Ms Caitlin Figueiredo
I’ve always known my calling was to take care of people and help unify the world.
Caitlin Figueiredo is a force to be reckoned with. Among her many accomplishments, she recently became the youngest person chosen as one of the '100 Women of Influence' sponsored by Westpac and the Australian Financial Review.
The national award recognised her outstanding achievements as a 'big picture' idealist.
She describes herself as a 'passionate changemaker' and believes every person deserves the same opportunities, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Caitlin is a forceful advocate for gender equity and an international speaker, activist and student.
Her many other honours include being invited to the White House last year where Michelle Obama named her a Global Changemaker for Global Equity.
As well as being recognised on the international stage, she has been chosen as an ambassador for one of Australia's most prominent charities, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, for its campaign to help keep children safe from violence.
She is Australian Director of the Global Resolutions Project, a social impact program for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The program aims to improve livelihoods of women and girls around the world through better nutrition, water, education and access to public health services.
Caitlin worked with World Vision to found their youth movement in Canberra, and last year went to Cambodia to support World Vision Australia's community development programs.
She also co-founded and developed Pakistan's first Arts for Peace initiative to empower young women and girls through their interaction with the arts and teach them about human rights and the importance of education.
Caitlin had the strength to overcome domestic violence and bullying at school and is now studying a double degree - Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Development Studies - at ANU.
