“INEQUITY IS WHEN WOMEN LIKE ME ARE SILENCED…LET’S BREAK THE SILENCE.”

Featured in our most recent edition of St Catherine’s News, Year 12 student Lan-Tian Yen-West shares her insights as a Menzies Foundation Global Young Leader.

St Catherine’s Year 12 student, Lan Tian Yen-West, powerfully delivered this statement to the Menzies Foundation Emerging Leaders Program in 2021.

Her message, along with a determined vision to create “global connections with female leaders to dismantle a patriarchal system forcing women and minority groups to be silenced,” secured Lan-Tian with one of only 11 Menzies Fellowships in Australia, recognising her as an emerging leader in our nation.

Lan-Tian’s powerful statement recognises that in Australian history, far too many women have been silenced, especially those from a minority background.

As an Asian-Australian woman, Lan-Tian has been raised within both cultures, providing her with a first-hand appreciation for the value global citizenship plays in building personal leadership skills.

“I have a strong desire to have an impact on the world. I want to be bold and challenge popular thoughts and ideas when necessary. I want to be apologetically independent – staying true to my own beliefs and learning from others around me. I want to accept I am a constantly evolving creature – growing and improving through failures and resilience, and I want to express myself with creativity in all that I do, seeing things from different perspectives.”

Inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for boldly and passionately addressing inequity at the 2021 MET Gala, wearing a dress emblazoned with ‘Tax the Rich’, Lan-Tian aims to model her own leadership project, utilising the $1,000 fellowship endowment from the Menzies Foundation. “I want to address inequity globally.

My aim is to use the financial assistance I received from my Fellowship to create real-world value through a global coalition of young female leaders, dedicated to creating a better tomorrow.”

With a strong sense of social responsibility, Lan-Tian wants to maximise the opportunities and experiences she has been provided to benefit, “my generation and those who have not been given the same tools as I have, such as my St Catherine’s education and opportunities such as the Menzies Fellowship.”

“St Catherine’s has developed an ethical depth within me. I believe you demonstrate who you are when nobody is watching, doing good because it is right, rather than to be seen, this guides my leadership approach.”

Discussing the emerging challenges for her generation, Lan Tian comments that climate change, social isolation as a consequence of social media, and fake news and censorship are pressing issues. There is no doubt Lan-Tian is emerging into her leadership potential and has an exciting future ahead.