A Kimberley teen will be representing her home town of Broome after winning a prestigious annual leadership competition that will take her to the nation’s capital next month.
St Mary’s College student Lei Yuen, 16, will be one of 14 winners attending Country to Canberra’s Power Trip alongside another WA representative, Isabella Chalker from Bunbury.
Lei and Isabella were recognised for their exceptional entries on seeing women and non-binary people as leaders inspire and catalyse change in rural communities.
“It feels kind of surreal and a bit of imposter syndrome, like am I really going to Canberra next month and meeting all these powerful women and politicians?” Lei said.
“Either way, I’m actually super excited.”
The program, which aims to empower young women in rural and regional areas, will be celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year.
The Power Trip will give winners five days of inspiring events, including meetings with State and Federal politicians, mentorship opportunities, and leadership workshops.
“I wanted to find some more options and more opportunities I could apply for, especially for leadership programs for women,” Lei said.
“I attended Youth Parliament this year and that was good to get my foot in the door for these programs. I felt that Country to Canberra could enable that and keep the ball rolling for me.”
Country to Canberra chief executive Pauline Siteaud said she was thrilled to be welcoming Isabella and Lei to the award-winning Power Trip, where they would have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This year, our winners responded to the question ‘You can’t be what you can’t see: how do women and non-binary leaders in your community inspire you to make change?’ in such creative, thoughtful, and inspiring ways,” Ms Siteaud said.
“We are looking forward to helping them nurture these wonderful attributes into practical, sustainable actions for the benefit of their local communities, and Australia.”
Country to Canberra’s Power Trip will take place from November 16-20.
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