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Ember Connect was founded with a clear mission: to enhance the social capital and economic independence of First Nations women across Australia. Born from the collective vision of a small network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, Ember Connect aims to empower women on their personal, professional and cultural journeys. By connecting them with mentors, industry experts, and peers, Ember Connect provides First Nations women with invaluable insights and guidance to accelerate their career progression.
Through a partnership with IBA, Ember Connect has expanded its online network to develop a structured mentoring program focused on personal growth, professional development, cultural connection, and healing. This unique platform not only addresses societal and economic barriers, but also fosters a collaborative environment where both First Nations women and non-Indigenous stakeholders can thrive.
The collaboration with IBA has been instrumental in propelling the platform’s growth, broadening its services, and attracting wider stakeholder support. Narelle Henry, a Noongar yorga and General Manager of Ember Connect, highlights the significance of this development in the organisation’s evolution.
“Creating a mentoring framework tailored for First Nations women was both a challenging and rewarding experience. We began by examining best-practice mentoring models from around the world, but through a co-design process with our women, we adapted the model to ensure it operates through a First Nations cultural lens,” Narelle explained. “Providing our women with greater autonomy is essential to their career development, professional satisfaction, and ultimate success.”
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, participants had access to resources and workshops designed to enhance their skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities. While the program maintained an overarching structure, it was designed to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of participants, offering flexibility that allowed them to engage meaningfully without overwhelming their existing commitments.
The mentoring program is deeply rooted in a growth mindset, fostering self-confidence, self-awareness, and holistic development. Women are encouraged to explore their passions, set and achieve personal and professional goals, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
Measuring the impact of the program and its ability to increase economic opportunities for women is a top priority for Narelle and her team. Within just 12 months, Ember Connect’s registered user base has doubled to over 3,400 First Nations women and 940 non-Indigenous allies. Fifty women successfully completed the six-month mentoring trial, and an additional 18 women are currently engaged in active mentoring relationships.
Participants in the trial have acknowledged the program’s culturally respectful design. One mentee shared that her mentor provided a culturally safe space by sharing her personal story, family history, and academic journey as an Indigenous woman in leadership. “She shared her experiences with humility and authenticity, creating a space where I felt comfortable to do the same. This connection has been the most important aspect of the mentoring trial for me,” she reported.
Narelle sees this as the ripple effect Ember Connect aims to create. “By strengthening the social capital of First Nations women through connection, we contribute to their journey toward true financial autonomy through meaningful employment and careers,” Narelle said.
Looking ahead, Ember Connect plans to scale up, supporting multiple mentoring cohorts annually, with the continued backing of allied businesses committed to empowering First Nations women.
