First-year University of Sydney student Sophia-Rose Markham, who is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), was proudly supported by Sancta to attend the 2025 National Leadership Forum in Canberra. Here, she shares how the four-day experience shaped her perspective on purpose, service and what it means to lead.
First-year University of Sydney student Sophia-Rose Markham, who is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), was proudly supported by Sancta to attend the 2025 National Leadership Forum in Canberra. Here, she shares how the four-day experience shaped her perspective on purpose, service and what it means to lead.
Sophia-Rose Markham (centre) with other young leaders at Parliament House, Canberra. Credit: Copper Ocean Photography.
Compassion. Empathy. Service. For many years now, whether in my community or in my goal to become a teacher, I would have told you that these three words define who I am and what I want to do. What I didn’t realise, however, was the potential for these values to shape me more deeply, both as a person and as a leader.
The National Leadership Forum is a 4-day immersive experience where nearly 200 young leaders from across Australia and the world gather in Canberra, all with the same ambition: ‘How can I become a better leader?’
Rather than offering cliches such as ‘be the change’ or ‘find your passion,’ the Forum challenged delegates to confront who we are as people before even allowing us to consider the type of leader we want to be.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addresses Forum delegates at Parliament House, Canberra. Photo credit: Copper Ocean Photography.
Through workshops, speakers and small group conversations, our values and purpose were challenged as we explored what it truly means to lead in service of others. In a world where ambition often trumps humanity, and the pursuit of a hustle culture overshadows genuineness, this opportunity to ground ourselves and our perspectives was vital to our development and enrichment of the experience. The Forum also deepened my understanding of empowerment and how we can build capacity in our communities so others can succeed, contribute and lead.
This focus on service leadership was probably the most valuable takeaway for me from the Forum. Service leadership goes far beyond self-sacrifice. It’s about mutual growth, integrity and unity for a collective purpose. Shifting my perspective of service leadership from ‘putting others first’ to building capacity and empowerment was transformative.
Sophia-Rose (left) and other delegates participating in a community service project, which is a key part of the 4-day program.
Over the four days, delegates had the opportunity to hear from powerful and influential speakers from across Australia who, through finding passion and purpose, have created change far beyond their own lives and communities.
Whilst having met and heard from the Prime Minister is something I won’t forget, the most memorable speakers were often those without a suit or formal title. The hardworking, dedicated team at RAW Impact exemplifies that. Hearing RAW Impact’s founder Troy share his journey, defined by passion, commitment and hope, offered insights that will stay with me long after the Forum.
What started with Troy visiting areas of Cambodia facing housing and social insecurity has led to the creation and execution of ‘Every Piece Matters,’ an entire village built by RAW Impact that provides safety, security and opportunity for at-risk Cambodian families. Rather than seeking praise, Troy directed our attention to the achievements and success of those living within Every Piece Matters, a true testament of his values, and a clear example of service leadership in action.
What was most inspiring for me, however, was hearing the stories of my peers. In a group of nine, we represented nine very different stories with different journeys, experiences, adversities and successes. Regardless, we all found ourselves with one common goal: to be better people and to be better leaders.
We challenged each other and held each other accountable whilst fostering a sense of safety, growth and support throughout the four days. I continue to be inspired by their dedication to their passions, and I know that their influence and friendship are ones I hope to continue to have in my life for a very long time.
A moment of reflection for delegates during the commemorative service and keynote at the Australian War Memorial.
At Sancta Sophia College, I am lucky enough to be surrounded by 300 young people who inspire and challenge me to be a better person every day. Recognising my capacity as a leader to empower my peers to reach their potential or make their ambitions a reality isn’t something I take lightly.
The Forum has motivated me to realise how far I’ve come since moving to Sancta, and to keep growing in ways that allow me to contribute not only to my own future, but to the future of Sancta, my home community and Mob – and to become a leader my 13-year-old self would have looked up to.
I think the biggest misconception about the Forum is that it requires significant experience, involvement or knowledge to be able to contribute or attend, when the reality is quite the opposite.
I understand very well the imposter syndrome these environments can evoke, but the only prerequisite for this Forum is that you are ready to learn, grow, and most importantly, serve.
Leadership is rarely about having the best qualifications or being the best networker or public speaker. Instead, it’s about showing up with a purpose and pursuing your ambitions.
Young people are all too often told that they must choose to lead with their heart or their head. Instead, young people should lead with fire, with passion. Passion ignites voices, fuels purpose and sparks change. If that’s not what you want in a leader, then I don’t know what is.
Learn more about the National Leadership Forum.
