Here at Girlfriend, we believe being young doesn’t mean you can’t make big things happen. Bold and badass girls have the power to change the world – and they’re
not letting anything stand in their way.
That’s why for our very special 25 under 25 issue (brought to you by Bondi Sands) we’ve hand-picked some of Australia’s most incredible young women across activism, entertainment, arts, science, sport, business and more. These are the 25 inspiring game changers, girl bosses and creatives who should be on your radar.
Alli Simpson, 21
Singer, model, actress and host
From hosting her own radio show to penning hits and modelling, this all-rounder brings her immense talent and positive vibes to everything she does.
Madeline Stuart, 23
Model and disability advocate
As the world’s first supermodel with Down’s syndrome, Maddie is breaking down boundaries one catwalk at a time.
Kirsten Banks, 22
Astrophysicist and science communicator
Soon to be Dr Kirsten, this proud Wiradjuri woman is challenging stereotypes of what it means to be a scientist.
Ariella Nyssa, 23
Body confidence influencer
After learning to embrace her body, this self-love warrior is inspiring more than 290,000 followers to do the same.
Jade Hameister, 18
Adventurer and skier
Driven by a fierce sense of adventure, Jade Hameister is the youngest person in history to complete the `Polar Hat-trick’, ski traversing the North Pole, the
South Pole and the Greenland ice sheet
Georgie Stone, 19
Actress and trans rights activist
Whether she’s repping as Mackenzie on Neighbours or fighting for equality, Georgie is using her personal experience to light the way for other young trans people.
Macinley Butson, 18
Scientist and inventor
The creator of SMART Armour, a shield to protect women’s breasts from radiation, Macinley is changing the lives of women with breast cancer.
Natalie Fornasier, 24
Writer and skin safety ambassador
Having battled stage 3 melanoma three times before the age of 25, Natalie is changing the conversation around sun safety alongside Call Time on Melanoma (CTOM) founder Lisa Patulny.
Jayme Jo Massoud, 19
Performer and content creator
Whether she’s rocking the stage musical Billy Elliot or giving curly hair tips on Instagram, this babe is one of Australia’s most recognisable influencers.
Asha Holland
Exercise scientist and self-love advocate
Having pushed herself to unhealthy extremes as a bikini competitor, Asha is redefining what health and happiness look like.
Angourie Rice, 18
Actress
As one of our most talented young actresses, Angourie has already worked with the likes of Ryan Gosling, Nicole Kidman and Miley Cyrus.
Nawal Sari, 20
Fashion influencer
Leading the modest fashion movement in Australia, Nawal proves it’s possible to wear a hijab and still express yourself through on-fleek style and beauty.
Kath Ebbs, 22
Model, creator and health advocate
Whether she’s modelling, getting candid about mental health or whipping up delicious smoothie bowls, Kath does it all with creativity, authenticity and that trademark smile.
Angelina Arora, 17
Scientist and inventor
After learning about the shocking impact plastic bags and packaging have on the environment, Angelina knew there had to be a better solution. So she made her own, creating a toxin-free plastic out of waste products like crustacean shells.
AJ Clementine, 23
Content creator and LGBTQI+ advocate
Having started gender reassignment surgery at just 22, AJ Clementine shares her experience as a transgender woman with realness and her hilarious sense of humour.
Paria Mahboobi, 22
Collage artist
What started as a hobby making empowering, feminist- inspired digital collages has become a full-time career for this talented artist.
Moreblessing Maturure, 24
Performer, writer, artist
As the creative director of FOLK Magazine and the founder of production company Afro Sistahs, this Australian-Zimbabwean powerhouse champions representation for POC in the arts.
Jean Hincliffe
Climate change activist
0Despite still being in high school, Jean is leading the charge against climate change. As the Sydney group founder and lead national organiser within School Strike 4 Climate, she campaigns for legislative action to put an end to the climate crisis.
YouTuber and influencer
An outspoken advocate for positive self-image and bravely pursuing your dreams, Cartia inspires her 500,000 followers to ditch their insecurities and ideas of perfection, and instead to loudly love and celebrate the face and body they were born with.
Pacha Light, 18
Pro surfer
1After being mentored by pro surfer Laura Enever at just 14, Pacha has become a champion in her own right and is a full-time surfer in the Billabong Team at the World Qualifying Series
Monique Mastrobattista, 16
Author and anti-bullying advocate
Inspired to help others after facing her own battle with bullying, Monique founded the inspiring movement Get Kind.
Poppy Starr Olsen, 19
Pro skater
2She’s competed professionally since she was 11, but this badass skater girl is just getting started. Ranked fifth in the world, she’s got her sights set firmly on gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Marlee Silva, 24
Indigenous activist and writer
As a proud Kamilaroi woman, Marlee has dedicated her life to improving the lives of Indigenous people. Alongside her sister Keely, she co-founded Tiddas 4 Tiddas, an empowerment initiative and podcast celebrating Indigenous women and girls through storytelling
Tara Bajan, 16
Dancer
3Having trained in everything from ballet and tap to hip-hop and Broadway jazz, this talented young dancer has dazzled on stages all over the world
Bethany McMahon, 19
Our People’s Choice Award
We opened up the floor to you guys to nominate the amazing women in your lives, and you definitely came through! We had so many incredible and impactful girls that it was tough to pick just one. But one inspiring young leader stood out, thanks to how she’s using her own experience with scoliosis to help others. Bethany was diagnosed with the condition, which affects the curvature of the spine, at age 11 and was in a back brace for three years before having spinal fusion surgery. Nominated by her co-founder and friend Alexe, Bethany is one of two leaders of the Curvy Girls’ Sydney Scoliosis Support Group, which uses team-building, self-confidence and self-care to help members struggling with scoliosis to feel good about themselves.
To read our Q+A’s with these 25 incredible women, be sure to pick up a copy of our summer issue of Girlfriend — on sale today!
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