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Canada Jenkins, a 23-year-old Exeter University graduate with a degree in Politics and Russian Language, has been selected as a member of the Young People’s Development Group (YPDG) 2025, according to a recent announcement.

During her academic career, Jenkins focused her research on intersectional feminism, power structures within politics and society, and developing critical approaches to interpreting media and political texts. Her selection to the YPDG represents a significant opportunity to apply these academic interests in a practical setting aimed at creating social change.

While studying at Exeter, Jenkins demonstrated her initiative and leadership abilities by independently securing financial backing from local businesses and later from the university itself. These resources were used to organize events supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting gender safety on campus, showing her commitment to social advocacy from an early stage in her career.

“As a member of the YPDG 2025, I hope to further amplify marginalized voices and facilitate collaborative action and advocacy for social and political change,” Jenkins stated.

The YPDG serves as a platform for politically engaged young people to address contemporary challenges facing their generation. Jenkins expressed particular interest in tackling systemic inequality, promoting digital wellbeing, and improving access to services for vulnerable populations and their caregivers.

Jenkins brings to the YPDG not only her academic background but also a range of personal interests that inform her perspective on social and political issues. She regularly engages with multilingual political commentary, studies foreign languages, and pursues online courses in history, art, and literature. Her intellectual curiosity extends particularly to radical feminist thought, which she describes as a personal passion.

The appointment comes at a time when young people’s voices in policy development are increasingly recognized as essential. Youth-led initiatives like the YPDG have gained prominence in recent years as governments and organizations seek to address generational disparities in political representation and policy outcomes.

Jenkins describes the current period as a “digital epoch” presenting “generationally-unique adversities” for young people. This framing acknowledges the distinct challenges facing Generation Z and younger Millennials, who have come of age during unprecedented technological transformation and its accompanying social changes.

The YPDG 2025 is expected to focus on collaborative approaches to policy development, bringing together diverse perspectives from young people across various backgrounds. Jenkins’ background in Russian language and politics may provide valuable insights into international dimensions of youth advocacy and policy formation.

Her appointment reflects a broader trend in political engagement among recent graduates, many of whom are seeking structured opportunities to influence policy beyond traditional electoral participation. Organizations like the YPDG offer pathways for direct involvement in developing recommendations and initiatives that address youth concerns.

As youth unemployment, mental health challenges, housing affordability, and climate anxiety continue to affect young people disproportionately, forums like the YPDG become increasingly relevant. Jenkins’ focus on systemic inequality positions her to address these interconnected issues through the group’s work.

The YPDG 2025 is expected to begin its activities in the coming months, with members collaborating on research, policy recommendations, and advocacy initiatives targeting key areas of concern for young people across the country.