New South Wales North – Newcastle

Rebbeca is a trained high school English and Drama teacher, conservation enthusiast, and proud Wiradjuri woman. Her interest in global citizenship started in high school, where she was involved in youth politics, and has continued to do so through her adult life where she has led teams of high school students in programs similar to those she herself participated in. As a high school teacher, she developed a passion for education that inspires change, and gained a keen appreciation for the power of positive professional role models in the lives of young people. Outside of her work in New South Wales schools, Rebbeca has volunteered on education and conservation projects in England, Cambodia, Peru, Ecuador and the United States. She has a Bachelor’s in Arts and Teaching from the University of New England and, as an advocate for life-long learning, she continues to peruse academia alongside her other passions. Rebbeca believes that we all have the responsibility and privilege to create a sustainable, equitable and inclusive world, and that education and awareness are essential in achieving this.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…

As a human living on this extraordinary planet, who has been fortunate enough to travel it extensively, I am keenly aware of the responsibility we all have to care for our interconnected world. As a teacher, I have seen first-hand how the energy and enthusiasm of young people can drive important change. I am passionate about working with High Resolves, because this is where those ideas come together: cultivating global citizenship in our future leaders.

Allana is a High Resolves alum, having participated in the program as a student in 2009. Coming full circle, Allana is excited to work with an organisation that was pivotal in cultivating her passion and interest in social justice. Allana holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy from the University of Sydney, writing her Honours thesis on the political rights of children. Allana’s previous work experience includes Project Officer and Instructional Designer for HammondCare, a not-for-profit aged care provider. Allana spent her early career working with children in educational settings, as well as holding volunteer positions, working with students at 826NYC and Children of Promise. In her free time, Allana enjoys performing in improvisational theatre.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…

I believe that every young person should be recognised as, and empowered to be, a contributing member of their community.  I am passionate about the mission of High Resolves, to encourage young people to be critical thinkers and vocal advocates for the change they want to see in their world.

Dan grew up in Southern California where regular trips to Mexico and South America opened his eyes to the disparities in wealth between communities around the world. To pursue his passion for social justice and help the poor, Dan got a degree in International Development from Seattle Pacific University where he learned about the globalised world and the ways in which it empowers some and creates hardship for so many others. He has worked for various non-profits that focussed on the development and empowerment of young people and is passionate about creative teaching methods that inspire young people to work for the greater good and help those that are in need around them. 

I am passionate about high resolves because…

To see young people learn something new and realise that they can have a positive impact on the world around them is so inspiring to me. I love being a part of an organisation that truly believes in the power of young people to create change on a local and global scale. 

As a young person, Hannah became involved in youth-led social action programs. As she progressed from program participant to youth leader, her passion for social justice and youth empowerment was ignited. Hannah has an MA in Applied Theatre (Drama in Education and Community settings) from the Royal School of Speech and Drama, London, and has focused her career on working with young people to use creativity and informal learning for social impact. Hannah has worked predominantly with disengaged and at-risk young people with a career that spans the UK, Asia, Mexico and Australia. She was the Director of Socially-Engaged Programs at Shopfront Arts Co-op, Sydney, for 5 years, and is the founder of youth arts and global citizenship program Theatre:Connect.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I believe strongly in the power of young people to make a difference in the world, and it’s incredible to be spending every day working with them to affirm them as young leaders to create social change.

Hannah’s passion is working to achieve social justice and the empowerment of young people through education. She has over five years of experience working in the intersection of the education, advocacy, social justice and not for profit management sectors. Hannah holds a Bachelor of International and Global Studies and Juris Doctor law degree from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Teaching from Deakin University. An alumnus of the Teach For Australia program, she spent three years teaching English and Humanities in Darwin where she loved engaging her students to think critically about global issues. Hannah’s previous work experiences include a volunteer legal placement with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, Board Director of UN Youth Australia, National Ambassador for education charity One Girl, and President of the University of Sydney Union.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…

I truly believe that the education of young people is the most important and powerful way we can invest in our future. Helping to create a generation of globally aware, values-driven, curious, and empathic young citizens and leaders is something that fires me up and gives me hope for our society and our world.

During her time as an English teacher, Marlina’s passion to empower and inspire young people to be positive leaders in the community and globally saw her develop and implement new educational programs and initiatives that increased student involvement and engagement in understanding social issues. She participated in the Make Poverty History Campaign in NSW, which involved meeting with ministers at Parliament House on the issue of foreign aid. Her experiences in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East further fueled her desire to see students become global leaders and citizens who are motivated to make a positive difference, which led her to High Resolves. She completed a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Double English major) at the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature and History) at the University of Wollongong where she also undertook a 3-year leadership program, delivering a number of projects for social action, development and change in the University and community.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
What we do is for the greater good. Seeing that achieved by empowering young people to be global citizens is inspiring and exciting.

Lauren’s passion for social justice was nurtured and fueled through her Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney. With several years of teaching experience in both high school and university classrooms, Lauren combines her love of teaching and facilitation with hands-on experience from the non-profit sector to bring enthusiasm and passion to her job every day.

I am passionate about High Resolves because…
I am fueled by my passion for creating a fairer, more peaceful world, and my deeply held belief that the best way to do this is to raise a generation of young people who believe that this world is possible. I’m passionate about emboldening young people to reach their fullest potential in all aspects of life.