Jess (she/they)

My name is Jess Stone, and I am passionate about leveraging law, policy and history to advocate for marginalised communities. In 2024, I served as Youth Member for Nudgee in Queensland Youth Parliament, drafting a bill to govern the repatriation of First Nation’s ancestral remains from the Queensland Museum. I have also served on various advisory boards and councils, including the Bravehearts Youth Advisory Council, STTOP 2030 Advisory Board, and the Nudgee Youth Advisory Council. I am employed by NAPCAN as a Youth Advisor, where I work to improve national child abuse prevention policy. As a result of my community work, I received a 7 News Community Achievement Award in November 2024.  

I am thrilled to be commencing the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Humanities (Western Civilisation) at the University of Queensland in 2025, a dual degree which will further develop my legal, legislative and cultural skills. When I graduate, I hope to work in the humanitarian and legal sectors. To me, the Pinnacle scholarship is an amazing opportunity to connect with other young LGBTQIA+ people who care about promoting the rights of our community. Unfortunately, the current global political climate has seen LGBTQIA+ rights go backwards in many places, including within Australia. This makes organisations like The Pinnacle Foundation incredibly important, and I am grateful and honoured to be joining the Pinnacle family.