Mariam Nabizada - Winner 2025

Mariam Nabizada | 16 Years | Fairholme College | Toowoomba, Queensland

Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition? 

I entered to amplify the voices of regional and multicultural young women. As a youth advocate from Toowoomba, I’m passionate about using leadership to create change. This program is a chance to connect, grow, and bring new perspectives back to my community.

What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip? 

I hope to build confidence, connect with inspiring women in leadership, and gain practical tools to drive community projects. The Power Trip will help me strengthen my advocacy, amplify youth voices, and return home with fresh ideas to empower others in rural Queensland.

Who is your role model and why? 

My role model is my mum, who built our family’s business from scratch after migrating from Afghanistan. Her resilience and kindness inspire me to lead with compassion, embrace challenges, and create opportunities for others—especially women and young people seeking to build better futures.

What’s your favourite thing about living in rural Australia? 

My favourite thing is the strong sense of community. In Toowoomba, people know and support one another. Rural life teaches you to be resourceful, grounded, and connected to nature. It’s a place where local voices truly matter, and where small actions create real change.

What’s your main goal or ambition (right now, or in the future)? 

My goal is to go into the medical field and use my skills to help others, while continuing to grow my foundation to support youth and refugee communities. I hope to make a positive impact through both healthcare and community leadership.

Tell us a couple of things you do to relax or have fun? 

I love going for walks, playing sports, and hosting my radio show. Each helps me unwind in different ways—staying active clears my mind, and sharing stories through radio connects me with my community and culture.