Leah Armstrong is not just a name but a force of positive change, a torchbearer of Indigenous empowerment, and a dedicated advocate for reconciliation. Born in a large Torres Strait Islander family, Leah’s journey has been shaped by her deep-rooted connections with her culture, family, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

“We are a very large Torres Strait Islander family. My mother is the oldest of 11 and her mother was one of 13. We celebrated Torres Strait Islander culture, but like many Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people we also have connections with Malays and Japanese so we would celebrate those cultures as well.”

A Journey of Purpose

With over 25 years of experience in business and the not-for-profit sector, Leah’s career is marked by a relentless pursuit of a greater purpose. She currently serves as the Managing Director of First Australians Capital, a role where she’s redefining how Indigenous entrepreneurs access support. Her visionary leadership is driving the creation of an Indigenous-led and administered perpetual legacy investment fund, aimed at nurturing a pipeline of investment-ready Indigenous businesses.

“My approach to work has been influenced by people like Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop. She did business for good with a focus around shared value and business being a way of creating not just financial wealth, but community and social wealth as well.”

Leah’s commitment to reconciliation extends to her role as the Director of Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation at the University of Newcastle, Australia. In this capacity, she is responsible for advancing reconciliation planning and fostering meaningful engagement with the Indigenous community.

A Legacy of Leadership

Throughout her career, Leah has proven herself as a leader capable of achieving organizational goals through robust networks and collaborative relationships. Her past roles include serving as the Director of the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle, CEO of Reconciliation Australia, and the co-founder and Managing Director of Yarnteen Ltd, a successful Indigenous enterprise.

“Career highlights for me are the things that aren’t put up in lights. At Yarnteen our purpose was to provide training and employment for the local community so people could get jobs. A young Aboriginal man was on the unemployment benefit, going from one training program to another, one training job to another, and we finally got him into a permanent, full-time job. He was then able to buy his family a car, and then his wife got a job and this meant they could take greater care of the kids. Those are the things I remember.”

She has also held numerous board positions, including the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council, and played pivotal roles in organizations like Supply Nation, Aboriginal Housing Office NSW, Indigenous Business Australia, and Career Trackers.

“Collaboration rolls off the tongue easily, but it’s difficult sometimes to get good collaboration in place. The curious, collaborative and courageous values are ingrained in everything we do. Curiosity is what universities do, we’re about discovery, and we need to have those courageous conversations about racism and the effects of racism on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Anglo Australians.”

Awards and Recognition

Leah’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2009, The Australian Financial Review Boss Magazine hailed her as a “True Leader.” In 2012, she received further recognition in the inaugural Australian Financial Review/Westpac 100 Influential Women Awards.

A Dedication to Reconciliation

Leah’s dedication to reconciliation is not limited to her professional life. She understands the importance of building relationships and mutual respect on both individual and institutional levels. She believes that fostering understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture is crucial for moving forward together as a nation.

“It’s ambitious, but that’s what reconciliation is. It’s a big, ambitious, nation-building approach and it’s not necessarily about an end point, it’s more the steps and processes we take to achieve it that are important.”

Champion of Collaboration

Leah acknowledges that collaboration is easier said than done, but it’s essential. She emphasizes the values of curiosity, courage, and collaboration in her work. She believes that universities, as centers of discovery, play a pivotal role in addressing issues like racism and its impacts on Indigenous and non-Anglo Australians.

“We need to be able to develop relationships and collaborate better, and we need to collaborate better internally as well.”

A Journey of Giving Back

Leah’s career highlights aren’t just about financial achievements but the positive impact she’s had on individuals and communities. One of her most cherished memories is helping a young Aboriginal man secure a permanent job, enabling him to provide for his family. For Leah, these are the moments that truly matter.

“My grandfather was a travelling showman and part of his show was the pit of death with snakes. He became an educator about snakes and travelled Queensland visiting schools and shopping centres teaching the kids about snakes and how to handle snakebites.”

Leah Armstrong’s story is one of unwavering dedication to her culture, community, and the betterment of society. She continues to be a pioneering force in the Indigenous empowerment movement and a beacon of hope for reconciliation in Australia. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.