Claudia Kurowski
(she/her)Young Leader 2026
Claudia Kurowski is a young leader from Cairns, regional Australia, recognised for her resilience, passion, and determination to be a powerful voice for young people. As a Year 12 student, she is deeply committed to breaking gender barriers and increasing the representation of girls and women in leadership, politics, and other traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Driven by a strong sense of purpose, Claudia advocates for equity, creates opportunities, and works to ensure that young people — particularly girls — have access to the resources, platforms, and support needed to thrive. Her leadership has been recognised through significant achievements, including being named both Cairns Young Woman of the Year and Cairns Young Citizen of the Year. She also serves as the Queensland Youth Health Minister for 2025 and has represented her region as the 29th and 30th Youth Member for Cairns.
Claudia is currently completing an internship with UN Women, further strengthening her advocacy for gender equality on a broader scale. She is also the co-founder of The Gratitude Initiative, a youth-led charity dedicated to empowering young women and girls through education, outreach, and community-driven support, which has already made a tangible impact across regional communities.