Our Leadership Team

Lucy’s expertise spans both advocacy and politics. She is most well known for her role in leading national advocacy campaigns, her TEDx talk and when ran as one of the youngest candidates in the Victorian state election.  She has also represented young Australians at major international forums, including the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the AI for Good Global Summit and the UNFCCC's COP29 in Azerbaijan. Lucy is committed to strengthening civic engagement by equipping communities with the tools to shape legislative reform and by ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the places where decisions are made.

Manika is a recent Master of International Relations graduate from the University of Melbourne, with a strong background in policy research, advocacy, international collaboration and multilingual education. She is passionate about social justice, sustainable development, innovative policy design and languages. Outside of work, you will find her painting, volunteering at Australian Red Cross and Save the Children contributing to community initiatives and exploring new languages in her spare time.

Grace is a Master of Publishing and Communications student at the University of Melbourne with background studies in International Relations and History. She has previously interned with Amnesty International Australia, where she was able to develop her advocacy and research skills. At FORE, she's passionate about all things research and making this information accessible. In her free time she loves reading, seeing live music and pilates!

James is a journalist who has just moved back to Sydney after 7 long years in Canberra. While there, he studied International Relations at the ANU, hosted a radio show and for the last two years worked at Region Media. At the moment, he's enduring a steady day job while working on his own project, educating the youth on civics in a fun and accessible YouTube channel.

Maddie is in her final year of Journalism/Arts at the University of Queensland, studying International Relations and Peace and Conflict Studies. Australia is her favourite place in the world, and she's passionate about making it the favourite place of everyone who lives here with the help of a bit of policy and a lot of passion. Outside of study and work you can generally find her reading excellent books and watching terrible movies, or knee deep in mud on a hike.

Xuan has graduated with a double degree of a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). She's passionate about bridging the gap between expert evidence and policy making so law reform is actionable and accessible. Outside of FORE she enjoys playing with her dogs and trying new crafts.

Ananya is a Master of Public Policy graduate with experience in research and advocacy across gender, migration, and community-led policy. She’s passionate about advancing inclusive, evidence-based change. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring new coffee spots or staying inspired by fashion and design.

Pierre-Louis is a First-Class Honours graduate from the University of Sydney with experience in research and policy development. He is particularly interested in how history and analysis can guide practical solutions to contemporary issues.

Kopal is an International and Global Studies student with a keen interest in research-driven policy and international development. She's passionate about transforming complex challenges into holistic and practical policy solutions. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, and baking.

Lisa has a background in Psychology and has worked across early intervention and disability support. She's passionate about helping others and creating meaningful change through policy. Outside of work, you'll usually find her drawing or visiting local markets.

Isobel is a registered nurse with a passion for public policy and advocacy especially around health, inequality and justice. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Health Policy and Planning. Outside of work you might find her crocheting or snorkelling.

Emily is a policy officer/researcher with postgraduate knowledge of policy and governance, domestic and family violence responses, and research. She's passionate about prioritising at-risk populations, including animals. Outside of work, you'll usually find her creating some form of art with her daughter or hanging out at the local markets supporting the chai tea vendor.

Sandile has a background in energy and IT, and now applies his analytical skills to social policy issues. He is particularly interested in youth justice and fairer outcomes for young people. Outside of work, Sandile enjoys cycling the hills and trails of Melbourne’s east

Leah is a Social Worker with a background of working with vulnerable young people and families. She's passionate about advocating for more socially justice policies. Outside of work, you will currently find her travelling around Australia in a van with her partner.

Sam is currently undertaking a double degree majoring in Political Science and Psychology. He’s passionate about making big picture ideas more accessible and actionable. Outside of FORE, Sam is a fervent AFL fan and enjoys hiking.