Alyssia Kennedy is a life skills educator, social entrepreneur, and the 2026 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year. After leaving school and realising she lacked many essential skills needed to navigate adult life, from budgeting to taxes, Alyssia set out to ensure future generations would not face the same challenges.
She founded the Life After School program, an educational initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world knowledge. Through partnerships with schools and youth groups, Alyssia equips young Australians with practical tools to confidently transition into adulthood.
Her innovative approach earned her recognition as a 2025 ABC Trailblazer, an honour celebrating individuals creating solutions for young people in regional Australia. This achievement saw her present her ideas directly to policymakers in Canberra, amplifying her mission at a national level.
As a keynote speaker, Alyssia brings authenticity, energy, and a deeply relatable story to audiences. She speaks with passion about youth empowerment, education reform, and the importance of preparing the next generation not just to survive, but to thrive. Her presentations resonate with educators, parents, corporate leaders, and anyone invested in the future of young Australians.
