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.

  • He/Him

    Technology Officer

    As a control systems engineer designing and commissioning industrial automation systems, I am no stranger to keeping systems running efficiently and safely. With a genuine passion in technology and knowledge of modern digital practices, I am proud to support Youth Without Borders with their technical infrastructure in order to support their projects and create a friction less environment for communication.

    YWB’s mission of diversity and empowerment through inspiring youth towards further education is a key principle I support with my skills and a commitment towards giving others the same that has been offered to me.

  • He/Him

    Media Officer

    I am currently a student at the University of Melbourne, studying the Master of Architecture. Joining Spark during my first year, I fell in love with the organization and its vision to create a better future.

    I have been the Melbourne Media Manager for the past three years, and this year I am taking over the role as a Media Officer for YWB. It is an extremely rewarding experience for me as a volunteer and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it alongside the other Staffies.

    Hopefully 2025 is our biggest year yet as we push onwards and continue to create an out-of-this world experience for our students.

  • 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.