Asha Mortel is a student from Brisbane, Queensland, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Geography, English) at the Queensland University of Technology. Asha is passionate about the empowerment of young people and helping them to create positive change in the world around them.

When she is not studying, Asha loves to travel and discover the world around her. She has spent quality time in West Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, living in a small Indigenous Dayak village and working with the women and children. Asha hopes that once she completes her degree she will teach in Borneo.

Asha has been a member of the National Youth Leader for Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots since the age of 16. She is extremely excited to have the opportunity this year to be an NYLC Coordinator and is looking forward to creating change with a passionate new team of young people.

Photograph: Emma Catherine Photography