Rising Star 2025

Arhamah Haider on stage at the JSP Women’s Awards 2025 . Marty Strecker Photgraphy

Arhamah Haider's nomination reads like the pages of a "Little People, Big Dreams" book, yet her story is only just beginning. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things that we are bound to read about her in the future. Her journey is a testament to the power of courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. From a young age, Arhamah was inspired by the sacrifices and strength of her immigrant mother, a doctor who worked tirelessly to provide for her family, while her father worked away. This early exposure to hard work and perseverance instilled in Arhamah a deep sense of responsibility and a drive to break barriers.

At just 15 years old, Arhamah made history by becoming the youngest Minister in the Queensland Youth Parliament. Her leadership in drafting and championing a bill to improve the lives of thousands of Queenslanders showcased her commitment to real-world problem-solving. Leading peers much older than herself with wisdom and determination, Arhamah demonstrated that age is no barrier to making meaningful change.

Arhamah's impact extends far beyond Queensland. She had the immense honor of representing Australia at the United Nations Youth Council in New Zealand. There, she debated alongside future world leaders on urgent global issues like transnational crime and reforming the Security Council. Her powerful arguments and collaborative approach earned her recognition as one of the best delegates, gaining the respect of diplomats, ambassadors, and youth leaders from around the globe. This experience highlighted her potential to influence global policy and inspire young women everywhere.

In Australia, Arhamah co-founded The Gratitude Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and children in disadvantaged situations. Alongside four other exceptional young women, Arhamah created a lifeline for those in need by providing resources, mentorship, and hope. This initiative is a testament to her belief in the power of collaboration and her unwavering commitment to lifting others up.

Despite her extraordinary achievements, Arhamah remains deeply rooted in her community. She has served as president of her Zonta Club and Secretary of her school’s Interact program, advocating for gender equality and inspiring her peers to give back. Through it all, she has maintained outstanding academic performance, showing that she is not only a leader but also a disciplined and dedicated student.

The warmth and pride with which Arhamah's younger sister nominated her for this award is a testament to her influence on other young women. Her sister's admiration reflects the profound impact Arhamah has had on those around her, inspiring them to believe in themselves and strive for greatness. Arhamah's vision of empowerment is a ripple effect. When one woman rises, she brings others with her. She creates spaces where women feel seen, valued, and supported, actively engaging in conversations about the challenges women face and the ways to collectively overcome them. Through mentorship, sharing resources, and leading initiatives like The Gratitude Initiative, Arhamah uplifts and inspires other women to reach their full potential.

In her nomination, Arhamah’s sister said, “Arhamah is truly a Rising Star,” and we wholeheartedly agree. Arhamah embodies the qualities of a trailblazer, a compassionate leader, and an inspiring role model. Her journey is a shining example of what young women can achieve when they believe in themselves and take action. She is not just focused on her own success; she is dedicated to creating lasting change and empowering others to do the same. Arhamah's story is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big, no goal is out of reach, and every young woman deserves the opportunity to be her full, authentic self.

Thanks to Jenna from Jim’s Driving School Central Queensland for sponsoring the Rising Star category.