Yasmin Poole

Yasmin Poole is a speaker, writer and activist committed to shaping an Australia that stands tall in its values — uncompromising in its care for people and an international force for good.

Passionate about the brave causes that define national identity, Yasmin works at the intersection of policy, advocacy and public discourse. She serves on the board of the Australian Republic Movement, advocating for a future in which Australia stands fully on its own, and on the board of OzHarvest, supporting efforts to tackle food waste and hunger across the country.

A Rhodes Scholar, Yasmin completed her Master’s degree at the University of Oxford, where her dissertation explored intersectional policymaking — examining how public policy can better engage and reflect the lived experiences of diverse communities across race, gender, disability and sexuality. Her work centres on ensuring democratic systems genuinely represent the diversity of the people they serve.

As a public speaker and political commentator, Yasmin is known for elevating stories that often go unheard. She has spoken at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and TEDx, and regularly contributes to national conversations through appearances on programs such as Q+A and ABC News.

In her role as National Ambassador for Plan International Australia, she amplifies the voices of young women in national and global forums, advocating for gender equity and youth leadership.

Her leadership and impact have been recognised with numerous honours, including the Martin Luther King Jr Center’s Youth Influencer of the Year Award, Vogue Australia’s 21 Women Who Shaped 2021, the Rhodes Scholarship, and induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

Through her work, Yasmin Poole challenges audiences to think boldly about democracy, representation and Australia’s place in the world — inspiring principled leadership, inclusive policymaking and courageous civic engagement.