Jennifer Chudley, YSI Board Member

A passionate advocate for social justice, youth empowerment, and sustainable change, Jennifer has dedicated their teenage years to amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing young people in society today.

Their journey began at just twelve years old with a campaign on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, culminating in a presentation to the Minister for Education and UNICEF as part of the World’s Largest Lesson. This early commitment to global citizenship sparked a long-standing dedication to civic engagement. The following year, they were invited to organise their county’s Model United Nations conference—a role that evolved over four years into the position of chairperson, deepening their passion for youth-led diplomacy and participatory governance.

In 2021, Jennifer founded No Place Like Home, a youth-led campaign addressing Ireland’s mica housing crisis. Through powerful digital mobilisation, media engagement, and collaboration with politicians and advocacy groups, they united communities across the North West and brought national attention to the issue. At just sixteen, they led protests, appeared on national television, and challenged decision-makers directly in Leinster House ahead of critical legislative votes. The campaign’s reach extended internationally through digital workshops in Pennsylvania, exploring how local issues can inform global dialogue.

Their passion for justice also led to academic success. At seventeen, they received a gold medal in the Young Economist of the Year competition for research on how public transport can drive sustainable change—showcasing their belief in economic tools as levers for social progress.

Today, Jennifer continues to champion youth voice and inclusive leadership as a member of the National Youth Assembly of Ireland, and Youth Panellist and Director of Young Social Innovators. They are also deeply committed to equity in sport, delivering the GymABLE programme to support children with additional needs and earning the title of Gymnastics Ireland’s Inclusive Club Coach of the Year in 2023. As a qualified gymnastics coach and judge, they continue to advocate for accessible sport at both grassroots and national levels.