Bridge Building Podcast Episode 81: Datta Podcast: Agents of Change – Social Impact & Storytelling with Margaret O'Brien and Natasha Ratajczek
Description
Episode Overview
In Episode 81 of the Bridge Building Podcast, host Stephen Anderson previews two inspiring sessions from the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference.
Margaret O'Brien, CEO and co-founder of Young Change Agents, is our Friday morning keynote. She shares how design and technologies education can be a springboard for young people to solve real-world problems and create social impact. Margaret offers a powerful call to action for teachers as mentors, changemakers, and facilitators of "FLARN"—failing and learning.
Natasha Ratajczek from the Queensland State Library joins us to discuss their free, state-wide programs that bring research skills, cultural artefacts, and design thinking into the classroom—no matter your school's location. She previews her Live at the Library demo and Friday tours, connecting educators with resources designed for creative problem solving and empathetic learning.
This episode will spark ideas, elevate your teaching, and get you excited for the upcoming conference.
🔑 Key Topics Discussed
Margaret O'Brien (Young Change Agents)
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Design thinking for social innovation
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Empowering students with agency and confidence
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Real school case studies & free classroom resources
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Bridging schools with industry and social enterprise
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The mentor role of design and tech educators
Natasha Ratajczek (Queensland State Library)
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Live at the Library: free online workshops for QLD schools
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Promoting information literacy, research skills & empathy
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Connecting students with real design stories and artefacts (e.g., the Queen's Baton)
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State-wide outreach to regional and rural classrooms
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Guided tours & professional learning at the Library
🗓 Conference Details
Date: June 19–20, 2025
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
🔗 Register Here
🏆 Awards Nominations
Deadline: May 31, 2025
🔗 Submit Nominations
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
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