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Keynote address: From Lived Experience to Leadership: Youth Voices Shaping Trauma-Aware Education

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Thursday, October 29, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Plaza Ballroom, Plaza Level

Overview

Nouralhuda Akhlaki, Gia Ibrahimm, Freshta Amini & Brazil Pele, Youth Voice, Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT)


Speaker

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Nouralhuda Akhlaki
QPASTT

From Lived Experience to Leadership: Youth Voices Shaping Trauma-Aware Education

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Abstract

In this keynote address, Youth Voice members centre the lived experiences of young people within conversations about trauma-aware education. Through storytelling and reflection, they explore intersectional trauma, racism, discrimination, and the systemic barriers that shape the educational journeys of students from refugee and migrant backgrounds. At the same time, they highlight the powerful role educators, mentors, and institutions can play in disrupting harmful cycles and fostering environments of belonging. By elevating youth perspectives, this presentation calls for education systems that not only respond to trauma, but actively cultivate spaces where young people are supported to contribute, lead and thrive.

Biography

Youth Voice is a youth-led advocacy group supported by Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT). Youth Voice members are young leaders aged 15–25 who are committed to social justice and inclusive change. QPASTT is a specialist not-for-profit organisation supporting people who have sought safety from persecution, torture and war-related trauma to heal, belong and thrive. Youth Voice creates space for young people to amplify their stories, challenge inequities, and drive change across the systems that shape their futures. At the Trauma-Aware Education Conference, Youth Voice members will share reflections from their educational journeys, exploring intersectional trauma, racism and systemic inequities, and calling for education systems to actively partner with young people in upholding justice, dignity and belonging. Huda is an emerging actor and creative working across both screen and stage, having recently completed her actor training and graduated from the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) program at Queensland University of Technology in 2024. She is currently signed with and represented by KHOO Management and is embarking on her professional career in the performing arts industry. In 2021, Huda performed in the La Boite Theatre Company Youth Ensemble Program, appearing in Time Is Now, directed by Ari Palani, Aleea Monsour, and David Burton. In 2024, she performed in Hibernation, directed by Catarina Hebbard, and later in Very Fine People, directed by Wesley Enoch. Alongside her creative practice, Huda maintains a strong presence in community advocacy and youth leadership. She currently serves as Vice-President of the Future Leaders Advocacy Group and is an active member of the QPASTT Youth Voice Group and Multicultural Youth Queensland (MYQ). In 2024, she presented alongside the QPASTT Youth Voice Group at the Trauma Awareness Conference, helping bring attention to issues affecting multicultural young people. She was also selected as a speaker for the Queensland Family and Child Commission 2024 Youth Summit, addressing stakeholders and government agencies. Additionally, Huda was selected for the Girls Run The World Young Diplomats Program in Canberra and serves as a member of the Youth Wellbeing Advisory Committee. In 2026, she helped lead the FLIP the Narrative project pitch at the 2026 Youth Matters Conference, contributing to conversations focused on youth empowerment, representation, and social impact. Huda currently works as a Student Support Officer at the Gold Coast Student Hub, supporting international students in their academic and personal journeys. She also works within the Youth Team at Multicultural Australia, contributing to programs that empower and support young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition, she serves as a Project Officer for the OCCA Project with the Brisbane Shapers Hub.
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Gia Ibrahimm
QPASTT

Co-presenter

Biography

Youth Voice is a youth-led advocacy group supported by Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT). Youth Voice members are young leaders aged 15–25 who are committed to social justice and inclusive change. QPASTT is a specialist not-for-profit organisation supporting people who have sought safety from persecution, torture and war-related trauma to heal, belong and thrive. Youth Voice creates space for young people to amplify their stories, challenge inequities, and drive change across the systems that shape their futures. At the Trauma-Aware Education Conference, Youth Voice members will share reflections from their educational journeys, exploring intersectional trauma, racism and systemic inequities, and calling for education systems to actively partner with young people in upholding justice, dignity and belonging. Gia is currently completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Griffith University and is actively involved in youth leadership, community advocacy, and culturally responsive support work. She is a member of the QPASTT Youth Voice Group and works as a Youth Mentor with QPASTT, in addition to her role as a Youth Support Worker supporting young people in residential care settings. Drawing on both her professional and lived experience, Gia is passionate about advocating for equitable opportunities for young people from refugee and multicultural backgrounds. She is particularly interested in addressing systemic inequities and contributing to meaningful policy reform within the government and community sectors. Gia is committed to promoting cultural humility, challenging social injustice, and fostering inclusive environments in which all young people feel respected, empowered, and supported, regardless of their cultural background or ethnicity.
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Freshta Amini
QPASTT

Co-presenter

Biography

Freshta Amini is a Year 11 student at Yeronga State High School, originally from Afghanistan. Having arrived in Australia in 2023, she has actively contributed to her community through youth voice, student voice, volunteering, and school initiatives. Since September 2024, Freshta has been involved with QPASTT Youth Voice, advocating for young people and contributing to positive change. She also volunteers at community events, including the Ekka and local Red Cross Op Shops, and supports school programs, events, and fundraisers. Her experiences as a refugee in Pakistan, where she faced barriers to education and opportunities, shaped her belief that community participation is essential to belonging and progress.
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Pele Brazil
QPASTT

Co-presenter

Biography

Brazil Pele is an 18-year-old Leadership Ambassador with QPASTT’s Peace Leadership Program, where young people develop leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills to help build stronger, more connected communities. As a young person from an African refugee background, Brazil brings a lived perspective on identity, belonging, and is part of a growing cohort of emerging leaders working to foster understanding across diverse communities. Alongside their leadership work, Brazil has experience in school and community leadership, as well as coaching others to build confidence, teamwork, and practical skills. They hold a Certificate II in Hospitality and are currently working towards a childcare qualification, reflecting their commitment to supporting young people to grow and thrive.
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