“Leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows through shared experiences, different perspectives and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.”

That’s the philosophy behind Frontrunners, an internationally-recognised Deaf leadership programme based at Castberggård Folk High School in Denmark.

Each year, Deaf young adults from across the globe come together to learn from one another, exploring Deaf culture, sign languages, leadership, human rights, project development and community engagement. Since launching in 2005, Frontrunners has welcomed participants from more than 50 countries, creating a global network of Deaf leaders committed to strengthening their communities through collaboration and advocacy.

This year, Deafness Forum Australia’s own Lauren Patrick has been awarded a bursary and scholarship, courtesy of Deaf Connect to attend the program, embarking on a life-changing journey that will connect her with Deaf leaders from around the world.

Before she packs her bags for Denmark, we caught up with Lauren to learn more about what inspired her to apply, what she’s hoping to gain from the experience and how those learnings might one day benefit Australia’s Deaf community.

Q&A with Lauren Patrick

Congratulations on receiving a bursary to attend Frontrunners! What was your first reaction when you found out you’d been accepted?

Lauren: Thank you! I think my first reaction was, “They liked my application video?!”

I was incredibly excited and nervous, so it definitely took a moment for it to sink in! I am so grateful for the opportunity.

For readers who may not have heard of Frontrunners before, what makes the program so special within the global Deaf community?

Lauren: Frontrunners is a program that creates a space for knowledge exchange, communication, and the sharing of different perspectives within an empowering group of Deaf individuals. It encourages personal and professional development while building resilience, leadership skills, and lifelong connections across the global Deaf community.

What inspired you to apply, and what do you hope to gain from living and learning alongside Deaf leaders from around the world?

Lauren: Developing my Deaf identity and learning Auslan later in my 20’s meant I missed some influential experiences/ opportunities.

When I learned about Frontrunners, it felt like the perfect opportunity to continue that journey. My inner circle encouraged me to apply and see what would happen. I hope to gain new perspectives, learn from Deaf leaders around the world, and further develop my leadership and advocacy skills.

Throughout your time with Deafness Forum Australia, you’ve helped bring Deaf perspectives into many of our conversations. How do you think this experience will influence the way you approach advocacy and leadership in the future?

Lauren: This opportunity is important because it will deepen my understanding of human rights, Deaf Space, and leadership. My experience with Deafness Forum Australia has given me a strong platform and momentum to keep advocating for change. I believe Frontrunners will help me become a stronger advocate and leader, while giving me new tools to support and empower the Deaf community.

Frontrunners brings together participants from dozens of countries, each with different cultures, sign languages and lived experiences. What are you most looking forward to learning from your fellow students?

Lauren: I am so excited to meet everyone and learn about their Deaf cultures and communities back home. I’m looking forward to hearing their stories, understanding different perspectives, and seeing how Deaf communities around the world approach similar challenges and opportunities. Mostly, I am so thrilled to meet everyone and build on those connections.

Australia continues to make important progress in accessibility and inclusion, but there’s always more to learn. Are there particular ideas or approaches you’re hoping to bring home from Denmark?

Lauren: Absolutely! I’m interested in learning how different countries approach access to information and whether information is provided at the same time as spoken language content or with delays. I’m also interested in understanding how Deaf people access important life information and milestones, including education, employment, health information, relationships, and personal wellbeing in general.

Looking ahead, how do you hope this experience shapes your own future, and what impact would you like to have within the Deaf community over the coming years?

Lauren: I see this as a major step in my personal growth as well as in my professional growth. It is a journey that will challenge me, broaden my perspective, and strengthen my leadership skills. I hope to bring those experiences back to Australia and use them to advocate for greater access, inclusion, and opportunities for the Deaf/ Hard of hearing community here.

Building tomorrow’s leaders

Leadership isn’t simply about representing a community—it’s about listening, learning and returning with fresh ideas that help create meaningful change.

Lauren’s scholarship to Frontrunners reflects the importance of investing in Deaf leadership, not only for individual growth but for the broader benefit of communities around the world. The opportunity to exchange ideas with peers from more than 50 countries offers a rare chance to explore different approaches to advocacy, accessibility and inclusion through a truly international lens.

Everyone at Deafness Forum Australia congratulates Lauren on this exciting next chapter. We wish her every success in Denmark and look forward to seeing how the knowledge, connections and experiences she gains continue to strengthen Australia’s Deaf community for years to come.

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