2025 First Nations Strong Women, Employment & Training, Business Enterprise Conferences

Trudy Hart serves as the Director of Business Solutions at Indigenous Business Australia, a role she commenced in 2023. Leading a team dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, she facilitates business workshops, access to resources, and commercial finance to support entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses.

Before joining Indigenous Business Australia, Hart held the position of Acting Deputy Under Treasurer at Queensland Treasury, where she was responsible for attracting and stimulating investment in priority industries. Prior to her move to Queensland in 2022, she held diverse leadership roles within the Victorian Government, overseeing commercial, economic, and budget functions at the Department of Treasury and Finance while also supporting health services across metropolitan, regional, and rural Victoria.

With over 20 years of experience as a senior government executive in the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, Hart has built and led multiple teams, developed strategic policies across commercial, budget, and social sectors, and implemented significant financial management reforms. With Central American heritage, she remains deeply committed to reducing inequality and increasing economic participation.

Julie Matricardi-Old, a proud Yorta Yorta woman and direct descendant of social justice advocate William Cooper, is deeply committed to continuing his lifelong work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's rights in education and economic sustainability. Residing on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, she previously spent 10 years in the secondary education sector as a TAFE educator for VETDSS and an accredited Associate Careers Practitioner, managing career-based pathway programs.

As the manager of the Melbourne Indigenous Professional Employment Program (MIPEP), Julie brings extensive expertise in business, employability, and traineeship development. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the Australian Catholic University, she has also worked as an Indigenous Academic with Moondani Balluk at Victoria University, where she taught a core curriculum subject in Australian Humanities for the Diploma of Education, before transitioning to the University of Melbourne, where she landed her "dream job."

Charged with reviewing and revitalizing MIPEP as part of the University’s commitment to Indigenous employment through the Indigenous Strategy Murmuk Djerring, Julie has successfully increased participation by 200% and delivered a first-year retention outcome of 100%—a milestone in the program’s history. Dedicated to expanding Indigenous participation and eliminating barriers to success in Western workplaces, she has Indigenized recruitment practices and introduced culturally enriching wrap-around support services, establishing best practices in Indigenous professional employment.

Bernice Hookey’s family lineage traces back to the Waanyi people from the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland. She embodies courage despite the fear that occasionally arises. As a solo mother, aunty, sister, cousin, colleague, and friend, she is deeply passionate about challenging the status quo.

An accomplished Lead Facilitator for an Indigenous National Women’s Empowerment program via Tranby, Bernice is also the Founder of MZB Empowerment. She is widely recognized as a Changemaker, Difference Maker, and Cycle Breaker, as well as a published author, mentor, and multi-award winner. Her achievements include being a finalist for national and international awards that celebrate Indigenous Excellence and Leadership.

Bernice has overcome challenges related to disempowerment, feelings of unworthiness, and well-being depreciation, navigating limited opportunities and barriers to self-expression within cultural spaces. Through experiential learning, she has lived these realities firsthand and continues to thrive.

As both a participant and now a Fellow of a globally recognized top 10 leadership program, Bernice has developed invaluable leadership skills that have strengthened her confidence. These skills, combined with her grassroots-led leadership approach, drive her mission to advance generational equity. Above all, she remains a steadfast cheerleader for families and communities, inspiring those around her with her unwavering dedication and vision.

Jyi Lawton is a proud Bidjara man from Central West Queensland and the Chief Executive Officer of AEMEE, the leading industry body for Indigenous businesses in the resources and renewable energy sectors. Under his leadership, AEMEE drives sustainability, economic growth, and genuine Indigenous outcomes across these industries.

Bringing extensive experience from operational and senior leadership roles in both State and Federal Government, Jyi has a multidisciplinary academic background spanning Architectural Design, Law, Justice, and Business. His career has traversed various sectors, including serving as CEO of Triple A, an Indigenous community-controlled multimedia organization, and leading the National Indigenous Business program for Indigenous Business Australia.

Beyond his executive roles, Jyi has contributed significantly to Indigenous governance and advocacy, serving on the Boards of the National Indigenous Radio Service, ATSICHS Brisbane, and Karalumba. He is also the founding Chairperson of the Queensland First Nations Media Coalition and a Member of the Australian Institute of Corporate Governance.

