The Young CEO Movement, delivered across Australia, is an expression of the YMCA’s Belief in the power of inspired young people, and reflects our commitment to empowering and listening to our young staff and volunteers.

Danni Allport, a Coordinator at Weetangera Outside School Hours Care, was selected as YMCA Canberra’s “Young CEO 2019”, through a competitive application process available to all staff and volunteers aged 18 to 30.  Danni inspired the selection committee with her selfless approach to leadership and her belief that large scale societal change is possible, writing:

Leadership is about living by your core values, accepting and loving others for who they are and being able to do the less favourable jobs with the same dedication you would the favourable ones…everyone says it is impossible to change the world but I don’t believe it.

Having completed training in Melbourne, Danni is now working alongside YMCA Canberra CEO, Torrien Lau, sharing her ideas for organisational change and community impact.  Of working alongside the CEO, Danni found the experience, “slightly intimidating at first, but then I got to know Torrien and I realised we saw eye to eye on a lot of things.”

Danni and Torrien are now working together on a project that aims to amplify the voices of more young YMCA Canberra staff and volunteers.  Watch this space!

Danni Allport (front row centre), YMCA Canberra Young CEO 2019, pictured with other “Young CEOs” from across the Movement