Leticia Quince wins TransGrid Indigenous Achievement award at NSW Young Achiever Awards

The award sponsored by TransGrid acknowledges and celebrates the commitment of young Indigenous people using their own stories and life experiences to give back to their communities. 

Leticia, 24, is a former Youth Development Coach at Uniting Care and is committed to improving services for children and young people using her own experience in the child protection system.  

As part of her work she mentors youth and provides a seamless transition to independent living and has recently started her own Indigenous graphic design business.

Leticia says it was a surreal experience hearing her name read out as the winner.

“I didn’t know what to think or feel, it was just a big burst of joy and it pushed me out of my chair.

“We don’t do what we do for recognition, we do it because that’s who we are and to create the space to show we’re resilient and can unite in a way that we keep growing together.

Leticia used her own experiences in the foster care system to help other young people.

“I knew that if I kept pushing through any barriers that I could stand for myself but also stand and be a voice for other young people that might not have the voice to stand for themselves in the care system.

“That was something I worked on the ground being out there helping our deadly young people who really just needed that support and their own cheers squad and being part of their journey,” she said.

Head of Property and Environment and the manager of TransGrid’s Indigenous Engagement team Heather Wagland was on hand at the ceremony in Sydney to present Leticia with her award.

'We want to acknowledge and thank everyone who was nominated or sent in a submission, the calibre of talent and achievement was truly remarkable.

"The passion and dedication shown by Leticia and our other finalists is inspiring and proves our future will have some resilient strong Indigenous role models that will continue making a difference", Heather said.

About the Awards:

Since the creation of the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards NSW/ACT in 2014, it has applauded the leadership, vision, excellence and commitment of young people, whilst highlighting their efforts and success. The purpose of the NSW/ACT Young Achiever awards is to acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of all young people up to and including 29 years of age.