Katy has been integral to the development and success of many of our World Youth International programs. She first joined as a Volunteer on an Overseas Action program in Kenya in 2009 and has not looked back. The experience inspired Katy to further her skills as a Nurse and Midwife and she saw that there was so many opportunities to help, teach, learn and develop vulnerable communities. She wanted more health professionals to have the same opportunities she did, and so she helped us create and launch the Nurses in Action program, specifically aimed for her industry. In 2013, Katy was Team Leader on the first ever Nurses in Action programs in Kenya and has been involved in our organisation while also raising a young family and working as a Nurse and Midwife in country Victoria. Now, in her role on our Board, she will be guiding and developing our programs even further, ensuring we can continue to make a sustainable and positive impact to the communities we work within.
Her journey is one of growth, passion, and dedication, and in a recent conversation, Katy shared more about how her experiences with World Youth International have shaped both her personal and professional life.
A Journey of Global Impact: Katy's Story with World Youth International
“When I first set foot in Kenya, I didn’t fully grasp how much my life was about to change,” reflects Katy, her eyes lighting up with the memory. Her journey with World Youth International (WYI) has been nothing short of transformative, shaping not only her career but also her very worldview.
Finding Purpose Through Service
Katy’s love for nursing and midwifery has always been intertwined with a deep desire to make a difference. This passion led her to seek out opportunities that would take her beyond the familiar confines of her home country. “I remember my first volunteer trip to Papua New Guinea—it was like a spark was lit within me,” she recalls. “That experience made me realise how much impact even one person can have, and it set me on a path I’ve never looked back from.”
Kenya: A Turning Point
But it was in Kenya where Katy’s path truly took shape. Immersed in the vibrant yet challenging environment of rural communities, she found herself deeply connected to the people she served. “Living and working in these communities opened my eyes to the realities that many in developing countries face daily,” she says. “I wasn’t just learning about healthcare or community development; I was learning about resilience, hope, and the human spirit.” Katy took on various roles, from healthcare provision to community development, always with an eagerness to contribute in any way she could. “One of the most powerful moments was when I helped deliver a baby in a makeshift clinic. The conditions were tough, but the gratitude on that mother’s face was something I’ll never forget,” she shares, her voice tinged with emotion.
Empowerment and Growth
Through WYI’s personal empowerment programs, Katy found herself growing in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “Leadership, confidence, cultural awareness—these are not just buzzwords,” she emphasises. “They are qualities that you develop when you’re thrown into situations where you have to step up, where you have to navigate cultural differences, and where you have to find your voice in a crowded room.”
These skills have not only enriched Katy’s personal and professional life but have also equipped her to make meaningful contributions back home. “I came back from Kenya not just with stories, but with a new perspective on life and a stronger sense of purpose,” she says.
A Lifelong Commitment to Global Impact
Katy’s involvement with WYI didn’t end with her time in Kenya. Inspired by the organisation’s mission, she took on a more active role, eventually becoming a board member. “I wanted to give back to the organisation that had given me so much,” she explains. “Being part of WYI’s leadership allows me to continue advocating for the causes I’m passionate about and to support others on their own journeys of service.” Her experiences have taught her the importance of small acts of kindness and the collective power of community. “It’s not always the big gestures that change the world—it’s the small, consistent acts of kindness and support that build up over time,” she notes.
A Legacy of Care
Katy’s commitment to service is not just her own—it’s a family tradition. Her sister, also a nurse, shares her passion for providing care. “We’ve worked together in some challenging environments, but there’s something incredibly fulfilling about being part of a family that’s dedicated to helping others,” she says with pride.
This familial legacy of nursing is a testament to the enduring impact of the profession. “Nurses don’t just care for individuals; we care for entire communities. The ripple effect of that care is immeasurable,” Katy reflects.
An Inspiration to Others
Katy’s story is a powerful reminder of how service can transform lives—not just the lives of those who receive it, but also those who give it. Her journey with World Youth International has enriched her life, broadened her horizons, and equipped her to make a lasting impact on the world. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we all have the power to make a difference,” she says. “And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Katy’s dedication and passion continue to inspire those around her, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of service.
If you’re passionate about giving back and want to be involved in supporting vulnerable communities, consider signing up in advance for our Nurses in Action program. With many of the communities we work within needing more support than ever, your involvement could make a real difference.
Find out more: https://worldyouth.org.au/volunteer/nurses-in-action
