Diabetes Victoria brings together next generation of leaders
Now in its second year, the Future Leaders program brings together young adults in the diabetes community with bright minds, big dreams and the ambition to make them a reality.
The diverse group of participants at this year’s two-night retreat learnt more about themselves and inspired each other along the way.
What is Future Leaders?
For people aged between 18 and 22 living with type 1 diabetes, the program is an opportunity to connect with mentors, develop leadership skills and share experiences with a group of peers during the important transition from paediatric care to adult care.
The 2023 Future Leaders retreat encompassed insightful leadership sessions by Yellow Arrow, energising morning yoga led by Suzie Byatt from Type 1 Writers, and a blend of trivia, icebreakers, and bowling for a dash of fun.
For 19-year-old Eleanor Roger, the retreat allowed her to meet other young people who understand the challenges of living with type 1, for the first time since she aged out of diabetes camps.
“I was lucky to attend a few diabetes camps when I was young and meeting people was always the best part,” she says.
“I found out about the program because some of my friends from diabetes camps posted online about Future Leaders last year.
“I’ve done some volunteering with other charities and found that I really enjoy talking about my experience with diabetes and trying to bring people together and educate people.
“I've always wanted to get involved in leading diabetes camps."
Tara Montazeri read about the program online and it piqued her interest.
She moved to Melbourne from Iran five years ago and it's hard to believe English is her second language, especially when she is speaking passionately about her ambitions.
The 19-year-old said the personal and professional development in the Future Leaders program aligns with her dream career.
“I’d really like to be a leader; I’m studying political science and I think it’s so important to be confident,” Tara says.
“All the activities at the retreat helped me understand how a leader includes people and communicates.
“I’m planning to pursue law school after my degree because I’m very passionate about human rights law, especially the politics surrounding middle eastern countries and women's rights.
“I’m Persian, I grew up in Iran and I understand what it’s like to be a woman in those countries.”
Tara said she was equally keen to meet peers who understand living with diabetes.
“I have no friends with the same condition as me and I wanted to learn more about how to manage my diabetes through other people’s experiences,” she says.
“I also wanted to be in an environment where I can be comfortable and talk about it with people who understand, rather than having to explain my diabetes all the time.”
The retreat is followed by two online sessions where participants reconnect, complete further leadership training and engage with health professionals.
The 2023 Future Leaders program ended with a graduation ceremony in November.
Read more about the Future Leaders program here.
