Martin Garred is a town planner and Director of Civity; a company that delivers progressive city advisory and planning strategy services. The firm utilises its millennial edge, assisted by creativity and innovation in all facets of urban and regional planning policy, to offer clients a fresh approach to strategic and statutory town planning.

Through his work at Civity, Martin encourages and supports lateral and progressive thinking – inspiring creative solutions to urban growth challenges and producing evidence-based policy.

Originally from Brisbane, Martin moved to the Gold Coast over ten years ago, after graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Urban Development (Urban and Regional Planning).

Carla Tooma is a Presenter, MC, Journalist and Radio Announcer. Seen and heard by thousands daily, Carla delivers the latest scoop on myGC.com.au and 1029 Hot Tomato. The multi-skilled media personality covers everything from current affairs and public interest stories, through to lifestyle and A-list red carpet events.

She is also one of the most sought after MC’s in South East Queensland, regularly hosting major events across the region. With an approachable style and natural ability to connect with audiences, Carla is adept at hosting panel discussions with city leaders at business functions, as she is chatting beauty tips with influencers in front of thousands of screaming fans.

As a born and bred Gold Coaster, Carla is driven by creating more job opportunities for locals and growing and strengthening the Coast’s cultural amenities and offerings.

Mary Grant is a co-director and founder of McTaggart Grant Lawyers, an agile and boutique law firm providing premium corporate and commercial legal services on the Gold Coast.  Mary is an accomplished corporate and business lawyer and a key legal advisor to a range of local and national businesses.

Mary is passionate about and enjoys guiding early-stage and high-growth businesses from inception to maturity, having acted for start-ups, investors, founders and family businesses as well as SMEs, shareholders, directors, partnerships and listed companies.

Originally a country girl from Toowoomba, Mary moved to the Gold Coast over 10 years ago to study at Bond University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and International Relations (Business).

Mary believes given the rapid growth and transformation of our City, it is integral to our business community to maintain a platform like the YP to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of our City and to connect the City leaders of today with the aspiring leaders of tomorrow.

Ania Salehirad is a Solicitor at IP Partnership, a boutique legal and advisory firm specialising in Franchising, Intellectual Property and commercial law. Ania completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA), Juris Doctor (JD) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) at Bond University.  As a Canadian native who now calls Gold Coast home, Ania is passionate about driving innovation and growth that is unique to Gold Coast’s identity.

Rosie is an Account Manager at one of Australia’s longest established and most trusted firms, Promedia Public Relations. Since 1983, the firm has delivered effective communications strategies for hundreds of clients across a variety of business, government and community sectors. With a strong background in journalism, Rosie works on media campaigns for a diverse portfolio of clients including leading ASX-listed companies and private organisations across the country. Before joining Promedia, Rosie was a journalist at the Gold Coast Bulletin and shed light on some the city’s biggest stories, issues and events. She has also interviewed some of Australia’s biggest names, like Camilla Franks, Bec + Bridge and Rachel Griffiths.

James is a Corporate Affairs Executive at Queensland Airports Limited, managing internal and external communication activities across the QAL Group, which includes Gold Coast Airport. James’ prior experience is in PR consultancy, where he created and managed national PR campaigns for private and publicly listed companies. James attended Bond University, graduating with a Bachelor of Jurisprudence with a major in Public Relations.

Giulia Badalotti is a passionate public relations professional with over eight years of experience in the industry, working with locally and internationally recognised travel brands, destinations and attractions, plus a host of events, festivals and corporates. Her expertise lies in helping clients drive visitation to their events, engage stakeholders and raise their personal and business profile through media exposure.

Giulia has a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Bond University and ran Puzzle PR on the Gold Coast for the past four years. She is now Marketing & Communications Manager at Gold Coast based Expeirence Oz, Australia’s leading online tours and attractions provider, offering over 3,000 tourism and lesiure experences across Australia and New Zealand.

Born and bred on the Gold Coast, Giulia is a passionate champion for business, tourism, arts and culture within this vibrant city.

Morgan is the Senior Social Media and Brand Officer – Study Queensland at Trade and Investment Queensland, the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency.

Morgan is responsible for the development and implementation of Study Queensland’s social media strategy and works with colleagues across 12 global offices to manage Queensland’s international education and training brand. Prior to this, Morgan was part of the team at Study Gold Coast, helping shape and promote the cities education and training industry.

After moving to the Gold Coast from Albury in 2011 to study marketing, communications and public relations at Griffith University, Morgan has watched the Gold Coast evolve into a city rich in culture, talent and opportunity and is passionate about showcasing this to the world.

Flynn is the co-founder and Managing Director of Stead Lane, a leading Gold Coast digital agency who help clients to reach new customers and grow revenue by providing innovative solutions and ensuring quality return on digital marketing investments. Flynn will continue to ensure YP Gold Coast maintains excellent relationships with its sponsors and external partners.

Jessica Thomas is an Associate at OMB and practices in property and commercial law. Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Jessica has strong ties to the community. Her motivation is to maintain relationships and rapport with clients and like-minded professionals, through networking and the delivery of quality legal advice. Jessica is passionate about fostering the city’s young talent and believes the Gold Coast is on the verge of greatness, providing that we embrace change and transformation. So long as the Gold Coast people are united, she believes that we have the opportunity to assist in the development and growth of our city.