Meet the YAB

Ashutosh is School Captain at Canterbury College and the founder and CEO of Ashan Industries, an app helping neurodivergent people communicate that was inspired by his younger brother. What started as a personal mission has built real momentum, including backing through Future Anything's Activate program, the 2024 Westpac Youth Impact Challenge title, and more than $60,000 in funding and awards. He's also Oceania champion in the Youth Speaker Challenge and volunteers with AEIOU. Ashutosh joins the Youth Advisory Board determined to build technology, and a world, that listens to the people too often left unheard.

Shraddha is a Youth Member for Stretton and founder of Shraddha & Saanvi Academy, with a gift for bringing different people into the same conversation. She sits on the QCAA Student Reference Group and Brisbane Catholic Education's Student Voice Consultant Team, and joined an Intergenerational Stewardship Table where people aged 14 to 67 are shaping policy for the Minister of Families. She has also spoken at the Queensland Family and Child Commission Youth Summit, advocating for racial and social justice. Shraddha joins the Youth Advisory Board believing that real change starts with self-respect and listening across difference.

Nethuli is a Perth student who turns problem solving into a team sport. A two-time Future Problem Solving finalist heading to global finals this year, she now mentors younger students through the same process that grew her own confidence. She has led through Student Council, the Academic Extension Program, and as a Peer Leader, and volunteers on Sundays teaching at her local Dhamma School. Nethuli is developing an online hub where young people can explore non-linear career paths and check in on their wellbeing. She joins the Youth Advisory Board to make sure every young person feels heard.

Noah is a regional Queensland student who leads with positivity. A former school captain and current member of Canterbury College's Student Parliament, he believes leadership works best when your actions match your words. His days are full, with early starts for music rehearsals, sport practice, study, and a casual job, and he loves all of it. He sings, plays guitar, and connects easily across very different groups of people. His goal is to bring his school's sport, arts, and academic communities closer together so everyone backs each other's passions. He joins the Youth Advisory Board to learn, connect, and lift others up.

Vedrana is a Sydney advocate who has turned a fear of public speaking into a tool for standing up for others. A 2026 National Youth Parliament Member for Cook, she contributes to youth policy through the Sutherland Shire Youth Advisory Group and has campaigned on digital wellbeing and online safety with Project Rock-it, including live advocacy on CNN. She is a House Captain at Caringbah High, a Bravehearts youth advisor on child safety, and a committed community volunteer. Vedrana joins the Youth Advisory Board determined to help young people engage confidently with decision makers, because no one should be overlooked because of their age.

Grace is a Perth student who believes young people deserve to be represented by someone who truly understands them. A Student Prefect on Kinross College's leadership team, she is a confident public speaker active in Mock Trial, Police Cadets, and Model United Nations. She is developing a project to grow young people's political education and participation, from workshops to a youth political magazine, with a long-term goal of working with the United Nations to protect human rights. Grace joins the Youth Advisory Board to amplify youth voices and show that passion, not age, is what drives change.

Saanvi is a Brisbane student with boundless energy for making systems fairer for young people. Through the BCE Student Voice Network and Complaints Project Hub, she has helped build a safer, more inclusive way for students to be heard, and she contributes to consultations with the Queensland Family and Child Commission and Office for Youth. She trains for sport, plays piano, dances, and meditates, and is a passionate advocate for youth mental health. Saanvi dreams of running her own ventures that help others reach their potential. She joins the Youth Advisory Board ready to bring energy, kindness, and belief in every young person.

Irelynn is a Geelong leader and community builder with a creative, entrepreneurial spark. She founded and led the Teen Girls Collective, a group for girls aged 13 to 17 that ran themed events and mentored young women in a safe, inclusive space. She now volunteers at her local community centre, running youth events and workshops in the areas she cares about most. Irelynn brings creativity, strong people skills, and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow as a leader. She joins the Youth Advisory Board excited to take her leadership journey further alongside other young changemakers.