The Menzies Leadership Foundation, in partnership with Global Voices, is delighted to announce Jordyn Gray and Adjoa Assan as the 2025 Global Voices Menzies Fellows. These exceptional young leaders will represent Australia on the world stage, attending two influential international forums: the 69th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York and the Y20 Summit, the official youth engagement forum for the G20.
This feature of the Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Platform, exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing emerging leaders who are equipped to address complex global challenges. We congratulate Jordyn and Adjoa on their selection and commend them for their pioneering leadership, innovative policy ideas, and dedication to driving meaningful change.
Spotlight on the 2025 Menzies Fellows
Jordyn Gray will attend the CSW 2025 in March 2025 to advocate for critical reforms aimed at preventing sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Her policy proposal focuses on implementing trauma-informed training for ADF personnel to improve survivor support systems and dismantle systemic barriers that hinder reporting. Jordyn’s work underscores the need for better data collection and transparent reporting mechanisms, ensuring those affected by sexual violence can speak out safely and confidently. Her advocacy reflects a bold step toward creating a safer and more inclusive environment for Australian service members.
I’m grateful to now be part of a wider network of fellows across Australia who share similar interests, but I also appreciate the opportunity to engage with policy topics I might not have otherwise explored. Knowing that there are others just as driven to create change is both reassuring and inspiring, and I’m excited to follow their journeys, learn from their experiences, and continue growing alongside them. That’s how we build a stronger, more informed generation capable of making real impact.”
Adjoa Assan, representing Australia as a Y20 Youth Summit, will participate in global discussions surrounding youth leadership, economic development, and social equity. With a focus on empowering young people to influence economic and social policies, Adjoa will champion strategies to reduce barriers to leadership for young Australians. Her dedication to building an inclusive and sustainable future underscores her commitment to ensuring youth voices are valued in shaping policy decisions worldwide.
Visiting Canberra, Australia’s policy capital, allowed me to take part in high-level meetings and skill-building workshops—an experience rarely accessible to those outside the Federal Government space like myself. As an International Relations graduate with a strong interest in the Sub-Saharan African region, this trip gave me fresh insights for my policy proposal and valuable connections to follow up with.
Strengthening Australia’s Global Leadership
The Menzies Fellows’ participation in these high-profile international forums will contribute significantly to advancing Australia’s leadership on issues such as gender equality, youth empowerment, and social reform.
Elly Hanrahan, CEO of Global Voices, expressed her enthusiasm for the Fellows’ appointments:
“We are incredibly proud to support Jordyn and Adjoa as they step onto the world stage to advocate for bold solutions to global issues. Their leadership will inspire young Australians while amplifying Australia’s presence in critical international conversations.”
Empowering Future Leaders
The Menzies Fellowship, an initiative of the Menzies Leadership Foundation, empowers young Australians with opportunities to engage directly in global policy-making, diplomacy, and leadership development. Investing in emerging leaders like Jordyn and Adjoa, the Foundation reinforces its mission to cultivate individuals who will shape a better future through informed leadership and ethical governance.
Applications for the 2026 cohort of Menzies Fellows will open in mid-2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to follow Global Voices and the Menzies Leadership Foundation on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates.
About the 2025 Menzies Fellows:
Jordyn Gray – CSW 2025 Delegate: Advocating for trauma-informed training and improved support systems to address sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force.
Adjoa Assan – Y20 Delegate: Representing Australia at the Y20 Summit, advocating for youth leadership, economic empowerment, and inclusive decision-making.
For more information about the Global Voices Menzies Fellowship and upcoming opportunities, visit Global Voices.
Ninian Stephen Law Program
Commencing in 2025, the Sir Ninian Stephen Law Program will expand its focus to cultivate the next generation of legal minds in international law and policy. The program will now offer three prestigious fellowships at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In partnership with Global Voices, this initiative honours the remarkable legacy of Sir Ninian Stephen — a distinguished jurist, former Governor-General, and Australian Ambassador for the Environment — whose enduring contributions continue to inspire leadership in law and diplomacy.
The Menzies Leadership Foundation aspires to amplify a leadership movement which encourages citizens to clarify their purpose, deepen the collective understanding of our responsibility to each other and motivates all to act for the ‘greater good’.
The Foundation’s work emphasises the imperative of building a non-siloed coalition of the willing to explore and build a new leadership paradigm which engenders confidence in our leaders, builds collaborative capacity and best positions each of us to step forward with the attributes and ability to navigate the complexities of an increasingly challenging and polarised world.
We invite you to join us in this quest.
