The YWCA Board traineeships are an incredible opportunity each year for two passionate, dedicated and suitably skilled young women or gender diverse people to gain governance experience. The successful applicants from our 2026 round of applications will be announced soon. Read on to hear about current Trainee Clara’s experiences of the program.
When Clara Conheady attended the Better Together Conference in Adelaide in 2023, she was the youngest and least experienced person in the room. Despite this, she found the confidence to speak up during discussions about establishing a national LGBTQIA+ body.
Clara emphasised the importance of not just building this body for young people, but with them, highlighting that young voices are too often excluded from decision-making spaces. Her thoughtful and impassioned contributions caught the attention of a board member from Equality Australia, who encouraged her to apply for the YWCA Board Traineeship.
Although her initial application was unsuccessful, Clara remained determined. She stayed engaged with the organisation, becoming a member, joining the Digital Activist Community, and continuing to build her experience. After graduating from university in 2025 and gaining two years’ experience as a board observer, she successfully secured a place in the YWCA Board Traineeship program.
Clara came into the traineeship with a strong drive to understand how young people can influence governance and create meaningful, real-world impact. Professionally, she balances multiple roles, working at Women with Disabilities Victoria, facilitating at Pride Cup, and undertaking freelance research, while also remaining connected to community through volunteer work and her local footy club.
From the outset, Clara was struck by how deeply intersectionality is embedded across the organisation, actively reflected in both conversations and decision-making. She was also impressed by how the organisation has evolved over time, intentionally adapting to reflect contemporary values and demonstrating a strong commitment to accountability.
“The space felt genuinely welcoming and collaborative,” Clara reflects. “People were incredibly generous with their time, and there was a real openness to sharing knowledge and engaging in meaningful conversations.”
Like many new board trainees, Clara initially found the pace and complexity of governance challenging. The length of board meetings, the volume of papers, and the unfamiliar language were all part of a steep learning curve. However, she quickly adapted and found her voice.
“What stood out most was the level of respect given to my contributions,” she says. “I wasn’t treated as someone just observing, my perspective was genuinely valued.”
Clara was particularly inspired by the board’s willingness to engage in critical reflection, including openly acknowledging the organisation’s history and its ongoing journey toward greater inclusivity. This culture of honesty and accountability empowered her to bring her full self into the space.
Looking ahead, Clara hopes to continue her involvement with the YWCA as an alum and remain engaged in its campaigns and programs. She is passionate about encouraging other young people, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, to step into governance spaces and have their voices heard. She also plans to pursue a director role in the near future, building on the skills and experience gained through the traineeship.
Her advice to others considering applying is simple: “Go for it. Don’t be discouraged by rejection, use it as a learning opportunity, and apply again. Your voice is needed.”