Young Diplomats Society
Our Team
Executive Team
President | Sam Stafford
Sam is currently studying the Juris Doctor at Melbourne University after completing a Bachelor of Arts where he majored in politics and international relations. Sam has successfully co-owned and operated EMS Australia, a company specialising in commercial construction and has since looked to pursue his interests in Humanitarian Law with a close focus on refugee policy and protection. He has undertaken work with numerous international organisations including UNHCR partner organisations such as the Egyptian Foundation for Refugee Rights. Sam is passionate about collaborating with like-minded individuals to create platforms that will empower tomorrow’s leaders.
Vice President | Amy Laura Fisher
Amy is currently studying the Juris Doctor at Melbourne University after studying Political Science and Asian Studies (majoring in Chinese) at Union College (N.Y.). Her interest in diplomatic relations began when she became Chair of World Around U, where she fostered relationships between international and domestic students. Amy has advanced her understanding of international advocacy at the International Centre for Civil Society Law in Beijing as an intern researching PTSD. In 2019, Amy will be working at Human Rights First, an independent advocacy and action organisation in New York aiming to uphold human rights. There she plans to use her knowledge of refugee law to help young children who have been separated from their families on route to the United States.
Secretary | Emina Besirevic
Based at Monash University, Emina is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/ Global Studies (International Relations) alongside a Diploma of Languages in French. With a keen interest in international politics, she has experience working in both government and not-for-profit sectors, including the British Consulate-General and sitting on the executive of UN Youth 2018. Recipient of Monash’s Global Scholar scholarship, in 2017 she completed an intensive international politics program in Cambridge University where she wrote a paper on post-conflict state-building. In 2018, she was invited by TEDx Youth to speak on behalf of UN Youth on the importance of young people being involved in international relations. Emina is passionate about empowering like-minded individuals to connect, share and learn about international politics through platforms such as YDS.
Treasurer | Brett Crossley
Brett is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in the Office for Environmental Programs at the University of Melbourne after completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Monash University. He joined the YDS team at the end of 2017 in order to be part of something great and facilitate meaningful intellectual discussions that broaden perspectives and help grow local networks. He is particularly interested in understanding globalised markets and the role of public and private regulation as mechanisms for the enhancement of social, economic and environmental outcomes.
Editor-in-Chief | Annie Jiang
Annie is currently studying the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. She graduated last year from a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Studies and French. She recently spent five months in Geneva completing an exchange program at the University of Geneva and interning at the Australian Permanent Mission. She is also a co-founder and Vice-President of Women in Commerce and Politics. Annie has been part of the YDS team since 2017, having initially joined as a sub-editor. She is excited about providing a platform for young people with diverse voices and perspectives.
Marketing and Communications Director | Isabella Currie
Isabella is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of International Relations at LaTrobe University. She is particularly interested in the implications of digital technology on States, cyber security, and the consequences and advantages of international law. Isabella has experience in both public and not for profit sector, with majority of her work over the last five years dedicated to analysing and adapting the digital presence of government organisations. Isabella is enthusiastic in expanding the scope and potential of the Young Diplomats Society as an avenue that connects and facilitates discussions for the future.
Director of Events | Charlotte Lang-Waring
Charlotte is currently undertaking the Juris Doctor at Melbourne University after majoring in psychology and law in 2017. She is passionate about international law and relations and undertook study on international relations in the Czech Republic. She has interned with the Law Institute of Victoria in their Administrative Law and Human Rights Section and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Human Rights Program as a paralegal, specifically on Australian refugee law.
She began her current role as a barrister's assistant to Julian Burnside AO QC in January this year, assisting with various pro bono and human rights cases. As Director of Events, Charlotte has sought to bring together like-minded and passionate individuals and to foster meaningful intellectual discussions through her organisation of thought-provoking YDS events and speakers.
Submissions Editor | William Chua
William is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Studies at the University of Melbourne. He was fortunate to further his interest in human rights through an internship at the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. As Submissions Editor, William hopes to draw on his previous experience as Australian Outlook Editor for the Australian Institute of International Affairs and Treasurer of Melbourne International Relations Society. William is keen to help share the perspectives of young people who are passionate about global issues.
Support Team
Editors
James Dance & Jonathan Lim
Social Media
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Regional Writers
Annie McArdie | Middle East; Swathi Nagesh | East and Central Asia; Nanthini Sambanthan | Southeast & Australasia; Zac Smith | Americas; Harry Wetherall | Africas; Marek Kopanicky | Europe