Wissen

Empowering Indigenous Leadership: Desirae’s Journey as the Inaugural Recipient of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship

My name is Desirae, and I am a proud queer Noongar Yorga from the south-west of Western Australia, also known as the wildflower state. I was born and raised on Noongar Country in Boorloo (Perth) and have had the privilege of living and working on Wurundjeri Country for the past five years. I’m currently on the cusp of graduating from the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership at Monash University, a milestone made possible through the Leah Armstrong Scholarship.

A Journey of Inspiration and Leadership

Growing up, seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in leadership roles was transformative for me. Witnessing their strength, resilience, and cultural pride helped me understand the significance of matriarchy in our communities and how I could align my purpose with this legacy. I aspired to contribute to community with the same strength and wisdom I saw in them. These experiences motivated me to apply for the Leah Armstrong Scholarship.

The scholarship, named after a leader I deeply admire, represented more than financial support—it symbolised a pathway to expand my skills, networks, and influence. It provided me the opportunity to dismantle barriers of economic access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This mission became the cornerstone of my studies and professional journey.

The Impact of the Leah Armstrong Scholarship

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. It allowed me to complete my Master of Indigenous Business Leadership, a program that not only strengthened my business acumen but also empowered me to advocate for cultural capacity and systemic change within Australian organisations.

One of the most invaluable outcomes has been the connections I’ve made. Expanding my network within #Blak business has opened doors to new opportunities and provided me with a strong support system. The community’s encouragement—through congratulations on achievements or milestones—has been priceless. It reinforces the collective pride and purpose that fuels my journey.

Advice for Aspiring Applicants

For those considering applying for the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, my message is simple: go for it. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, invest time into your application, and showcase your unique story. Share your culture, your family’s legacy, and the aspirations that drive you. Judges will see the authenticity and passion in your application if you’re prepared and genuine.

To stand out, embrace your story. Be clear about the community outcomes you are working towards and the barriers you aim to address. Programs like this are not just about individual growth—they are about uplifting the community and creating pathways for others to follow.

Building a Vision for the Future

This scholarship has shaped my vision for the future by showing me what is possible. It has equipped me with the tools to empower the next generation of leaders and advocate for economic access and education opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Programs like the Leah Armstrong Scholarship are vital for our communities. They provide the resources and encouragement needed to navigate academic and professional spaces while staying true to our cultural identities and responsibilities.

Embracing Opportunities

Again, the Leah Armstrong Scholarship is more than financial support—it’s an invitation to join a community of leaders dedicated to uplifting one another and driving change. On this journey, you’ll not only grow as an individual but also inspire and empower those around you.

I am honoured to be part of this movement. I hope to use the tools and lessons I’ve gained to contribute to the success of our communities and inspire others to do the same. First Nations women are leaders, especially when it comes to business, let’s continue celebrate #blakwomen as trailblazers and changemakers.

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.