AUT stars on prestigious 2024 Y25 List
AUT is delighted to announce that the University’s former Student President, Sara Youssef, and current Masters student, Kayla Schwalger, have been chosen for the prestigious Y25 List this year.
Sponsored by AUT, the final 25 were selected for their vision, leadership and impact, whether far-reaching or community focused, with representatives from the indigenous, rainbow, neurodiverse communities and those who live with a disability.
The nation-wide search and nomination process produces a rich list of community leaders, who are involved in different things from activism in the arts, to social justice, reimagining engineering and starting sustainable businesses that focus on the good they can do.
AUT Chief Marketing Officer, Jayne Mayerhofler says, ‘AUT is very proud to partner with the YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau in support of the Y25 List and congratulates this year’s outstanding individuals.
“Our partnership with the YWCA brings to life our shared values, including diversity, inclusivity and celebrating the achievements of exceptional young wāhine from all over Aotearoa,” she says.
Dellwyn Stuart, CEO YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau says, “Aotearoa has an abundance of remarkable young leaders already shaping their communities and our future. Every one of this year’s Y25 is an inspiration - a story of community, change and grit.”
Kayla is studying a Master of Communication Studies and her thesis is entitled: Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age - Insights from Young Samoans and Their Communities.
A self-described Mental Health and Pacific Youth Changemaker, Kayla says, "There is a line of powerful, strong and intelligent women who have come before me and their tautua (service) may not have always been recognized or celebrated. I don't see my selection into the Y25 2024 list as an individual achievement but am grateful to say it belongs to all the women in my life who have surrounded and supported me to allow me the opportunity to serve in the area I love! I am so excited to take part in the program with so many inspiring wāhine and I cannot wait to learn more from them all."
In addition to her invaluable work as a former President of AUT’s Student Association and member of AUT Council, Sara co-founded Sisterhood ANZ, a network of community women across New Zealand and Australia and co-chairs the National Islamic Youth Association.
Commenting on her selection for Y25 2024, she says, “I'm feeling deeply honoured and grateful to be a Y25er — it feels amazing being recognised for my mahi and the hard work I've poured into my journey. My time as a student president, sitting on the University Council, and being a student at AUT played a significant role in shaping who I am today, providing me with values that have guided me along the way.”
Sara is a Management Consultant at Nimbl Consulting and describes herself as an Islamic Youth Leader and Sisterhood Co-Founder who in her spare time advocates for the values of humanity, human rights and our future generations.