In celebrating the Year of Youth Leadership, the City of Greater Dandenong 2024 Young Leaders interviewed five inspiring local youth making a difference in the community.
Learn more about the incredible young people we caught up with below.
Episode One: The Keysie Kollective
The Keysie Kollective empowers local young people by supporting resilience, boosting mental health, and creating a supportive environment through sport. In this episode, Tolga, Solomon, and Andy share their journey of launching an initiative that encourages young people to believe in themselves through participating in group activities.
Their advice? “Don’t be shy to do something you want to do. There are a lot of people out there to help you. Be the change you want to see.”
Episode Two: Monica Deng
Meet Monica Deng, Project Officer at the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, Victoria University, and Director of SSAYU. She empowers African youth through education and advocacy. In this episode, Monica shares her leadership journey and the importance of supportive people in your life.
Monica says, “Everybody has leadership capacity, whether you are introvert or an extrovert, regardless of your background. It’s a matter of tapping into it and allowing it to manifest.”
To learn more about Monica and SSAYU, follow her at @SSAYU.
Episode Three: Danya Daoud
Danya, a 2022 Young Leader program participant and State Youth Parliament member, was awarded ‘Young Leader of the Year’ (2023) City of Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards. She is now pursuing a double Bachelor's Degree in Science and Global Studies.
In this lively interview, Danya discusses her leadership journey and how at the time she managed the challenges of balancing Year 12 studies with her responsibilities. She reminds us to enjoy the process as much as the outcome.
Danya’s advice for aspiring young leaders: “Just get started and reach out. No one can do it alone. Humans are built to work together, socialise, and build connections. These connections will take you far in life.”
Episode Four: Kobi Sainty
Meet Kobi Sainty, a proud Bunurong Palawa man living in Melbourne. Kobi is a talented artist specialising in Digital Art, Contemporary Aboriginal Canvas Art, Mural Art, Screen Printing, and Clothing Art.
In this episode, Kobi shares his inspiring journey of connecting his passion of art and the importance of sharing his culture with the wider community, and for future generations.
Kobi’s advice for young people wanting to make a change in their community: “Follow whatever your passion is. The sky is the limit. You can do whatever you want to do as long as you put your mind to it, and keep pushing forward. Don’t give up.”
Follow Kobi Sainty at @kobisaintyart to see his amazing work.
Episode Five: Daniel Olasoji
Daniel is passionate about his community and expresses this through his work in his organisation African Youth Alliance and his role as a Community Engagement Coordinator in Health and Medical Research. Daniel also hosts a weekly podcast, ‘The Disruption Podcast.’
In this episode, Daniel shares his journey to leadership, his challenges, influences, inspirations, and the importance of celebrating your achievements.
Daniel’s tips for balancing leadership and daily life: “Leadership has to go beyond when you are a part of your organisation what you do for work, it has to be a part of how you lead and live your life. You don’t realise how many people are watching you and taking inspiration from your actions. It’s about having integrity and being open and honest with people.”
To learn more about The Disruption Podcast, follow them @thedisruptionent.