
Wil Massara is an accomplished Australian social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and youth advocate, committed to empowering the next generation to lead with confidence, purpose, and resilience.
Wil’s leadership journey began in 2016 when he attended the Magic Moments Youth Leadership & Business Summit (YLBS) as a participant, supported by his local Bendigo Community Bank. That experience sparked his long-standing commitment to youth development and now, nearly a decade later, Wil leads the very same summit as its General Manager, overseeing its strategic direction and continuing to foster the community that shaped him.
Wil launched his first business at just 11 years old, building an aviation website to reduce travel stress for families. By age 15, he had formed partnerships with major airlines such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines. These early ventures introduced him to business fundamentals and the power of purpose-driven innovation.
In 2018, Wil founded Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA). It has grown into Australia’s largest youth-led leadership provider, reaching over 50,000 students and partnering with more than 1,500 schools. YLAA delivers conferences and programs that develop leadership, life skills, and self-belief in young Australians.
In 2025, Wil was named the WA Young Achiever in Community Leadership, recognising his lasting contributions to youth empowerment. He will also represent Australia at the Global Changemakers Summit in Cape Town, joining other international leaders to shape youth engagement at a global scale.
Wil also contributes to youth engagement strategies for local and state governments, collaborates with the Road Safety Commission WA, and co-hosts Podclass: Leading the Education Sector, a podcast for educators exploring Gen Z leadership and education.
In 2024, Wil transitioned YLAA into a Not For Profit, ensuring that the impact of the organisation is sustainable. Though he left high school before completing Year 12, Wil completed his MBA by age 21, modelling his belief in non-traditional learning, entrepreneurship, and continuous growth.
Wil's story, from young participant to national leader, is a powerful example of what is possible when opportunity meets courage. His work continues to uplift young people across Australia and the world, equipping them with the tools and belief to create meaningful change.