Australian Adoption Podcast - My Unknown Truth
Sharing stories and experiences of Australians who have been through Adoption and Foster Care. The stories are sometimes complex and tackle difficult issues which span over 50 plus years. From children that have been in an under resourced system to Australia's traumatic history of forced adoptions and the stolen generations. But through this darkness comes light - there are also stories of hope, courage resilience and love. My Unknown Truth is hosted by Nadia Levett, born and raised in Australia and is a child of Adoption. It is my wish that by sharing a range of experiences will lead to increased awareness and understanding around Foster Care and Adoption in Australia, facilitate informed discussion and encourage more people to share their story, open listeners hearts, minds and maybe homes to children in need.
Australian Adoption Podcast - My Unknown Truth
Episode 36 - "Empowered Voices: Emily Hikaiti Elevating Youth in Australia's Care System"
Welcome to Season 3 of the Australian Adoption Podcast, with your host, Nadia Levett.
In today’s episode I’m joined by the inspiring Emily Hikaiti. Emily is an Australian-born Māori woman with a powerful story and a deep commitment to youth advocacy. Drawing from her lived experience in Australia’s out-of-home care system, Emily has become a passionate voice for change, working both nationally and internationally to shape policies and improve outcomes for young people in care.
From becoming a mother in high school to representing youth voices at the highest levels—as a director with International Foster Carers Organisation, a board member with CREATE Foundation, brand ambassador and changemaker with Adopt Change—Emily’s impact is extraordinary.
Join us for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation as we explore Emily’s journey, the challenges within the care system, and the vital work being done to create a brighter future for young people.
A special thank you to Emily Hikaiti for sharing her journey, her insights, and the incredible work she’s doing to elevate youth voices in care, I will be continuing to follow Emily and will keep you all updated with the release of her upcoming documentary which is due to come out this August.
If you found this conversation meaningful, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who might benefit.
For more episodes and updates, follow us on your favorite podcast platform and connect with us on social media.
Until next time, I’m Nadia Levett—take care, and thank you for being part of this important conversation.
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The Australian Adoption Podcast with host Nadia Levett!
