Victor Asoyo – Paying It Forward Through Mentoring, Leadership and Service

Victor Asoyo has been a board member of the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation for approximately two years. His involvement with the Foundation began several years earlier when he volunteered as a mentor in its school-based mentoring program, Onwards & Upwards, at Mabel Park State High School.

He is the Managing Partner of Brisbane- and Sydney-based law firm Baystone Legal.

Victor first heard about the Foundation through a chance conversation at an event and decided to volunteer. Although he had previous mentoring experience, both professionally and personally, his involvement with the Foundation provided an opportunity to work directly with young people in schools. He mentored through the school-based program for approximately two years before stepping back when he joined the Foundation’s board.

Victor found the mentoring experience particularly rewarding because it gave him the opportunity to give back while helping young people develop a more positive mindset and recognise the opportunities available to them.

For Victor, one of the most rewarding aspects was seeing how relatively simple conversations could make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life, particularly for those who might otherwise be heading in the wrong direction.

“Kids are kids. I enjoy watching them go from not knowing much to learning something, taking it on board and flourishing,” he said.

“Mentoring is ultimately about giving young people an opportunity to become better versions of themselves.

“Rather than solving problems for them, mentors can provide young people with the tools and guidance they need to make their own progress.”

When an opportunity arose to join the  Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation board, Victor saw it as another way to contribute. Having never previously served on a board, he also viewed the role as a valuable learning experience.

Mentoring has also been an important part of Victor’s professional life. He has mentored younger professionals in the workplace and has benefited from mentors throughout his own career. One particularly influential former boss from around 15 years ago remains in contact with him and continues to be someone with whom he can share ideas and seek advice.

After completing his education and beginning his legal career in South Australia, and while remaining a dedicated Adelaide Crows supporter, Victor moved to Queensland in pursuit of new career opportunities. He interviewed for a position in Brisbane, secured the role, and has remained in Queensland ever since.

Victor believes the Foundation is doing an excellent job and sees significant potential to broaden the reach of its mentoring programs. He is particularly interested in extending mentoring opportunities beyond schools and making them available to young people as they move into apprenticeships, employment and other stages of their development.

He sees this as a natural extension of the support young people receive during their school years.

His message to people considering becoming mentors is simple:

“Most people have benefited from someone else’s support or guidance at some stage in their lives, so mentoring is an opportunity to give something back and pass that support forward.”

Victor also supports Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation through his professional work. His firm has undertaken pro bono legal work for the Foundation, and he has hosted young people from the Foundation for work experience placements, providing them with valuable exposure to a professional workplace. Baystone Legal has also sponsored Corporate Lunch events for the Foundation’s fundraising and provided network introductions to help grow the impact that it delivers to young people who need a hand up.

Overall, Victor sees the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation’s expansion into workplace and apprenticeship-focused programs as a positive development that broadens the number of young people the Foundation can reach while providing greater continuity of support as they transition from school into working life.

The Foundation is holding over 80 programs in 2026 in Queensland, with its more than 600 active volunteer mentors focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.

To learn more or donate, visit:  www.inspiringbrighterfutures.com
ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected].