For Laura Panetta, the path to advocacy began at home. Growing up with a younger brother with Down Syndrome, she experienced firsthand the gaps between the principle and practice of inclusion at school. These early encounters left a lasting impact, fostering a deep commitment to inclusive education – one that holds greater conviction now as a Fogarty Foundation scholar at The University of Western Australia.

“Being at the same school as my brother made it very clear to me how important it was that his right to an inclusive education was respected,” Laura said. “Over time, I realised these barriers weren’t isolated; they reflected broader systemic challenges.”

This awareness led to Laura’s founding of Student Alliance 4 Inclusion (Sa4i), a youth-led movement strengthening student voices and advocating for more inclusive classrooms and systems. Through Sa4i, she has brought young people with disability and their peers together to amplify a message that is simple and transformative: inclusion benefits everyone.

Her work spans grassroots and systemic advocacy. In 2024, Sa4i became the only student-led voice in submissions to the review of the School Education Act 1999 (WA). This is a milestone that reflects the maturity of the organisation and Laura’s commitment to empowering young people.

 
Image: (L-R) Sa4i co-founder Laura Panetta, Sa4i member Matilda Philipson, Sa4i co-founder Ruby Habib, WA Youth Awards Finalist

“I’m proud not only of the contribution we made, but of the way it equipped young people to participate in shaping the laws and policies that affect their lives,” Laura said.

This sense of purpose and use of her voice to make an impact are fully aligned to the guiding principle of the Fogarty Foundation.

For more than 25 years, the Foundation has been a driving force in cultivating the next generation of Western Australian changemakers, by investing in scholarships that nurture leadership, vision and community-mindedness.

“I am incredibly grateful to the Fogarty Foundation for the opportunity to develop my leadership through the Ripple Program and to join a community of young people who are passionate about tackling complex public issues,” Laura said. “What stood out to me about the process was how thoughtfully the interview explored my values and motivations, and my experiences of leadership.”

Now studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and International Relations and History, with an assured pathway to the Juris Doctor, Laura continues to balance university life with advocacy and Sa4i, while working with an independent consultancy specialising in legal policy and practice reform – alongside commitments to private tutoring, coaching netball, and running a student social justice club.

Laura’s advice to others pursuing their passions is simple but powerful.

“Passion often creates its own opportunities. What matters most is having a strong sense of purpose and being willing to bring others along with you. Change rarely happens in silos, so put yourself out there and create spaces for others to do the same.”

Thanks to the support of the Fogarty Foundation, those spaces – and this young leader’s impact – continue to grow.

Image at top of page features Sa4i co-founder Laura Panetta, Sa4i co-founder Ruby Habib, Sa4i members Matilda Philipson and Lily Evans