Wissen

Empowering First Nations Women Through Education: The Leah Armstrong Scholarship

Education is one of the most powerful tools for transformation, particularly when it empowers First Nations women to lead and uplift their communities. At First Nations Economics, our mission focuses on advancing the social, cultural, and economic aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A key aspect of this mission is our dedication to education as a means of fostering sustainable change. The Leah Armstrong Scholarship is a prime example of this commitment, offering valuable opportunities for First Nations women to succeed in finance, economics, and governance—fields that are essential for creating resilient First Nations economies.

FNE believes education is more than a personal achievement; it is a community-building endeavour. By equipping First Nations women with the tools to succeed in higher education, we aim to foster leadership and expertise that will ripple across families, communities, and industries. Education transforms individual lives and addresses systemic challenges, creating a foundation for self-determination and economic independence.

Our approach goes beyond financial assistance. Through initiatives like the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, FNE nurtures leadership potential, facilitates mentorship opportunities, and connects recipients to networks that support their long-term success.

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship is named after Leah Armstrong, a pioneering Torres Strait Islander woman whose leadership has shaped the landscape of Indigenous economic empowerment. As former Chairperson of First Australians Capital and Chair of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s First Nations Advisory Group, Leah’s work exemplifies the transformative power of education and leadership. Her legacy inspires the next generation of First Nations women to pursue higher education and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The scholarship’s impact can be seen through the journeys of its recipients.

Emma Downward, a Wiradjuri and Ngarrabal woman, is studying Economics at The University of Sydney. Supported by the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, Emma has achieved a distinction average in her first year of studies. She reflects:

“The Leah Armstrong Scholarship has enabled me to fully commit to my studies, explore additional learning opportunities, and gain a holistic understanding of my field—tools I hope to use to strengthen and empower our communities.”

Emma is also interning with Commonwealth Bank’s Major Client Group in Melbourne, gaining practical experience to complement her studies.

Desirae Kilduff, a Noongar Yorga from Western Australia, used the scholarship to complete a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership at Monash University. Desirae shared:

“This scholarship has been transformative, allowing me to expand my business acumen, advocate for cultural capacity, and foster systemic change within Australian organizations.”

These stories highlight how the Leah Armstrong Scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also fosters leadership, resilience, and community impact.

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship provides recipients up to $20,000 per year for three years, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women pursuing full-time studies in finance, economics, business, and governance. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship fosters mentorship and professional development opportunities, ensuring recipients are equipped to drive change in their communities.

This program is part of FNE’s broader strategy to address the underrepresentation of First Nations women in the workforce, particularly in critical fields like economics and finance. We aim to empower these women to become leaders and changemakers by investing in their education.

FNE envisions a future where First Nations women are at the forefront of shaping Australia’s economic landscape. Our long-term goal is to see First Nations women in key industry leadership positions, using their skills and cultural knowledge to drive innovative solutions and inclusive growth.

Through the Leah Armstrong Scholarship and other initiatives, we aim to:

  • Cultivate a pipeline of leaders: Empower a generation of First Nations women to excel academically and professionally in finance, economics, and governance.
  • Break systemic barriers: Advocate for equitable opportunities in education and the workforce, addressing the underrepresentation of First Nations women in critical fields.
  • Strengthen communities: Equip women with the tools to create economic independence and resilience within their communities, ensuring sustainable development.
  • Foster global influence: Position First Nations women as leaders contributing to national and international dialogues on Indigenous economic empowerment.

At FNE, we believe that by supporting women today, we are laying the groundwork for communities to thrive for generations to come. This vision is not just about individual success but about building collective strength and ensuring that First Nations voices are represented and respected at every decision-making level.

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship is just the beginning. To continue fostering educational and professional opportunities for First Nations women, we invite individuals, organisations, and institutions to partner with us in this transformative journey.

Your support can help us:

  • Expand the reach of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship.
  • Provide additional resources such as mentoring programs, internships, and leadership workshops.
  • Advocate for greater representation of First Nations women in finance, economics, and leadership roles.

By joining forces with FNE, you are investing in First Nations women’s future and contributing to their communities’ long-term prosperity. Together, we can create a network of empowered leaders who will shape the future of our nation.

To learn more about partnership opportunities and how you can support the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, visit First Nations Economics or email info@firstnationseconomics.com.

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.