The Menzies Leadership Foundation is delighted to announce Elly Hanrahan as the 2026 Menzies Youth Board Observer, following a competitive and rigorous selection process. This initiative, now in its second year, builds on the success of the inaugural appointment of Dr Thi Kim (Julie) Dao, the 2025 Youth Board Observer.
We thank Dr. Thi Kim (Julie) Dao for her contribution and the valuable perspectives she brought to the role throughout 2025, and we look forward to her continued involvement with the Foundation.
A Leader Shaping Australia’s Civic and Philanthropic Landscape
Elly joins the Foundation following an impactful tenure as CEO of Global Voices, where she has championed youth leadership, civic engagement, and national policy advocacy. Over the past two years, she has also played a pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between Global Voices and the Menzies Foundation, demonstrating a deep alignment with the Foundation’s values and mission.
Her application articulated a long-term vision for working within the not-for-profit sector, and a desire to deepen her understanding of how philanthropic organisations drive national impact. Elly highlighted that she looks forward to gaining a deeper understanding of how foundations partner strategically and amplify their mission across the sector.
A Strong Fit for the Role
The Menzies Youth Board Observer initiative provides emerging leaders with direct exposure to board governance, systems leadership, impact strategy, and decision-making. Across 2026, Elly will be invited to attend four Board meetings, participate in discussions, and share perspectives to inform the Foundation’s strategic priorities. While the role is non-voting, it provides a powerful platform for next-generation leadership development.
Elly’s application demonstrated exceptional alignment with the selection criteria—sector insight, communication capability, strategic thinking, cultural fit and a genuine commitment to learning and contributing to the Foundation’s mission.
Strengthening Youth Leadership and Contribution
The Youth Board Observer role supports the Foundation’s commitment to building a national leadership pipeline and enabling emerging leaders to step into governance with confidence and capability. The role provides practical learning in governance, philanthropy, and impact measurement, and offers meaningful exposure to systems-level leadership.
CEO Liz Gillies welcomed the appointment:
“We are thrilled to welcome Elly as the 2026 Youth Board Observer. Her leadership across civic engagement and her vision for strengthening impact in the not-for-profit and philanthropic sectors strongly align with the Foundation’s ambition to build a global leadership movement. We look forward to the perspectives she will bring to the Board.”
A Platform for Learning, Contribution and Impact
Reflecting on her appointment, Elly shared:
“I’m excited by the opportunity to continue contributing to Australia’s leadership space and to gain a deeper understanding of how philanthropic organisations such as Menzies partner with mission-driven initiatives to create change. I look forward to learning from the Board and contributing my insights where useful.”
The role will commence in January 2026, with the Foundation’s CEO to brief Elly on strategic priorities, programs, and 2026 Board activity.
Her appointment continues the Foundation’s commitment to building pathways into governance roles for young leaders, expanding their influence within systems and institutions, and strengthening Australia’s leadership capacity for the greater good.
For more information about the Menzies Leadership Foundation and its leadership initiatives, we welcome you to explore the impact of our global leadership movement.
Australia’s leadership future depends on who we invite into decision-making spaces today. At a time of growing complexity and systemic challenge, building pathways for emerging leaders to engage with governance is not optional — it is essential.
Through initiatives such as the Menzies Youth Board Observer, the Menzies Leadership Foundation is strengthening the next generation of leaders with the insight, capability and responsibility required to steward institutions for the greater good.
If you are committed to leadership that is ethical, inclusive and future-focused, we invite you to stay connected with the Menzies Leadership Foundation and the community shaping Australia’s leadership capacity.
