma

Additional Note: This article was written by,

Bonnie Ryan-Rowe

. This author is a member of YLAA's Youth Advisory Board. As our organisation continues to evolve, we want to make sure that we continue to represent and empower the voices of youth in their own affairs, that’s why we have created our first Youth Advisory Board - not only to ensure that our students’ interests are at the core of every aspect of our organisation, but also to give the young people we serve the opportunity to develop themselves personally, whilst contributing to our mission of ensuring a sustainable future for all youth.

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