At First People Recruitment Solutions, we believe that every step we take should pave the way for others to follow. This belief resonates deeply with the philosophy of Dr. Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat, a trailblazing social epidemiologist, cultural broker, and social activist. As she eloquently puts it, “When you open a door for yourself, you need to ensure that it stays open for others to walk through.”
A Journey of Firsts
Dr. Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat, a proud Yupungathi and Meriam woman, has shattered numerous glass ceilings throughout her journey. Growing up between Cape York, the Torres Strait, and Mossman, she embarked on a path that led her to become the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female to earn a PhD from the Faculty of Medicine at Griffith University. Yet, as she humbly states, her intentions were never focused on being the first, but rather on creating avenues for change.
“I didn’t set out to be first,” Vanessa emphasises. “All I saw were avenues to make change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, and the LGBTIQ+ population – to close the gap in life expectancy and increase wellbeing and wellness.”
A Catalyst for Change
Armed with her Griffith degree and cultural knowledge, Vanessa has utilised her platform to advocate for change across diverse platforms. She recognises that her role extends beyond personal accomplishments; it’s about bringing systemic change and social justice to the forefront. Through her engagement, leadership, and governance, she actively challenges government policies, addresses social issues, and advocates for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
A Global Advocate
Vanessa’s impact transcends borders, as demonstrated by her leadership as Co-Chair of the International Lesbian and Gay Association of the Oceania Region for ILGA World. Her efforts span the United Nations fora, where she advocates for the rights of Indigenous LGBTIQ+ individuals, ensuring their inclusion in global data sets. By shedding light on their struggles, she aims to secure funding and policies that address their unique needs.
Empowering Voices, Creating Change
One of Vanessa’s fundamental goals is to amplify voices that have long been unheard. “We need to make collective change,” she underscores. In a world where diversity should be a given, Vanessa’s approach challenges us to question the composition of our conversations. Are we the only ones speaking? Are we representing all experiences? Vanessa reminds us that opening the door to varied perspectives is essential for holistic progress.
Paving the Way Through Poetry
Vanessa’s commitment to making voices heard extends to her creative endeavours. In her poetry book “Cockatoos in the Mangrove,” she beautifully weaves together the fabric of social issues experienced by Indigenous people. Her confessional style tackles racism, discrimination, humour, and connection to the earth. Through her poetry, she seeks to inspire empathy and understanding, bridging the gap between experiences.
As First People Recruitment Solutions, we stand in awe of Dr. Vanessa Lee-Ah Mat’s journey and unwavering commitment. Her philosophy aligns seamlessly with our vision of not only creating opportunities for ourselves but also ensuring they remain open for others. Together, we can carry forward her legacy by advocating for inclusion, representation, and collective change. Let’s remember: progress isn’t true progress unless everyone is part of the journey.
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