Elevating Connections Healing Ourselves
First Nations women routinely hold valued roles and responsibilities in families, communities and nations – and it’s important that they are also represented in formal leadership roles and positions of influence across our state.
What does the program involve?
Fourteen First Nations women will participate in a leadership development program led by Karen Milward Consulting and team, including Karabena Consulting and a range of expert First Nations facilitators and community members.
Program participants also engage in:
- cultural activities to promote cultural connection and strengthen identity
- coaching and mentoring support from Elders and program facilitators
- working together as a team – participants will be paired/buddied up as part of the program
- activities to build on the unique strengths, capabilities and experiences of participants.
Elders in residence will share their wisdom, stories and guidance with participants.
The program was designed by a diverse group of Victorian First Nations women and piloted in 2021. The design and pilot phases were led by Karen Milward Consulting and overseen by a First Nations Women’s Advisory Group
Contact us
For questions about the program email womensleadership.fv@dffh.vic.gov.au.
Read past participants' experiences
Ange Jeffery
The ECHO Program inspired Ange to make the right decisions so she could keep working for an employer she loved while also pursuing her art practice.
Ellen Tunumafono
Thanks to ECHO, Ellen has taken on a new leadership role, applied her many new skills and connected with a strong network of ECHO alumni.
Mel Peters
The ECHO Program taught Mel to know her worth and empowered her to seek out a workplace where she could be better supported to grow into a senior leadership role.
Vicky Peters
Since completing the ECHO Program, Vicky has found a clearer vision of herself as a leader and a strategic path to pursue her leadership aspirations.
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