Meet the board

James Sullivan - Board Chair

I joined Youth Without Borders (YWB) in 2018 as a board member. I am passionate about ensuring that all are given fair and equal opportunity to learn and excel.  YWB is a fantastic organization as it empowers young people to both develop and challenge themselves and their ideas. In doing so helps young Australians strengthen their passion and leadership skills so that they can make the change they’d like to see in the world.

I am currently a Lawyer at the Australian Securities Investments Commission in the Market Enforcement team, my work forces on the enforcement and compliance of Chapter 7 of the Corporations Act. I bring both a legal and policy perspective to the board having previously worked for Queensland Department of premier and cabinet.

I have a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and am currently completing my Masters of Laws.

A fun fact about me is that every year I like to try new hobbies, noteworthy hobbies I’ve enjoyed and kept at over the years are fencing and painting.

Brock Staunton - Secretary

2019 marks my fourth year with YWB, having recently been Brisbane Camp Coordinator for YWB’s Spark Engineering Camp. All young Australians deserve to know our society backs their future. I strive to dismantle boundaries for fellow youth, with a particular focus on STEM paths.

I’m a final year civil engineering undergraduate at the University of Queensland and am eager to bring my scheduling, long-term planning and QLD STEM industry knowledge to YWB.

Fun fact: Apparently I’m related to Kochie on Sunrise, still haven’t received a call from the Cash Cow though …

Rhys Herriott - Board Member

What I do: I’m the Chair of the Board of Youth Without Borders and a Senior Policy Officer within the Queensland Department of Innovation.

Qualifications: BBusMan (Marketing)/BComm (Accounting), University of Queensland

Why I’m in YWB: I joined YWB because I strongly believe in the potential young people have to do amazing things for their communities, and want to support the organisation to continue to provide young people with that opportunity.

Value: I have first-hand experience delivering a YWB project, having staffed Spark Engineering Camp for a number of years. I also bring experience in organisational strategy, program design and governance from my work in the Queensland Government.

Fun fact: I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and am a Kentucky Colonel like Colonel Sanders.

Madeleine Stratmann - Board Member

What I do: I am currently working in the Class Actions Department of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. In this role, I work within client services to communicate and liaise with clients in regard to their matters and claims for relevant class actions. I have previously worked as a piano teacher for the past six years and run a piano tuition business for students aged 4 to 17.

Qualifications: I have a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music from Monash University and am currently studying law at Deakin University. I also have 8th grade AMEB in clarinet and classical piano.

Why I'm in YWB: I joined YWB in December 2019 as a board member because I am passionate about empowering young people and their access to opportunity. This organisation acts as an excellent representation of what support network can offer for young people that cannot be easily accessed. This youth focussed initiative empowers young people to discover their passion and ideas in an empowering environment and is something that I am in full support of. Coming from a rural background, I understand the need for organisations such as these in order to allow all young people to chase their passions and explore innovative ideas.

Value: Previously working within schools for the last six years has allowed me to develop an appreciation and understanding for student management and required protocols. When these are established it allows the vision and goals of the organisation to play out in the safest and most effective way. Within my piano teaching, I have also been able to engage with students one-to-one on a weekly basis and through that have insight into the growing interest and curiosity of youth. I bring experience with young and strong young energy to YWB and am eager to be a part of this youth focused initiative.

Fun Fact: I am a classical pianist but also an adrenaline junkie and traveler. I am always up for trying new hobbies, especially if it's outside! I regularly run half marathons and love hiking; trekking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal definitely topped the list, but also enjoy curling up with a juicy crime book.

James Rowe - Board Member

What I Do: I work full-time as a Support Engineer for Victor Hydraulics, a global manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders for the heavy machinery industry based out of Christchurch, New Zealand. In my spare time I enjoy weekend brunches at the local cafes, trying fun and exciting new activities and exploring the vast outdoors of the beautiful New Zealand South Island.

Qualifications: In July 2019, I successfully completed my studies for a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronics Engineering with Monash University.

Why YWB: I am passionate about inspiring the success of our younger generation through mentorship, empowerment and education and I would like to ensure that we not only inspire youth but also provide the necessary resources and support to those who need it most.

Value: Through experience with project management and a strong interest in company finance, structure and governance, I would like to provide the YWB board with an additional perspective and assist by critiquing projects, strategies and goals. Additionally, I bring to the board fresh insight into the engineering industry and hope to provide assistance and ideas for the Spark Engineering Camp.

Fun Fact: I love musical theatre! Ever since performing Les Misérables in high school I have continued to explore a whole range of exciting musicals, some of my favourites are Hamilton, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen.