Youth Affairs Council Victoria

Mary Nega (she/her)

CEO

Mary joined YACVic in January 2024 with varied experience across youth-led, non-profit and law focused organisations. To date, her work has focused on supporting underrepresented or marginalised communities, particularly young people and culturally diverse groups.

Previously Mary was the CEO of Global Voices, where she led initiatives providing practical experience for young Australians at the key international institutions shaping global decision-making on matters such as the global economy, public health, gender equality, defence and climate action. This included working with the United Nations, World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Mary lives on Wurundjeri and Bunurong lands. She has a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, a Diploma of Governance from the Institute of Community Directors Australia and a Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law. Mary is an admitted lawyer with the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia.

Mija (she/her)

Head of YDAS

Mija joined YDAS in 2017, bringing a range of leadership, governance and management experience in the disability advocacy and arts sectors. Mija is Deaf and uses Auslan as her first language.

Mija’s previous YDAS roles involved supporting disabled young people to develop self-advocacy, goal-setting and NDIS readiness skills. She has led film festivals in Australia and the UK, curating programs with, by and about disabled people.

Mija is the Deputy Chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council, and sits on the Royal Women’s Hospital Community Advisory Committee and Disability Action Plan Advisory Committee.

Mija lives on Wurundjeri country, and grew up near the Murray River on Wadi Wadi and Muthi Muthi lands. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Cultural Studies from the University of Melbourne and is currently completing a Master of Public Policy; she also holds a Master of Communication from Griffith University.