Shirley met many professionals who were leaders and advocates in the Deaf community. one of the people she is most grateful to is Katrina Lancaster-Maggs, a leader in the youth groups and involved in fundraising and organising youth-related events. She gave Shirley a lot of opportunities, tips and guidance, pointing her in the right direction in becoming an effective leader. Shirley became involved in her first cross border camp, where many deaf youths from all over the states could come and participate in a camp. That was where she had the opportunity to meet other leaders as well as other youths. She really enjoyed that experience. Once Shirley started becoming involved in leadership, that was it for her; it just snowballed from there. Shirley’s leadership ambitions thrived and she participated in many different leadership experiences – boards, committees, DYA (Deaf Youth Australia) and DA NSW (Deaf Australia New South Wales) under Deaf Australia, the peak advocacy organisation. Shirley gained much; learning about teamwork, advocacy, information releases, many other things. It’s been such an amazing experience. 

The latest opportunity Shirley was enjoying being President of the World Federation for the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS). It’s given her so many opportunities to meet so many different teams from all over the world, on the international stage. Shirley works with teams to problem-solve current issues, how to approach high-level government ranked people, and how to work in partnership with different people. The skills Shirley is gaining is scaffolding and layering, making it feel enriching. She loves knowing that she is part of a movement to empower Deaf youth, ensuring that there are positive outcomes happening. She enjoys being part of the problem-solving experience, adapting situations to develop positive outcomes and experiences. This is her main focus at present.