Ella Lyon is the Future Student Engagement Lead at AFTRS, where she shapes and delivers recruitment and engagement strategies with a strong commitment to equity, access, and meaningful connection. Her work centres on supporting emerging creatives as they navigate pathways into screen education and the broader creative industries, ensuring that those from underrepresented and marginalised communities can see themselves in, and access, Australia’s screen sector. Ella’s career has been shaped by her drive to help people realise their passions and potential. She brings a broad understanding of education pathways, creative career trajectories, and the challenges young people face when navigating an increasingly complex and competitive employment landscape. Her experience spans one‑on‑one career support, large‑scale engagement programs, community‑led initiatives, and the design of outreach strategies that create welcoming, accessible entry points into higher education. Ella’s approach is grounded in genuine care, cultural awareness, and a people‑centred philosophy. She supports individuals to identify the learning environment, pathway, and pace that best fits their personal circumstances, identities, and aspirations. Her work is united by a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities, and in the importance of ensuring that future creative industries reflect the depth, diversity, and talent of the communities they serve.