How do we lead today to shape tomorrow?
Described by Forbes as a “youthful visionary,” Ashleigh Streeter-Jones is a passionate advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment, dedicated to closing societal gaps and addressing systemic inequality. For over a decade, she has championed change, speaking on global stages alongside leaders like US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and contributing to organisations such as the World Economic Forum, the Global Institute of Women’s Leadership, and She’s On The Money.
Ashleigh has worked in foreign policy, for Australia’s Office for Women, and on initiatives to improve workforce outcomes and reduce gender-based violence. Her accolades include being a Young Victorian of the Year finalist and Global Citizen awardee in 2024 named ACT Woman of the Year and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018, an AFR 100 Woman of Influence in 2019, and one of two young Australians selected to attend Davos in 2023.
In 2020, she founded Raise Our Voice Australia (ROVA), a social enterprise mobilising young women and gender-diverse people to influence policy and politics. ROVA has trained over 100 participants, with 71% pursuing roles in policy or politics, and collected over 1,500 speeches through its Raise Our Voice in Parliament program, amplifying diverse voices in politics.
Ashleigh co-founded Girls Takeover Parliament and has advised global organisations on youth leadership, serving on the APolitical Foundation’s New Voices Council and UN Women Asia Pacific’s 30 for 2030. She has delivered workshops at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the YWCA World Council, and the World Economic Forum.
A former Vice President of YWCA Canberra and co-convenor of the Canberra Women’s March, Ashleigh holds a BA (Hons) in International Relations/Politics from Monash University and a Master’s in Diplomacy from ANU. She continues to empower young change-makers across the Pacific as a World Economic Forum Global Shapers Pacific Community Champion.
Talking Points
Marching Forward: How Young Women are Breaking Barriers and Leading Today to Shape Tomorrow
Throughout history, young women have demonstrated resilience and determination in breaking barriers and stepping into leadership roles once deemed unattainable. Today, they are not just participating in leadership but redefining it—bringing fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and an unwavering commitment to equity. Yet, systemic challenges such as gender bias, underrepresentation, and unequal access to opportunities persist.Marching Forward: How Young Women are Breaking Barriers and Leading Today to Shape Tomorrow
Despite this, young women are harnessing tools like technology, social media, and grassroots activism to amplify their voices and lead transformative change. As we march forward, it’s essential to celebrate these trailblazers and not just elevate these young leaders, but embrace intergenerational leadership as young women challenge systemic injustices, and shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow - a future from which we will all benefit.
Rising Together: The Power of Young Women in the Fight for Gender Equality
The fight for gender equality is not an individual journey—it is a collective movement that gains strength through collaboration and allyship.Rising Together: The Power of Young Women in the Fight for Gender Equality
Young women are showing the world the power of rising together, building networks of mentorship, peer support, and solidarity that amplify their voices and enhance their impact. By advocating for policies that promote climate action, an end to gender-based violence, fairer education, and gender equality young women are creating systemic change that benefits everyone - and we’re seeing this in real time.
It’s vital to challenge celebrate the incredible achievements of young women who have already made strides in this fight, from local activists to global leaders, while inspiring others to join in. With determination and collaboration, young women are not only pushing for equality but ensuring that future generations inherit a world defined by fairness and opportunity.
Gender Equality as a Movement: How Intergenerational Partnerships Can March Us Forward
Gender equality is not just a goal; it is an ongoing movement that demands energy, innovation, and intergenerational leadership to sustain its momentum.Gender Equality as a Movement: How Intergenerational Partnerships Can March Us Forward
Across the globe, young leaders are driving change by challenging outdated systems, advocating for inclusive policies, and inspiring communities to embrace equity. Through education and awareness, young people are dismantling harmful stereotypes and creating a cultural shift that prioritizes inclusion and fairness. From grassroots efforts to global advocacy, youth leadership is demonstrating how collective action can achieve systemic change.
These young change makers stand on the shoulders of women who’ve come before us. As they inherit the world, it’s vital that we can march forward and create a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all.
Activating the Future: Civic Engagement as the Key to Achieving Gender Equality
This talk will examine how civic engagement, particularly in the context of the Australian electoral process, is a powerful tool for advancing gender equality.Activating the Future: Civic Engagement as the Key to Achieving Gender Equality
With young Australians increasingly stepping up to challenge outdated systems, the talk will focus on the critical role of women and gender-diverse leaders in shaping a more inclusive democracy.
It will highlight how voter participation, grassroots campaigns, and advocacy for gender-equitable policies can lead to meaningful change. Drawing on examples from recent Australian elections, the discussion will explore how young people, through their votes and voices, can influence representation, dismantle systemic barriers, and push for reforms that prioritise gender equity. The talk will also emphasise the need for a culture of civic participation, where everyone feels empowered to contribute to a fairer, more equitable future for all Australians.
