Holly Otto

At just the beginning of her professional journey, Holly Otto is an advocate for human rights. A graduate of The University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, Holly currently works as an Associate to a District Court Judge and is a 2025 Young Australians in International Affairs (YAIA) Fellow. Her academic and professional achievements are impressive, but it is her lived experience and passion for social justice that set her apart.

Between the ages of eight and twelve, Holly lived on and off near a village on one of Vanuatu’s main islands—an experience she describes as transformative.

“I grew up close to our local village, where I played with the local kids. We had some wonderful people who would come and work with my parents in the garden or building the house. I was embraced by a village environment. It was a very unique experience, and I didn’t realise how transformative it was until I came back to Australia and took stock,” she says.

Holly reflects on the community and support, noting a generosity in people that wasn’t present in Australia.

“I remember everyone being so generous. The ‘mummas’ would take you in and fuss over you. You’d eat as a big extended family, wear the custom dresses and go to church with them all. I just remember an overwhelming sense of kindness. Everyone would share whatever they had. They didn’t seem to need all the things we take for granted in Australia and I think as an 8 year old that was a really key takeaway,” she says.

Alongside the joy and connection, Holly also became aware of more sobering realities such as the limitations placed on women and the generational cycles of domestic violence.

“I loved the community mentality that underpins the pacific nations, but it also hides a lot of issues. There are many customary ideas of what a family should look like and what a woman’s place in society is. These traditional ideas really control how women are able to go about their lives. This makes breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma even more difficult. A lot of victims of domestic violence grew up seeing this family dynamic as normal, and that’s what their kids grow up seeing. It’s often hard for that cycle to be broken when that’s all that you’re exposed to,”

“Seeing poverty and the power of traditional ideas are two things that really stayed with me. This is what draws me to a career in human rights and gender focused development in the region. Australians and New Zealanders are very present in the Pacific but as a kid I didn’t know what our countries were doing to address gender inequality or lack of education. Now as an adult, I can not only find out, but figure out ways to better tackle these issues.” she says.

Now, through her YAIA Fellowship, Holly channels those insights into writing and research that shed light on the region’s complexities. For her, it’s a way to stay engaged with the Pacific beyond her day job—and to reframe narratives that too often reduce the region to its challenges.

“The Pacific is so culturally rich. Every country is its own little microcosm of amazing traditions. People often focus on the problems within the region, but I also want to highlight what these communities are doing right — and how we can find the perfect balance between tradition with modernity.”

As someone who has studied, travelled, and lived around the world, including in Samoa, Singapore, Greece and Edinburgh, Holly encourages anyone still navigating their academic paths to follow their curiosity, not just a career plan.

 “The idea that at 18 you have to choose a degree that sets you up for life is a little ridiculous. I got lucky with my choices. They led me to opportunities that changed what I prioritised in life.”

“Do things you’re genuinely interested in, not just what looks good on a resume. Take opportunities that open you up to different places and experience, even if it seems like a pause in your trajectory. That curiosity might unveil something unexpected. Obviously be a little realistic about your future, but don’t make choices based on the job you think you wanted at 18.”

In 2025 Emmanuel College is celebrating 50 years since women were admitted to the College. If you know of an inspirational female-identifying alumnus, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at alumni@emmanuel.uq.edu.au.