Associate Professor Sadie Heckenberg has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Ember Connect, a national, not-for-profit organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The Ember Connect platform aims to elevate the lives of members through professional and personal development, connection, healing and culture. Its community provides a safe and supportive space for Indigenous women and allies to share stories, experiences and resources.
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Dr Heckenberg has spent her noteworthy academic career supporting First Nations people.
“I struggled a lot in early education and didn’t finish high school, however, I had strong women around me who’s positive impact allowed me to gain my PhD and become successful in my chosen field,” she said.
“I don’t think this kind of impact can be understated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Our women are phenomenal and sometimes society lags in its recognition of the talents we have.”
Dr Heckenberg is the Academic Director (Aboriginal Engagement) at the University of Tasmania, the President of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium and sits on the Universities Accord Ministerial Reference Group and the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts.
Now on the Board of Directors at Ember Connect, Dr Eckenberg says the platform “helps us reach more women using technology they are already familiar with.”
“It gives support to those who haven’t had it before, creating a bigger impact across the country.”
Concurrently with welcoming Dr Eckenberg to the Board, the organisation reached a major milestone of 1000 members and 500 allies (non-Indigenous women in its digital community).
The Ember Connect community is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and allies, regardless of their location or background.
In May, the platform will be launching a structured mentoring program to provide members with access to a group of passionate mentors.