Yasmin Poole

Activist. Speaker. Writer.

ABOUT ME

I'm fighting for an Australia that stands tall in its values; a place that is uncompromising in its care for people and is an international force for good.

As a speaker, writer, and activist, I'm interested in brave causes that shape Australia’s identity for the better. I'm on the board of the Australian Republic Movement, advocating for a future where we stand fully on our own, and OzHarvest, working to nourish our country by tackling food waste and hunger.

I care about building a democracy that reflects the diversity of who we are. My Masters dissertation at the University of Oxford—supported by a Rhodes Scholarship—explored intersectional policymaking, focusing on how policy can better engage and listen to voices across race, gender, disability, and sexuality.

As a public speaker and political commentator, I aim to surface the stories that often go unheard. I’m Plan International Australia’s National Ambassador, amplifying young women’s voices in national and global conversations. I've spoken at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and TEDx and have debated on media programs like Q+A and ABC News.

I have been awarded the Martin Luther King Jr Center’s Youth Influencer of the Year, Vogue Australia's '21 Women Who Shaped 2021', the Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence, 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian Australians and inducted into the Victorian Women's Honour Roll.

For speaker enquiries or any other requests, please contact me via my website www.yasminpoole.com or email Helen.Townshend@creativerep.com.au.

AWARDS

Rhodes Scholarship (Australia-at-Large)

LinkedIn Top Voice

The Martin Luther King Jr Centre’s Youth Influencer of the Year

Vogue Australia's Top 21 Women That Defined 2021

Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian Australians​

Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence

I dream of an Australia that:

LEARNS FROM ITS HISTORY

Without learning, there’s no healing. We must learn from our history so that we can create a dignifying path forward, for everyone in this country.

prioritises people and planet

Our systems must start from the principle that human existence requires a healthy planet, while our safety net should offer dignity and agency to all.

has a representative democracy

We need a democracy that is healthy, representative and ambitious. Our electoral system should be fair, our media independent and our politicians diverse.

STANDS UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Australia’s commitment to human rights should not be for sale. We must work to protect the human rights of all; not just those in our borders.

media

MY WORK

Media commentary

I’ve spoken on platforms like Q+A, The Project, ABC News and Channel 4 in the UK. I focus on representing political issues from young people’s perspectives. I don’t shy away from a good debate, because young people deserve a strong voice that fights for them.

public speaking

I speak about how to make Australia a fairer place, with a focus on young people, women and diverse communities. My speeches blend stories from my activism into a vision for a better democracy and better future. I’ve spoken on platforms like TEDx and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.

Writing

My op-eds focus on perspectives that are often unheard. I’ve written about many topics, such as youth disillusionment with politics, the consequences of sexist politics and the urgency of a republic. I’m a Rhodes Scholar and wrote my dissertation on building intersectional policy in Australia.

previously spoken at

SOCIAL MEDIA

throwback 2 hearing @berniesanders speak at oxford!
Dear Palestine, I want you to know that there is not a day that goes by where I do not think about you. I want you to know how sorry and ashamed I am about my country’s moral failure to you. I want you to know that I am haunted about what I
Master of Public Policy + Master of Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies! Education is a privilege, and that privilege must be used to stand with those who are oppressed. If it is used to merely accept and replicate the logic of the existing s
I think the apple’s rotten right to the core… On the King’s visit, collective despair and my case for a republic. Full article in bio
one month in japan 🗾 to be honest, it has been difficult to think of anything else apart from the middle east. my heart aches every day. I feel so powerless. but i remind myself that this is the issue of our generation. we predict what the future
lil update from me: i’ll be in japan for the next 2 months learning about japanese feminism 🎌 thank you to YWCA and @newcolomboplan for the opportunity and excited to share what I learn!!! 🗾
The day I saw South Africa in the ICJ was the first time I felt a glimmer of hope. I knew I had to visit. I have spent 6 incredible weeks here with @zackiea and the amazing organisation Just Knowledge, developing a community building program for work
I have officially finished my time at Oxford after two incredible years. My world is smaller in the best way. No matter the continent or country I will always have a friend nearby. My heart is scattered across the globe…🪁 I have changed so m

testimonials

  • women's agenda

    Yasmin, your words during the panel resonated widely. So many people have written to share how that conversation was a highlight in their year. I’m so grateful for your leadership and advocacy of young women.

  • wiley

    Yasmin spoke at our Research Seminar on how we can mainstream intersectionality to improve outcomes for all. Yasmin’s talk was insightful, powerful, and very informative and we have had great feedback from attendees on this session.

  • ywca canberra

    Your ability to create such a candid yet meaningful conversation is an absolute testament to your skills. I had a lot of attendees let me know this was their favourite In-Conversation event this year.

  • Raise our voice australia

    Yasmin was considered, articulate, and relatable, sharing her experience openly and authentically. You'd be hard pressed to find a more impressive young advocate.

gET IN TOUCH

Interested in collaborating? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. Otherwise, please contact my agent helen.townshend@creativerep.com.au.