Meet the
National
Executive Committee

Our National Executive Committee (NEC) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Youth Without Borders.

  • He/Him

    Chief Executive Officer


    Hi! I'm Nathan and I currently work as a Systems Test Engineer at Airbus Australia Pacific. I joined YWB when I was still studying my Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science at QUT.

    I had friends involved with Spark that convinced me to join and I am eternally glad that I came on board. I have previously held roles as a camp staff member, on the Brisbane committee and National committee which finally led me here.

    I was fortunate in high-school to attend a similar camp that fueled my passion for STEM and guided me into engineering and ever since I have been looking for a way to give back. YWB does so much good in so many communities and it is such a privilege to lead such an incredible force for change.

    It is my hope that everyone we meet, work with and most importantly have on our camps is able to take on some of the passion that I and YWB have for empowering our youth to be the best they can be.

  • She/Her

    Chief Financial Officer

    Kia Ora! My name is Puja Nory, and I am currently in the penultimate year of my Computer Systems Engineering (Hons) and Commerce conjoint degree at the University of Auckland. Along with studying, I am working part-time as a Project Engineering Intern at Siemens Mobility NZ. Fun facts about me: I love to travel, am a BIG foodie, and enjoy being systematic!

    The mission of Youth Without Borders (YWB) resonates with me as a woman studying engineering. I've noticed a lack of female representation in the higher year levels, which drives me to empower more females to consider STEM-related pathways.

    Moreover, having attended a low-decile school with students from diverse backgrounds, I've witnessed peers struggling to grasp the opportunities available in engineering and STEM career pathways. The lack of information and role models makes them feel like they don't belong in this pathway. I'm passionate about bridging this gap and empowering students from diverse backgrounds to understand and embrace the potential within engineering and the broader STEM field with the help of our camps.

    As the Chief Financial Officer, I proudly represent New Zealand in the NEC of Youth Without Borders. During my tenure, I am motivated to see YWB grow across Australia and New Zealand, thus impacting and empowering more students each year.

  • She/Her

    Technology Officer

    Hi! I’m Erin and I’m currently studying Electrical Engineering (Hons) and Computational Science at Monash University in Melbourne. I first became involved with Youth Without Borders through the Spark Engineering Camp as a camp staff member, before progressing to the Melbourne Camp Committee and now the NEC.

    Growing up in rural Victoria, I’ve seen firsthand how limited access to STEM opportunities can be for regional students. Through Spark, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact the camps have, from watching students discover new possibilities for life after high school, to seeing students gain confidence, skills and inspiration during camp. Spark exposes students to universities, industry and future possibilities, while also helping them develop valuable soft skills. For these reasons, I fell in love with the camps and the Youth Without Borders, the organisation that runs them.

    With Youth Without Borders’ mission being to empower young people, especially rural students, I’m proud to give back to the communities that shaped me.

  • She/They

    Media Officer

    I’m Haisong, and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Mechatronics Engineering Systems.

    My journey with Youth Without Borders began in Year 12, when I had the opportunity to attend YWB’s Melbourne Spark Engineering Camp as a student. It was an unforgettable experience, and it inspired me to return each year as a volunteer, supporting new cohorts to feel the same encouragement and excitement that I did.

    As Media Officer, I work with the media team to communicate YWB’s impact and make our programs more accessible to the wider community. From capturing camp highlights to showcasing student and volunteer impact, my team focuses on creating clear, inclusive, and engaging content that helps more young people discover opportunities in STEM.

  • He/Him

    Partnerships Officer

    My name is Jackson Smith, and I am currently studying a dual Aerospace Engineering (Hons) and Applied Mathematics degree at the University of Queensland. Outside of my work with Youth Without Borders, I spend most of my spare time rock climbing, leather working and trying new things. YWB and its initiatives have had a huge impact on me personally.

    Being from Central Queensland, I attended the camp as a student in 2022 and felt so much support and encouragement from the mentors. A year later, when I started University, I knew I wanted to become a staff member. Since then, I have met so many amazing staff, students and partners which have taught me so much. As the Partnerships Officer, I aim to expand our industry connections and support to enable more opportunities for students to experience the camp I am so proud to be apart of.