“Blackfellas have operated like this forever but we haven’t banded behind a label. Knowing that there is this growing movement, it’s going to be important that Aboriginal people understand that what they’re doing is social enterprise and can also be aligned on that”

“We are for the elevation and evolution of First Nations women & our allies! Social enterprise to me is a model of business that has multiple give back opportunities. For us this, is about being able to shift the balance of capitalistic models and have a greater impact in our communities across all levels of social and emotional well-being.”

“Microfinance solutions can start at the kitchen table”

Elise Parups (MBA) is the Chief Executive Officer at QSEC and has been a senior executive leader in corporate and not-for-profit sectors, as well as working in roles as a consultant, and in several local and state government positions. When not at work for impact and community development, Elise passionately serves in the arts and education sectors and is a permaculture gardener with a love for bush regeneration.

Lateesha Jeffrey is a proud Woolwonga and Kukatj Woman, living and working on Larrakia Land. She is a Mother to a 4-year-old Sass Queen, and come from a large family with 5 brothers. She has a strong presence in and is often known for her involvement in the Sporting Industry, both as a Player and Development Coach with AFL Northern Territory.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been running social enterprises forever. I look forward to Northern Australia getting the opportunity to showcase all the social enterprises that are operating outside of the construct of what “mainstream” Australia sees and understands as a social enterprise.”

“Aboriginal businesses engaging people into the economy is going to be the sexy thing to talk about for the next two decades, we are of the time. How can you be a part of change?”

“I have been in social enterprise for most of my career and consider myself well versed, but working alongside Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander leaders in Northern Australia has caused me to pause, reflect on and unlearn my approach. I hope that others out there can benefit from this opportunity as well!”

A visionary innovator, Terri Waller has selflessly devoted her life to nurturing collective movements that focus on self-sustaining intergenerational social impacts. Her passion for helping first began with teaching, however, a strong belief in empowering people to manifest their ideal selves drove her to find a new model of community development. Terri's achievements have been honoured by sitting on many executive boards, ministerial advisory boards and working groups and says that joining the Queensland Social Enterprise Council board is her happy place.

“We should all look at our own personal lives as social entrepreneurship projects. Just as we want to create impact in the world around us, we should also focus on the ever growing building blocks of experiences felt through our existence and journey.”

A proud Larrakia/Malak Malak woman, Nicole was born and raised in Darwin. A leader within her community, she possesses a proven track record for engaging with stakeholders on all levels, is skilled with communicating with people from all walks of life, is at ease in complex negotiations, thinks outside the box and relishes the opportunity to influence change for her people.Nicole founded Nicole Brown Consulting. Its purpose is developing outcomes-based solutions centred around Nicole’s passions for youth, women, leadership and succession planning for future generations.

“Social Enterprise to me is the vehicle or pathway that provides the opportunity for communities and individuals to grow their dreams into reality. Bringing their aspirations and ideas forward into a tangible outcome that benefits their communities and families… My vision for the future is that First Nations people in Australia live healthy, wealthy and vibrant lives strongly embedded in their cultural and linguistic diversity within a non-racist Australia, that values our place within this great nation.”