Applications for Semester 1 2025 are now closed. Express your interest for the next round here.
About Global Voices
Youth Led, Non-Partisan, Not-For-Profit
Global Voices is a youth-led Australian not-for-profit committed to developing the next generation of leaders by providing practical experience in policymaking, international relations, and diplomacy.
We are a non-partisan and non-advocacy organisation committed to providing opportunities for young people to understand the mechanics of domestic and global decision-making
Since our founding in 2011, we have supported hundreds of young people to participate in our Fellowship Program and attend dozens of international summits, including at the United Nations, OECD, World Bank, IMF and Y20.
Our Fellowship Program has become an integral part of student enrichment and outward mobility programs for dozens of universities and philanthropic groups across Australia.

Our Executive Team
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Elly Hanrahan
Chief Executive Officer
Passionate about all things environment and social justice, Elly (she/her) graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Environment) with honours in Global Challenges in 2018. Elly has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a teen, with experience leading the Victorian branch of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, completing internships with Solar Citizens, the North Queensland Conservation Council, and Gecko Environment during her university days. She now works at the Victorian Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action as a Policy Advisor and holds an active response role as a forest firefighter. Elly was a COP27 Fellow and loved it so much she decided to join the Global Voices team as a staff member!

Indigo Atkinson
Finance and Operations Manager
After working as a fisheries observer first in New Zealand and then in Australia, Indigo (she/her) decided to shift her focus to policy and diplomacy. She is now in her final year of her Bachelors of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. Indigo has a breadth of interests spanning fisheries policy to the economics of climate adaptation to the history of political change. Underpinning her interests is the core value to build communities of change-makers at the local and global level. Outside of work, she enjoys freediving, ocean swimming and a good, gluten-free sweet treat. As a fun fact, she learned to solve a rubics cube when she sailed across the Pacific Ocean – and can teach you how to solve it, too!

Adelaide Xerri
Partnerships Manager
With a dynamic background in arts and event management, Adelaide has shifted her focus to advocacy, diplomacy, and the humanitarian sector. Passionate about making a tangible difference, she currently works in activist leadership development at Amnesty International Australia. Adelaide is committed to climate justice, global governance, community organising, and grassroots activism. An avid traveller, she has explored over 20 countries, enjoying hiking and immersing herself in new cultures. She is in her final year of studying for a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development at Charles Darwin University, after completing earlier studies in Event/Project Management. Adelaide aims to increase the intersectionality of systematic ‘top-down change’ with grassroots community initiatives to achieve impactful positive change.

Omi Koulas
Communications Manager
Omi (he/him) is an award-winning communications and engagement practitioner, writer, and broadcaster with a passion for empowering diversity, marginalised voices, and accessibility. He was a finalist for the 20th and 21st Samsung IT Journalism Awards and took out the Best Independent Media award with his team in 2024. He joins Global Voices with a passion for empowering emerging leaders and contributing to inclusive and impactful conversations. Known for his commitment to accessibility and diversity, Omi brings a wealth of expertise in creating meaningful connections between government, communities, and cultures. Omi is eager to work with our Fellows and future decision-makers, mentoring them to unlock their full potential.

Flabia Orison
Delegations Manager
Flabia (she/her) is a passionate advocate for mental health, equity, and community empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of International Studies from Deakin University and is currently completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health at Victoria University. As Policy Manager at Global Voices, she mentors emerging leaders, facilitates workshops on policy development, and helps craft impactful, inclusive policies. Drawing on her lived experiences and professional expertise, Flabia is deeply committed to creating spaces where underrepresented voices are amplified and valued. Her career has spanned roles in youth, legal, and multicultural sectors, where she has worked to address systemic barriers and build meaningful connections. Flabia’s work reflects her belief in the power of community-driven solutions to inspire growth and lasting change.

Mary Pilkinton
Delegations Manager
Mary (she/her) has spent the last four years working with the non-profit Little Dreamers, supporting young people who are in a caring role. Having grown up as a Young Carer, Mary is passionate about applying her lived experience in her work. Mary has a strong passion for sustainability and wildlife conservation and is a long-standing volunteer at the Jane Goodall Institute Australia. Mary studied a Bachelor of Science (Human Geography) at the University of Wollongong, and graduated in early 2022. She brought together her passions in her honours thesis, which explored the wellbeing benefits of nature spaces for young people with intellectual disabilities. Mary enjoys travel, urban bird-watching, and singing in community choirs.

Ben Chesler
Delegations Manager
Ben (he/him) is a public servant, volunteer, and playwright. He has worked on policy ranging from energy efficiency to political finance. Prior to this, he worked in the disability and aged care sectors, and even had a stint inspecting recycling bins. In both his work and volunteering, Ben is driven to do good and provide service to his community. He now looks forward to mentoring the next generation of talented policymakers and community leaders. When he’s not working on policy, you can find Ben camping, writing, and hosting a radio show on PBS FM 106.7 in Melbourne.

Kelsey McGowan
Delegations Manager
Kelsey (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), Bachelor of Social Sciences (Psychology) and a Masters of Human Rights Law. She is currently the Senior Human Rights Advocate at Youth Disability Advocacy Service, a core agency of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, and previous Board Director and Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at UN Youth Australia. Kelsey has varied experience across youth and human rights sectors, including in legal, education, international affairs, disability and mental health. As a Social Worker and Human Rights Advocate, Kelsey is passionate about empowering young people with the opportunities and resources to learn about and lead in the solutions to both local and global issues affecting their lives. In particular Kelsey believes in the power of diverse voices and lived experience in decision making and advocacy.
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Amber Anderson
Delegations Manager
Amber (she/her) is a foreign policy practitioner and is passionate about including youth in decision making. She is an advocate for Australia’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific, sparked by a stint living in Indonesia. She has had many opportunities to do just that through her work in government, community organisations and as a UNICEF Ambassador. During university, Amber interned at the Perth USAsia Centre and the Australian Embassy, Indonesia in Jakarta. She holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from The University of Western Australia (UWA), and completed her Honours dissertation in education policy. Amber was a Y20 Fellow and is excited to support other young Australians to have amazing experiences in international policy.