Guided by a vision that economic development through Indigenous-led businesses can be a powerful catalyst for change, Jyi champions entrepreneurship as a pathway to sovereignty, opportunity, and lasting impact. His leadership reshapes business practices by embedding sustainability, equity, and Indigenous cultural knowledge at the core of economic systems—ensuring Indigenous voices are central to solutions that benefit all.

Dr. Joseph B. Stone, PhD is an Anasaki-pikuni ceremonialist and traditionalist and member of the OKKAN (Sundance), the Last Star Thunder Medicine Pipe and Beaver Lodge. Dr. Stone works at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga – a Kaupapa Māori Health Provider; Awhina Whanu Family Services, and the Napier Family Centre all located in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. He has clinical experience with adult prisoners & corrections and juvenile justice in both New Zealand and USA. He is affiliated with the National Centre on Trauma and Project Making Medicine – Indian Health Service Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse at Oklahoma State University. He has presented to, and served as consultant to, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs of Native Youth Suicide. Dr. Stone’s publications include articles on trauma, suicide, and other cultural & behavioural issues.

Dr. Amber R. Logan is a traditional Kahungunu Māori wahine, a New Zealand Health Psychologist and Doctoral Fellow in Public Health at Otago University. She teaches health psychology course work at the University of Auckland & Otago University and is well-known in New Zealand for her work in methamphetamine education and community activism. She is a consummate grant writer, health services evaluator and health services program designer. She has presented extensively in Australia, Canada, and the USA at Harvard University, the University of Washington, and to the US Federal Government.

Maria Callaghan is a nurse-midwife and a proud descendant of the Bol-anon tribe from her mother’s side and the mountain-dwelling Higaonon tribe from her father’s heritage. She completed her Australian Migration Law degree at Australian Catholic University. With over three centuries of Spanish rule and occupation of the Philippines, Maria knows too well the long-term effect of colonization the most devastating consequences for her people were the loss of cultural identity as her ancestors were chronically stripped of their unique traditions and languages from forced assimilation, coercion into adopting Spanish culture, Catholicism and cultural suppression that led to significant disconnect with their ancestral roots. The encomienda system, which granted Spanish colonizers control over Indigenous labour subjected her ancestors to brutal working conditions often without fair compensation and exploited their country's resources which continues to shape the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Philippines today. Maria has more than 20 years of experience in nursing and midwifery, health management, workforce development, event management, law and business. She’s passionate about building compassionate communities and has trained more than six hundred compassionate community connectors to date from Weipa in the Cape & Torres to Birtinya in Sunshine Coast where mobilised community connectors are making a difference and supporting families in communities one at a time. 

Mark Robertson is a highly acclaimed and talented musician, MC, producer and secondary school teacher. Mark has built a solid reputation with his teaching methods. Mark’s achievements in this field were recognised when he was awarded the 2009 Young Social Pioneer of the Year Award for Innovative projects toward social and educational change, and his work with Indigenous youth earned him national recognition by being one of 20 Australians invited to meet His Royal Highness Prince Harry at Kirrabilli house in 2013. Mark was also a final nominee for 2011 Australian of Year Award and 2014 finalist for New York global citizens award.

John, a Traditional Custodian of the Gold Coast region and a Kombumerri man of the Yugambeh Language Group, is a prominent Aboriginal leader. He has shared his cultural knowledge, expertise, and protocol with numerous organizations, communities, and individuals, supporting many in reaching their potential. Over his 20-year tenure at Griffith University, he worked initially in the College of Art and later as a Senior Learning Assistance Officer with the GUMURRII Unit. John also played a key role in the GC2018 Yugambeh Elders Group, traveling to Auckland to receive the Queen’s Baton from the Maori people, signifying the start of the Australian leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

As Chair of the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance board, John significantly contributes to its development. He has provided Welcomes at major events across the Yugambeh language region, including the opening of the Home of the Arts (HOTA), Broadbeach Blues Festival, and various National Rugby events. Known for his cultural expertise and knowledge of government, education, tourism, and conservation, John is a respected figure in South East Queensland and continues to be an exemplary leader, role model, and advocate for the First Peoples of Australia.

