Aaliyah is a 17-year-old young woman from Western Sydney who identifies as Australian with Lebanese and Māori heritage. Independent, creative, and determined, Aaliyah has recently developed a strong interest in automotive mechanics and aspires to open her own workshop one day, where she hopes to train and support other young women in trades.
Aaliyah entered out-of-home care at the age of 11 due to instability at home, including parental neglect and exposure to violence. The frequent placement changes made it difficult for her to feel secure or supported.
In her early teens, she became involved in a postcode gang, where she says she first experienced a sense of belonging. However, over time, she found herself in high-risk situations and activities that ultimately led to her being taken into custody at 16.
Since entering a youth justice centre and engaging with the Stand As One mentoring program, Aaliyah has taken meaningful steps to change her life’s direction. She’s built a trusting relationship with her mentor and has been open in discussing her experiences, showing strong self-awareness and a desire to grow.
Aaliyah’s interest in mechanics was sparked during a Trade Expo at the youth justice centre, where TAFE representatives and local employers presented pathways into the automotive industry. She left the session inspired and motivated, sharing that working with engines gives her a sense of calm and focus.
She has begun sketching ideas for a future business name and logo for her dream garage—envisioned as a safe, welcoming space where young women, especially those from tough backgrounds, can learn a trade and feel empowered.
She’s also passionate about helping others avoid the path she once took. Aaliyah has shared a desire to mentor young girls who might be at risk of gang involvement, using her own story as a tool for change. Her leadership skills are already emerging—she often contributes to group discussions about identity, decision-making, and resilience.
Aaliyah has set a goal to improve her literacy skills so she can confidently navigate technical materials in automotive training. She’s asked for beginner-friendly books, particularly visual guides related to car mechanics and self-help content that supports emotional regulation.
Recently, Aaliyah took part in a henna tattoo and self-care/mindfulness workshop facilitated by the SHINE for Kids Lead Mentor at the centre.
The session provided a calm, culturally respectful space for the girls to express themselves artistically and explore self-care practices. Aaliyah created a symbolic henna design that reflected strength and personal growth, and she shared that the experience helped her feel “more in control, and more connected to myself.”
She also enjoyed the mindfulness techniques introduced during the session, which she’s begun applying in her daily routine to manage stress and conflict.
Culturally, Aaliyah has started to reconnect with her Māori heritage through music, language, and visual art. She’s expressed that embracing her culture is helping her build confidence and understand her identity more deeply.
With her release approaching, Aaliyah is preparing to enrol in a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation at TAFE. She will be supported by SHINE for Kids through her transition and has been connected with a local mechanic who has offered informal mentoring and work experience.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Aaliyah says: “I’ve made mistakes, but I’m learning from them. I used to think things were always going to be the same, but mentoring has helped me see that I can make different choices.”
*Please note that the names of young people have been changed to protect confidentiality
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