Australia, who do you want to be?
Yasmin Poole is a speaker, writer and adviser working towards a democracy that works for all of us. A Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she researched intersectionality and how governments can make better policy for communities that slip through the cracks across race, gender, disability and class.
Raised by an immigrant parent, Yasmin saw everyday racism and discrimination from a young age. It left her asking who belongs in Australia and who is denied a voice. That question drives her work today. She helps audiences see how seemingly neutral systems and decisions can drive inequality, whether in workplaces, schools or Parliament, and what it takes to change them.
An award-winning media commentator, Yasmin has spoken on programs like ABC News, Q+A, and the UK’s Channel 4, and on stages including TEDx, SXSW and the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
Yasmin was named Youth Influencer of the Year by the Martin Luther King Jr Centre and one of Vogue Australia’s 21 Women Who Defined 2021 for her work combatting sexual violence. She is also on the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
Current Work
Yasmin is Plan International Australia’s National Ambassador, advocating for the rights of women and girls. She sits on the boards of OzHarvest, the Australian Republic Movement and Democracy in Colour, with a focus on championing brave causes and shaping a democracy that reflects the diversity of who we are.
She advises boards, executives and government on embedding inclusion into governance and strategy, and delivers training on anti-racism, intersectionality and inclusive decision-making. Her writing and commentary on Australian democracy, power and national identity have appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, ABC News, The Saturday Paper, The Mandarin and Women’s Agenda.
Talking Points
Young people and the future of Australia
Who do we want to be as a country? Drawing on young people’s hopes and fears for the future, Yasmin explores how we can work across generations to build a fairer Australian future; now, and into the next century.
Young people and the future of Australia
Translating intersectionality from thought to action
A researcher’s view on how intersectional thinking is a critical link between communities and organisations, across race, gender, class and other backgrounds, and how to embed it in mission and practice.
Translating intersectionality from thought to action
Rebuilding trust in a distrustful Australia
Australians’ trust in institutions is at record lows. Yasmin explores what is driving this distrust at both a systemic and cultural level, and how leaders can rebuild trust by meeting this complex and fractured political moment.
Rebuilding trust in a distrustful Australia
The myth of meritocracy
Australia claims to support a “fair go”, yet seemingly neutral systems like law, medicine and education often reproduce disadvantage for diverse communities. Yasmin unpacks what drives this, drawing on her unexpected journey into The University of Oxford and what it showed her about who gets left behind.
The myth of meritocracy
AI, algorithms and power
AI is treated like a runaway train, but it doesn’t have to be. Yasmin takes the conversation back to a humanity-centred view through taking the audience through three essential questions: who designs it, who benefits and who goes unheard?
AI, algorithms and power
Youth power and Yasmin’s story
A motivational talk for young people, drawing on Yasmin’s journey of turning lived experience into a life of advocacy.
Youth power and Yasmin’s story
Moderator
Yasmin is an accomplished moderator and has facilitated panels across the country. Through her warm and welcoming style, Yasmin draws upon the strength of each panelist to create an engaging, diverse and often personal discussion. Yasmin ensures to be well researched on the topic at hand and has a knack for distilling complex ideas into key audience takeaways.
Moderator
Video
Yasmin Poole | Speaker Reel | Saxton Speakers
Yasmin Poole is a speaker, writer and adviser working towards a democracy that works for all of us. A Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, she researched intersectionality and how governments can make better policy for communities that slip through the cracks across race, gender, disability and class.Yasmin Poole | Q&A - March4Justice and the Prime Minister's Bullet Comments | Saxton Speakers
"I'm not thankful for not being shot. I'm furious." Yasmin Poole and Joe Williams respond to Scott Morrison's comments on the March4Justice.Yasmin Poole | Q+A - COVID-19 and the Pink-Collar Recession
Does the Government's COVID-19 recovery plan favour jobs for men? Yasmin Poole says gender disparity in relief efforts reflect wider imbalance.Working with Yasmin Poole was a genuine privilege. She brought warmth, insight and depth to complex conversations about diversity, belonging and intersectionality. Yasmin has a rare ability ... keep reading UNSW
The feedback from our First National members regarding your speech was absolutely incredible. The attention you commanded from everyone in the room, without even trying, was amazing and if you were trying, you did it effortlessly. I have already heard talk of getting you back for other First National events and I couldn't be more thrilled.
I am writing to thank you once again on behalf of YWCA Canberra for facilitating an authentic, interesting, at times devastating but overall extremely important conversation. Your ability to create such a candid yet meaningful conversation is an absolute testament to your skills! I had a lot of attendees let me know this was their favourite In-Conversation event this year.
Yasmin is a powerful and passionate speaker. She provided a youthful and genuine insight into her leadership journey as an aspiring young woman and woman of colour. Her message resonated with everyone in the audience, from her inspired peers to the staff and parliamentarians present.
Thank you Yasmin for being such a powerful and passionate voice on our panel discussion, around how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on structural disadvantages and women's vulnerability to gender-based violence. You brought profound and important perspectives to the conversation, particularly around intersectionality. We are so grateful for your invaluable contribution.
