Talk Topics
From Survival to Purpose
A first-hand account of growing up in foster care and instability and how resilience, education, and the right people at the right time changed the course of a life.
Belonging Is the Difference
Why community and connection, more than willpower alone, are what actually change outcomes for young people doing it tough.
Doing Hard Things
The things that make you nervous are usually the ones worth doing - physio, running 175km, starting the Bridge Project - and asking not "what if it goes wrong," but what's the best thing that could come from it.
Showing Young People the Bridge
How lived-experience mentorship connects young people to others who've walked the same road, so they don't have to find their own way through alone.
The Impact of Our School Visits
68%
Willingness to reach out for help nearly doubled after the session - from 36% of students rating themselves likely to reach out beforehand, to 68% afterward.
84%
84% of students left knowing where to go for help, compared with 68% before the talk.
92%
The personal, lived-experience story was the clear driver of that shift - 92% of students said hearing a real story made it easier to imagine reaching out for help themselves.
Testimonials
“
I’ve struggled with anxiety throughout my entire high school experience, and there have been countless times when I’ve felt overwhelmed and feel like I’m drowning in my own thoughts, and I’ve always been unsure of where to turn. Hearing Natalia speak at my school about her own experiences and the journey that led her to create The Bridge Project really put things into perspective for me and inspired me to chase my goals. Her honesty, resilience and compassion reminded me that difficult circumstances don’t define me and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Year 12 Student
“
Natalia Hogan is an incredibly compelling and authentic storyteller whose work is grounded in both courage and compassion. In sharing her own experiences, she brings a rare vulnerability that powerfully communicates her desire for meaningful action and change. What is most striking is her ability to transform personal suffering into purpose, creating impactful initiatives through advocacy and fundraising for young people in need. Her voice is both genuine and inspiring, and her story continues to resonate deeply, offering hope while motivating others to make a difference.
Ryan Gato - Head of Religious education and spirituality catholic schools