Extending a seat at the table for First Nations women

Making connections and putting forth opportunities for other First Nations people drives Nicole in her ventures as an advocate and champion for her community.

For Darwin’s Nicole Brown, it’s often not what you know, but who you know – or rather, who you get to sit at a table with.

It’s this strategy of making connections and putting forth opportunities for other First Nations people that drives Nicole in her ventures as an advocate and champion for her community.

As a proud Larrakia woman, Nicole has founded the Indigenous Women’s Network, where she promotes and connects women for leadership opportunities and more.

“I am who I am meant to be, a mouthpiece for my people, advocating for everything and anything,” Nicole said.

“For First Nations, for Darwin people, and for anyone wanting to make a go of it in the Territory.”

Using her position on the Chamber of Commerce, the 39 year-old makes a concerted effort to amplify the successes of First Nations people, while working to connect them with opportunities to grow their businesses or take on leadership positions.

Darwin's Nicole Brown has dedicated all her energy to elevating First Nations businesses, making connections between corporations and individuals. Picture: Supplied

She is also founder and director of Following in their Footsteps, an organisation helping develop businesses’ long-term strategic goals, and aligning them to the promotion of cultural awareness and Indigenous storytelling across Australia. It also works to create partnerships with corporations, government and community organisations.

She has previously been recognised for her efforts in educational initiatives, and was awarded the 2022 City of Darwin Citizen of the Year Award, along with the 2022 Darwin Community NAIDOC Volunteer of the Year award.

But these accolades pale in comparison to the thrill Nicole gets when she knows she’s had an impact in someone’s life.

“Someone quite close to me, Jaynaya Winmar, founder of Blackbone Sistahood, I championed from afar. She’s based in Melbourne, and I’ve passed on opportunities for her,” Nicole said.

“I was a participant in a global leadership program last year, the only one selected from Australia and went to the US for three weeks. I came back, debriefed with the organiser, and now as an alumni I was asked who else I could put forward. So I put her name forward.

“It’s the power of connection. I get to sit at some pretty powerful tables. I’m hearing conversations at a high level that have opportunity to make an impact, and I feel like I’m the chess master. I’m moving pieces on a board saying ‘you belong in that space’.”