Meet the Team

Welcome to the Young Achievers Program team! We are a group of dedicated individuals who come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of skills and experiences to support and oversee the Young Achievers Program from Highschool right through to University.

Each of our team members supports the program in different ways, feel free to contact each one directly via the Young Achievers email address.

Senior Manager | Widening Participation

Renee De Simone | P 3346 1474

"As the Senior Manager, I have the privilege of leading an exceptional team with a dedicated focus on empowering students to create change by learning from experiences and unlocking their value.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Social Science and a Masters in Social Work. With a wealth of experience, I have successfully led multiple teams across the university, all centred around enhancing student support and the overall student experience.

The most rewarding aspect of my role is working alongside a team committed to making a lasting impact on individuals' lives and the broader community."

Program Coordinator | YAP Highschool Students

Emma Vowles | P 07 3346 0005, M 0438 723 123

"As the Young Achievers Program Coordinator, I oversee the comprehensive management of the program tailored for Year 11 & 12 students. My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from RMIT, complemented by a decade of experience in primary education in Japan. I am dedicated to guiding students toward success in their life ambitions and their higher education pursuits."

Program Officer | YAP Highschool Students

Hannah Marino | P 07 3443 1012, M 0434 604 921

"As a Young Achievers Program Officer, I am passionate about helping high school students within the program, providing assistance, and coordinating impactful camps and events. I have a degree in Business Management, with a major in Marketing from UQ, As a past Young Achiever, this role is especially meaningful to me as an opportunity to give back to a program that once played a pivotal role in shaping my own journey."

Mentor Coordinator | YAP Mentors

Eileen Pich | P 07 3443 0654, M 0438 894 358

"As the Young Achievers Mentor Coordinator, I manage and support all the mentors within our program, recognising their integral contribution to our success. I have a degree in Communications from a University in Germany, my background in marketing and advertising has equipped me with valuable skills in effective communication and relationship building. The most inspiring aspect of my role is witnessing the profound connections that develop between mentors and their mentees. Seeing these strong bonds form is not only gratifying but also a testament to the positive impact our program has on the lives of those involved."

Student Success Coordinator | UQ YAP Students

Kat Levesque | M 0427 101 470

"As the Student Support Coordinator at UQ, I specialise in coordinating and providing essential support services for YAP students. With a strong foundation inYouth Work and Counseling, my professional background spans diverse areas such as Tertiary Education, working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, LGBTQIA+ Community, Mental Health, and Disabilities. The most rewarding aspect of my role is witnessing students reach their aspirations, making each step in their academic journey a source of inspiration."