Where are they now? Previous Queen's Young Leaders on life after winning the Award.

With new winners across the Commonwealth being chosen each year, the reach of the Queen's Young Leaders is ever-growing. We caught up with some of the previous winners to see what they learned on the programme and how their work is continuing.

Jessica Dewhurst


Jessica Dewhurst

South Africa

QYL 2016



Runs The Edmund Rice Justice Desk (connected to Edmund Rice International) which fights for the realisation of fundamental human rights in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Since winning her award, Jessica addressed Nobel Peace Prize winners at the Nobel Peace Summit in Bogota and has travelled the world as an ERI UN Ambassador for Justice. She has just started writing her first book.

What's the biggest thing you got from QYL?

The opportunity to meet, network and partner with phenomenal young leaders from across the globe. Up to this day, we run various collaborative projects, learn from one another and continue to make a difference across the globe.  

What inspires you?

The youth of South Africa and our passion for social change. The responsibility to work for change and justice is one that we all hold, not just a few.


The concept of ‘ubuntu’ is roughly translated into 'I am because you are'

author name

The philosophical concept of ‘ubuntu’ highlights that we are completely dependent on one another. If I fall, we all fall, and if I rise, we all shine.

What's next?

We will be offering our services to even more regions across Africa and establishing offices in East and West Africa, starting with Kenya and Sierra Leone. 



Salman Ahmed

Salman Ahmed

Pakistan

QYL 2015

​Salman's project GADE works in universities across Pakistan to supports entrepreneurship among young people. He's now started a PhD in International Entrepreneurship in the University of Glasgow.

What did you learn from being a QYL?

Queens Young Leaders award was a big turning point in my life. It helped me to expand my network worldwide and realise the importance of international entrepreneurship for developing countries. 

What inspires you?

I am always inspired by young entrepreneurs changing the world. I firmly believe that we cannot change the destiny of a poor community by donation, unless we teach them ways of wealth creation.

What's next?

After finishing my PhD, I'd like to engage Governments to influence policy measures supporting international entrepreneurial activities.



Alicia Wallace

Alicia Wallace

The Bahamas

QYL 2015

Hollaback!Bahamas is part of a global movement to end street harassment. Alicia's recent initiative #TooSexyToVote challenged officials on their discriminatory practise of turning women away from registering to vote for showing their shoulders or cleavage – thanks to the campaign voting staff were told to register all eligible people regardless of their attire.

We will leave the world better than we found it.

author name

 

What's the biggest thing you've learn from QYL?

Leading Change (run by University of Cambridge) has been a fantastic learning experience which has challenged me to think deeply and differently, introduced me to fantastic tutors and coaches and connected me with the best mentor I could have asked for.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by the efforts of young people to create solutions to the world's most challenging issues and the authority and boldness we assume when stepping forward to act. It assures me that we will leave the world better than we found it.

What's next for you?

I'm exploring graduate schools that would nourish and energise a young, radical activist – and will give me the tools for a career in social justice.



Brad Olsen

Brad Olsen

New Zealand

QYL 2016

After setting up a free youth health clinic with the New Zealand National Youth Advisory Group, Brad has worked with a variety of institutions to ensure young people’s voices are represented. He is the Executive Director of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand and Deputy Chair of the Wellington City Youth Council where he ensures youth ideas are communicated at a local government level.

What did being a Queens Young Leader do for you?

It's given me an incredible range of contacts and leaders in different fields I can go to and ask advice – having such an incredible and diverse range of young experts means you can learn from their mistakes and considerations.

Having such an incredible and diverse range of young experts means you can learn from their mistakes and considerations.

author name

What's next?

I’ve never been one for strict plans, having snared a lot of my opportunities over the years through hard work and solid networking, meaning I’m always on the lookout for new things. I’m keen to delve deeper into economics and how young people can use evidence to create change.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired to create change when I see things I simply don’t think are right. 

Dove-Sq

Teocah Arieal Ainka Dove

Trinidad and Tobago

QYL 2015

Dove works in the Tobago House of Assembly offering advise on Youth Development. Since the formal launch of her own foundation, she has trained 24 women in culinary arts, mentors 16 young people, supported the launch of two small businesses and raised almost $300,000. 

What inspires you?

The state of affairs in my country and the Caribbean region fuels my passion, especially in youth development.

The award gave me visibility and a platform.

author name

 

What do you think you got from the programme?

The award gave me visibility and a platform – I grew personally and developed those professional skills to make change.

What's next?

This summer, I am launching a website with all the arms of my foundation and work as a consultant. My new project 'Life for Art' begins in September – a project for youth at risk.

Find our more about Queen's Young Leaders here.

Related content

The King's speech at the Qatar State Banquet

The United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar’s oldest friend in the Western world. We have a special bond founded on mutual respect which has stood the test of time.

03 December 2024

A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at a reception for winners of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 at Buckingham Palace

Thanks to your talents, your readers are taken on amazing journeys with you across the Commonwealth, from Gambia to Grenada, from Bangladesh to Botswana, from Malta to...

21 November 2024

A message read by The Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of The King, marking the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings

Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to...

21 November 2024

A speech by The King at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon

It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and...

15 November 2024
Press release 13 November 2024

Bishop of Norwich appointed Lord High Almoner

Read more

A message from The King to King Felipe VI of Spain regarding the ongoing floods in Valencia.

Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week.

02 November 2024

His Majesty's remarks at the CHOGM dinner in Samoa

It remains a life-long aspiration to have visited all the countries of the Commonwealth

25 October 2024

His Majesty’s speech to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Samoa

Together, we can expand opportunities across this family of nations to build shared prosperity and truly resilient economies.

25 October 2024

Her Majesty The Queen’s speech to the CHOGM Women’s Forum

Leaders from around the globe are willing to meet, as equals, and to have difficult, and constructive, conversations.

24 October 2024

His Majesty’s remarks at the Community BBQ, Parramatta Park

It is no wonder, I think, that Sydney is world famous for its cuisine, whether it’s smashed avo, a pav, or a Cab Sav and that is what I hope has been on display!

22 October 2024

The King's speech to Parliament House, Canberra

In my many visits to Australia, I have witnessed the courage and hope that have guided the nation’s long and sometimes difficult journey towards reconciliation.

21 October 2024

His Majesty The King’s remarks to NSW Parliament House

I am delighted – and proud – to be able to return to the Parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.

20 October 2024
Press release 11 October 2024

State Visit by the Amir of the State of Qatar

Read more

The King's speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament

We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland.

28 September 2024

The King's message to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden

We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace and liberation.

21 September 2024

A message from The King regarding the ongoing floods in Central Europe.

"My wife and I are profoundly shocked and saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe. Many people in the United...

19 September 2024
Press release 10 September 2024

The King and Queen will visit Australia and Samoa

Read more

A message from His Majesty The King congratulating ParalympicsGB and teams across the entire Commonwealth on their successes at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

As this wonderful summer of sport comes to a close in Paris, my wife joins me in sending our heartfelt congratulations to the Paralympian athletes from Great Britain and...

08 September 2024

A message of condolence from The King to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, following the death of Kiingi Tuheitia.

"My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of Kiingi Tuheitia. I had the greatest pleasure of knowing Kiingi Tuheitia for decades. He was deeply committed...

29 August 2024