Nathaniel Diong (张德煌) is an award-winning youth advocate, startup mentor and CEO of Future Minds Network. Future Minds gives young people agency to choose the future they want. Their school, council and government programs have helped thousands of youth land their dream careers. Focussing on career skills like creativity and communication, students learn through building their own business, charity or project. 

Some have launched their own 3D printing businesses, some started charities sending 10,000 encouragement letters to the elderly, whilst others discover careers in startups and social impact. Future Minds also helps companies recruit diverse young people and create inclusive board directorships.

As a young migrant of colour, Nathaniel is also passionate about bringing more diverse voices into the room. He’s graced the TEDx stage to inspire the next generation, designed entrepreneurship content at Monash University, and spoken about the Future of Work on an international stage. Named as 2021 Young Australian of the Year finalist, Nathaniel has mentored diverse founders in over 30 startup programs including Australia's leading venture capital firm - Blackbird Ventures. He has helped them streamline marketing, land 5 figures in funding, and even land corporate partnerships with Microsoft.

Website: 
nathanieldiong.com
futuremindsnetwork.org

Recognition
• 2021 Whitehorse Young Citizen of the Year
• 2021 Probono Australia's Impact25: Top 150
• 2021 Young Australian of the Year - Finalist
• 2020 AMP Tomorrow Maker
• 2020 City of Melbourne's Youth Champion - Finalist
• 2020 7NEWS Victorian Young Achiever of the Year - Semifinalist
• 2018 Crimson 'Student Entrepreneur of the Year' - Finalist
• 2018 SBS World News on the Refugee Crisis 
• 2017 EY Entrepreneur of the Year National Ceremony - Youngest Attendee