Afeeya Akhand Class of 2013

For Afeeya and her three siblings, Newcastle Grammar School was more than just a place of learning. Growing up close to the Hill Campus, family memories of Newcastle are forever intertwined with their time at NGS. Graduating as Dux in 2013, Afeeya spent 11 formative years at NGS and fondly remembers adventurous school camps, playing the viola in the orchestra and the inspiring teachers who nurtured her love of learning.

During her studies, Afeeya would come to recognise that she shared her father’s passion of academia. It began with immersing herself in subjects that fostered a broad worldview such as Geography and Modern History where she embraced her strengths and developed research skills beyond the classroom to feed her insatiable curiosity about humanity.

After graduating NGS, Afeeya embarked on a double degree in law and finance at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, followed by a role in the Department of Defence. Initially envisioning a career in corporate finance, she soon discovered an interest in national security and foreign policy, prompting her to pivot towards a master’s degree in international security at the University of Sydney. Today, as a researcher with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) in Canberra, Afeeya works on critical issues such as regional security, Asia-Australia relations, climate change, and social cohesion.

A key achievement for Afeeya is leading an ASPI report on the Australia-South Korea bilateral relationship last year, which saw her travel to South Korea to collate research insights and have her work launched by the South Korean Ambassador to Australia at an event in Canberra.

Beyond her research, Afeeya is deeply involved in advocacy, particularly in the anti-racism space. As a young Bangladeshi-Australian woman, she understands the challenges faced by marginalised communities and actively works to promote inclusive opportunities. Through her involvement with Careers in Colour, a non-profit organisation supporting professionals of colour, and her mentorship of young ANU students, she is committed to levelling the playing field for diverse voices in national security and foreign policy.

“If we are to have a foreign policy approach in Australia that is truly reflective of our people, we need to incorporate all the linguistic, cultural and racial diversity that we have in Australia”.

Looking ahead, Afeeya envisions pursuing a PhD and embracing opportunities for further travel—whether through work and conferences, reconnecting with family across the globe, or exploring new destinations for leisure. Later this year she is planning to travel to Bangladesh with her mother to visit family.

Afeeya appreciates the role NGS played in shaping her aspirations. She encourages current students to embrace their unique identities, seek mentors and allies, pay attention to the boundless opportunities ahead of them, and recognise the potential within themselves.

“During my time at NGS, having the opportunity to learn foreign languages and study Modern History and Geography, really helped me form a sense of self and develop my interests in the social sciences. This ultimately provided the academic background I needed to work in the foreign policy space”. 

Afeeya’s remarkable career and dedication to advocacy embody the spirit of NGS. Her journey is not just a celebration of success, but an inspiring reminder of the impact education, ambition, and the power of community can have in shaping a purposeful future.

“Having opportunities (in school) helped me form a sense of self, developed my interests in those areas and ultimately provided me with the background needed to work in foreign policy.”