Megan Van Den Berg is a Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Boon Wurrung woman who have a strong history of collaboration on design/arts-based projects and co-founded ​Kinya Lerrk with fellow artist, Emma Bamblett which focuses on using design and art to make homes and offices come alive with colourful designs which celebrate Aboriginal culture and respectfully acknowledge traditional owners of land.

Emma Bamblett is a proud Wemba Wemba woman with connections to the Ngadjonji, Gunditjmara and Taungurung people. Emma is the Statewide Coordinator for Aboriginal Cultural Planning at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and is the manager of Deadly Story. She is also a visual artist who paints with bright and vibrant acrylic colours, often representing the journeys of cultural connection for children, young people and families she meets in her role. Emma is the co-owner of Kinya Lerrk which focuses on using design and art to make homes and offices come alive with colourful designs which celebrate Aboriginal culture and respectfully acknowledge traditional owners of land.

Sharon Winsor is a proud Ngemba Weilwan woman and the founder of Indigiearth, a 100% Aboriginal-owned business based in Mudgee, NSW. A trained chef and cultural educator, Sharon has become one of Australia’s most celebrated Indigenous culinary figures. Through Indigiearth, she shares native foods, skincare, and immersive cultural experiences that honour 60,000 years of Aboriginal knowledge. Her work blends traditional wisdom with modern enterprise, empowering communities and promoting cultural pride across Australia and beyond.

Keiena Aspinall-Ivey is a proud First Nations woman and a passionate advocate for financial empowerment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. With a background in mainstream banking—including roles at Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia—she brings a wealth of experience to her current work in community development and financial education. As a former Community Development and Project Officer at the First Nations Foundation, Keiena has co-hosted culturally grounded webinars like Rich Blak Women – Financial Fitness, supporting Indigenous women to build confidence, financial literacy, and self-determination.

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Aunty Mary Graham is a Kombumerri and Wakka Wakka Elder, philosopher, and educator whose work has profoundly shaped Aboriginal political philosophy and cultural education in Australia. As Elders Chairperson of the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance, she provides cultural leadership and guidance to support the preservation and revitalisation of Yugambeh knowledge systems and community governance.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Aunty Mary has worked across government, academia, and community sectors. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Political Science at the University of Queensland and co-founder of The BlackCard, a cultural competency training initiative grounded in Aboriginal Terms of Reference. Her teachings centre on the principle that “land is the law”, advocating for relationality, custodianship, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

Aunty Mary has served as Commissioner for Queensland Corrective Services, a Regional Councillor with ATSIC, and a founding member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. She continues to mentor, teach, and advocate for ethical leadership grounded in Country and community.

Emma is a Bundjalung woman from Northern NSW, her family from Cabbage Tree Island/Ballina area. She is a mum and potter, and lives in bush in Bagotville NSW. Emma is the Academic Lead for Aboriginal Health Education at the University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney based in Lismore which involves working with medical and allied health students visiting the Northern Rivers area from around Australia. Education goals for the students while living in a rural location is to understand the Aboriginal health environment, effects of past government policy and the current health status of Aboriginal people. Working with people to help them to identify their own attitudes and behaviours when working with Aboriginal people is a passion, and her way of being part of a better future. Her role also includes developing and implementing an Aboriginal health careers program for high school students called Baribunmani Wanyi Ngay – I dreamed of you – Health Careers for young Aboriginal People. Emma is also completing an MPhil (Med), the subject The efficacy of the provision Dose Administration Aids for Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander peoples living on the North Coast of NSW. With over 18 years’ experience in the Aboriginal and mainstream not-for-profit sectors in the Northern Rivers in both health and community organisations. She was the Manager for Aboriginal Health at the North Coast Primary Health Network and was a part of the at the beginning of the life of Bullinah AHS, and ACCHS based in Ballina. Emma subsequently managed the service as 2IC/Practice Manager for over six years.

Mrs. Wilcock is the Manager of Aboriginal Services for Tafe Digital NSW, and she also holds a seat on both their Aboriginal Review Implementation Committee and Aboriginal Strategic Advisory Board. Mrs. Wilcock is extremely competent in the Education and Training Sector having taught in Public schools for many years after attaining her Bachelor of Education. She then went on to graduate with a Masters of Indigenous Language Education in 2015 before moving into her current role.