August 12, marks International Youth Day, a global observance that highlights the voices, achievements, and challenges of young people around the world. At St John International, youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are already driving change today. Through service, innovation, and leadership, they are transforming communities and helping shape a more compassionate, resilient world.
Throughout 2025, we’ve proudly featured members of the International Youth Advisory Network (IYAN) in our monthly internal newsletter. IYAN is a team of passionate young leaders from across St John organisations globally, working together to enhance youth engagement, share best practices, and elevate youth voices on the international stage.
While these inspiring profiles were previously only shared internally, we’re excited to now showcase them more broadly in honour of International Youth Day. From cadet officers and medical students to fundraisers, volunteers, and future policymakers, these IYAN members exemplify the strength, creativity, and global perspective of St John’s youth.
Jessa – New Zealand, Chairperson of IYAN
“I aim to empower young people to share their voice and ensure their ideas are heard at all levels of St John.”
Jessa has been a dedicated St John volunteer for many years and has also contributed in staff roles with Hato Hone St John, focusing on community engagement and reward and belonging. Passionate about empowering young people, she chairs both New Zealand’s National Youth Advisory Network and the International Youth Advisory Network (IYAN), championing youth collaboration across borders.
Fun fact: She’d love to have dinner with Rafiki or Edna Mode — served with a global banquet of cultural dishes!
Zainab – Canada
“Youth are not just in programming — they’re future leaders. I want to help create more opportunities for growth within SJA.”
Zainab is a Medical First Responder and neuroscience student in Ontario. Her journey began locally through CYAN (St John Ambulance Canada’s Youth Advisory Network), which led her to join IYAN. She’s now helping build a global framework to support youth networks across SJA.
Fun fact: She loves horseback riding and is on a mission to finally beat her brothers at board games!
Georgia – England
“I saw an opportunity in IYAN to boost international collaboration through exciting projects.”
Georgia, an International Ambassador for England and the Islands, has been with St John Ambulance England for over six years. A keen baker and passionate youth advocate, she hopes to amplify young voices and build global connections.
Fun fact: Her family keeps a running photo album of “mugshots” — including the cats!
Wardah – South Africa
“I want young people to see St John as a launchpad for lifelong growth and community impact.”
Wardah is a Cadet Officer from Cape Town and works in healthcare management. With more than a decade of volunteer experience, she now helps nurture and guide the next generation of youth in St John South Africa.
Dream dinner guest: Nelson Mandela — she’d ask how he stayed hopeful, and maybe swap Netflix picks.
Nate – New Zealand
“Connection is the kaupapa of IYAN – through sharing our stories, we uplift our communities.”
Nate is a postgraduate student and fundraiser with Hato Hone St John. Deeply involved in youth governance, he brings a strong cultural lens and is committed to co-developing a global youth voice framework.
Fun wish: To speak more languages — and grow a thriving garden.
Mali – Wales
“I want youth to feel seen and heard at every level of our organisation.”
Mali is a first-year medical student and former National Cadet of the Year with St John Ambulance Cymru. She joined IYAN to advocate for stronger youth representation and international collaboration.
TV universe of choice: Grey’s Anatomy — she’d love to be Meredith Grey in emergency medicine.
Awethu – South Africa
“Our Youth Programme aligns perfectly with my calling: to bring hope and empowerment to people from all walks of life.”
Awethu is a pastor, tutor, and psychology student who has volunteered with St John South Africa for over a decade. Her passion for youth development drives her to amplify South African success stories on a global stage.
Who would she swap lives with? Michelle Obama — to see the woman behind the title.
Ria – Canada
“IYAN is a pool of support and inspiration. Collaboration is our superpower.”
Ria studies Health Sciences in Ontario and serves on both CYAN and IYAN. She’s committed to learning from other St John branches and pushing forward youth-led change on an international scale.
Most unexpected food experience: A jackfruit quesadilla — sweet and juicy… probably a one-time try!
Rachael – Wales
“I want to help shape the future for other children and young people.”
Rachael is from South Wales in the UK and volunteers with St John Ambulance Cymru (SJAC) as a Patient Transport Assistant. She also trains fellow volunteers and serves as a Deputy Divisional Officer in Charge.
Her passion for youth development began on SJAC’s youth panel, where she represented members with disabilities. Joining IYAN gave her the opportunity to advocate for children and young people on a broader scale.
Rachael finds joy crocheting blankets for palliative care patients, soaking up sunny days with her two dogs, and encourages others to reach out — “you might be surprised where it leads!”
Emily – England
“Start by engaging with youth in your local area — the opportunities will follow.”
Emily is one of two International Youth Ambassadors for England and the Channel Islands, and currently studies medicine at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
With experience in local youth forums, she joined IYAN to broaden her impact and build international connections that empower young people across borders.
A talented singer with a Grade 8 and a spot in her university choir, she’s learned through IYAN that St John’s shared values unite us globally — and when it’s karaoke time, it’s all about Valerie by Amy Winehouse.
From baking brownies and running marathons to speaking at global councils and designing leadership frameworks, these young leaders are living proof of what’s possible when youth are given the platform and trust to lead.
Their stories highlight a powerful truth: youth are not just participants in St John — they are its future decision-makers, innovators, and global ambassadors.
