After a thorough recruitment process by the Board, Mary Nega (she/her) has been appointed as YACVic’s new Chief Executive Officer, to lead YACVic’s mission and action that inspires positive change for young people and the youth sector. Mary will start in the role on Monday 15 January 2024.
To date, Mary’s work has focused on supporting marginalised or underrepresented communities, particularly young people and culturally diverse groups. She has held key roles in various public interest bodies, including the African Australian Legal Network, the Multicultural Youth Network, and the US Consulate Youth Advisory Council, among other youth-led initiatives, government advisory networks, and student organisations.
“YACVic’s place-based focus is integral to support young people — in particular marginalised young people — for a more prosperous and equitable future,” Mary said.
“YACVic is poised to do so thanks to its inbuilt networks, strong connections and collaborative efforts alongside service providers at the frontlines during times of crises — be that health-related like the COVID pandemic, climate-related, economic or otherwise.
“I’m looking forward to forming strong connections with the YACVic community as we collectively work towards building a reality we want to see for young people in Victoria.”
Mary comes to YACVic from her role as CEO of Global Voices, a youth-led non-profit equipping young Australians to tackle critical issues through policy and diplomacy. Last year she was named one of the Australian Young Women to Watch in International Affairs.
“I can think of no-one better than Mary to lead a new era of YACVic that builds upon the brilliant work and existing successes of the organisation led by our current team, in collaboration with our members, partners and community,” said Tasha Ritchie, Acting Chair of the YACVic Board.
“Her commitment to rights-based social change, experience in community engagement and deep expertise in supporting young people make me incredibly confident in her leadership and excited to work with her.”
Mary has a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, a Diploma of Governance from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is an admitted lawyer with the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Contact: Katia Pellicciotta (she/her), YACVic Media & Communications Coordinator on 0498 773 530 or KPellicciotta@YACVic.org.au.
About Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic)
Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is the peak body and leading policy advocate for young people aged 12-25 and the youth sector in Victoria. Established in 1960, YACVic advocates for the rights of young people in Victoria to ensure they are active, visible and valued in their communities.