Three Emerging First Nations Women Awarded 2026 Leah Armstrong Scholarship

First Nations Economics (FNE) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Leah Armstrong Scholarship, recognising emerging First Nations women pursuing studies in economics, finance and business.

The 2026 recipients are Lily Alford (Yaegl Nation), Kylah White (Wilyakali Barkindji) and Liv Coxsedge (Wiradjuri), three emerging leaders undertaking tertiary studies in disciplines that influence policy, financial systems and decision making.

Since its establishment, the scholarship has become an important platform supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women entering fields that influence policy, investment and organisational leadership.  The initiative aims to expand First Nations representation in areas where economic decisions are made.

Managing Director, Associate Professor Rick Macourt said the scholarship was designed to create lasting pathways for future leaders.

“First Nations economies are strong. Our role is to remove the barriers that have constrained their full expression. We need First Nations leadership in places where economic decisions are made,” Macourt said.

“Each year through this program we are seeing talented women step forward with a clear commitment to using their education to strengthen outcomes for their communities.”

Scholarship Patron Leah Armstrong, a Torres Strait Islander leader with extensive experience in economic development and governance, said supporting women entering economic leadership roles is critical to lasting change.

“Economic systems influence everything from investment and employment to long-term community wellbeing.  Supporting First Nations women to build expertise in economics, finance, and business strengthens our ability to shape those systems and ensure they work for our communities.”

The scholarship is delivered by First Nations Economics with support from First Nations Foundation, IAG and IBA, organisations committed to strengthening pathways for First Nations participation and leadership in Australia’s economic institutions.

2026 Leah Armstrong Scholarship Recipients

Lily Alford

Yaegal Nation | University of Sydney

Lily Alford grew up and attended school on Turrbal Country and maintains strong cultural connections to the Yaegl Nation. She is studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, majoring in Accounting and Economics with a minor in Philosophy.

Interested in the role economic policy plays in shaping opportunity and outcomes, Lily hopes to pursue a career influencing evidence-based policy that expands economic participation and supports stronger futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Kylah White

Wilyakali Barkindji | Torrens University Australia

Kylah White is a proud Wilyakali Barkindji woman from Far West New South Wales and currently serves as Manager of Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing at Western NSW Primary Health Network. She is undertaking a Bachelor of Business at Torrens University Australia while continuing her work supporting culturally safe health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Kylah hopes to strengthen community-led health services and, in the future, lead organisations that ensure decision-making remains culturally grounded and responsive to community needs.

Liv Coxsedge

Wiradjuri Nation | University of Technology Sydney

Liv Coxsedge is a proud Wiradjuri woman studying a Bachelor of Accounting (Co-op) at the University of Technology Sydney, majoring in Accounting and Management Consulting.

Through internships with industry, as well as international business case competitions, Liv has developed a strong interest in consulting and strategic problem-solving. She hopes to use these skills to support organisations and contribute to stronger economic outcomes for First Nations communities.

Gurminder Saro

Interim Chair

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and economic specialist. He leads First Nations Economics as Managing Director of Strategy and Foundation and serves as Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, Rick is deeply committed to advancing the economic development of First Peoples. As the former Director of First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes at NSW Treasury, he spearheaded the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes and established the groundbreaking First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Previously, Rick held an executive role at the Westpac Group, overseeing First Nations affairs, and has a rich history in government, monitoring, evaluation, and negotiation, with senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney, and Standards Australia.

Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, a member of the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.