Video
Ashleigh Streeter-Jones | Not Now Not Ever produced by Michael Cassel Group
Described by Forbes Magazine as a “youthful visionary”, Ashleigh Streeter-Jones has worked in youth advocacy and campaigns since she was a teenager. Ashleigh has been recognised by the Foundation of Young Australians as one of the Young Social Pioneers and was named both the youngest-ever Australian Capital Territory Woman of the Year and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018. In 2019, she was listed as one of the Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence, and in 2023, was selected as the only young Australian to attend Davos at the World Economic Forum. She is a passionate change-maker and a strong believer in "lifting the floor". Her work focuses on closing societal gaps - particularly those faced by women and young people from traditionally marginalised backgrounds - she works within the community, and provides advice to senior leaders to combat systemic inequality and create a more equal world. NNNE is produced by Michael Cassel Group.Ashleigh Streeter was on my Achieve Fest speaker wish-list since day one. She is an incredible example of how to create a life of passion, purpose and service. So I was super excited when As ... keep reading Princes Trust Australia
It was incredible to have Ashleigh facilitate as part of the ASEAN Australia Strategic Youth Partnership's Digital Dialogues weekend in August 2021. Digital Dialogues saw youth from across the ASEAN and Australia come together to discuss and write recommendations around three pressing issues: Green Recovery, Balancing Diversity and Emerging Economies. Ashleigh facilitated in the stream of Balancing Diversity as part of the Dialogues. Imbuing the room with her experiences in the field of intersectionality, Ashleigh was an invaluable facilitator who excellently and smoothly ensured Delegate's voices transitioned from ideation to practical recommendations.
Ashleigh brings passionate energy to all that she does, both virtually and in person. She is a strong asset in presenting and a powerful yet relatable speaker. Her ability to moderate a discussion and bring together different ideas into one cohesive discussion is invaluable. Ashleigh is an active advocate in her desire for diversity which is a great reminder to organisers delivering events. I would love to engage her again for any speaking engagements.
Ashleigh brings an incredible presence of strength and empathy to every situation I've had the privilege of being in with her. She has immense knowledge about campaigning and advocacy which shone through in a workshop she ran for 15 high school students in my Young Trailblazers program. Ashleigh was able to communicate complex ideas in a way that was engaging, relevant and relatable. She is a young trailblazer in her own right and always seems able to bring unique and insightful perspectives to complex challenges.
Ash is one of the most engaging and passionate youth activists I've had the pleasure of working with. Ash is an inspiration to the next generation of female and non-binary change makers, and I would highly recommend her, and ROVA, for any campaign or speaking work in youth participation and voting.
Ashleigh is a shining light of passion and energy who made both our team and audience feel heard and empowered. She so clearly cares about celebrating and uplifting the voices of those around her, particularly those who are underrepresented. She was an incredible addition to our event, if you book her, we guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Ashleigh was an incredible speaker at YACVic's 2022 Melbourne Youth Forum. She was an engaging and insightful voice across our Pathways to power session, whose experience in advocacy was much valued. Through her own presentation and a panel discussion, Ashleigh inspired people online and in person. Beyond her skills, Ashleigh acts on a strong and genuine commitment to advocate for diverse voices in the space she shares. If you're looking for a passionate perspective delivered with clarity and a warm invitation for questions, look to Ashleigh.
Ashleigh is an incredibly motivating and enthusiastic keynote speaker at our Awards Ceremony. She has a passion for uplifting and empowering young women and her speech resonated well with our scholarship recipients. She inspired not only our young scholars, but the whole audience with her story.
Ash was an impressive panel member at our IWD 2023 event, delivering thought-provoking responses with a global and local perspective and insights to engage and inspire the audience. Ash’s in depth knowledge and dynamic style captures you and leaves you considering the possibilities for change.
I cannot recommend Ash highly enough as a speaker and facilitator. I worked with her for GIWL’s 2023 Youth Summit, where she led two sessions on youth political participation and turning ideas for change into policy action. She was passionate, engaging and insightful, drawing on her own wealth of experience in these areas to share honest and practical advice to the young people in the audience, while also using her position as facilitator to create a warm and inclusive space and uplift all the voices in the room. Throughout the process, Ash was an absolute joy to work with and we are already looking forward to the next opportunity we’ll have to collaborate with her!
Ash is the kind of facilitator you want for a group of modern student leaders. Knowledgeable, composed, and sensitive to the needs of the group, and their preferences. I would recommend, Ash's facilitation skills to anyone in my network, whether you're tackling modern problems with an older cohort, or looking to build the skills of a more junior team - with Ash, you'll not only get experience and knowledge - you'll get the skills to know how to adapt and evolve a session to get the outcomes you need.
