Monash University celebrated the largest-ever Indigenous graduating group from a single business degree anywhere in the country.
Coming from all across the nation, 17 Indigenous business leaders received a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership at a graduation ceremony at Monash University today.
The graduating class includes students from more than 20 First Nations communities across Australia — including the Gunditjmara and Latji Latji peoples from Victoria, the Wiradjuri peoples from New South Wales, the Pitta Pitta in Queensland, and the Ngarla people from the Pilbara region in Western Australia, among others.
Now in its fifth year of operation, the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership (MoIBL) program is jointly offered by Monash Business School and the William Cooper Institute. The program is co-designed and led by Indigenous business leaders, Elders and academics.
Proud Gooreng Gooreng woman and Co-Director of MoIBL, Katrina Johnson, said the MoIBL program equips business leaders with advanced executive skills and knowledge to navigate complex business landscapes using a unique combination of Indigenous and Western perspectives.
"This is Australia's first Indigenous-led business master's program committed to social transformation and economic development led by Indigenous peoples for Indigenous peoples," Ms Johnson said.
"We weave the golden thread of traditional learning, knowledge and wisdom throughout the course to mirror lessons from our Ancestors, Elders and culture. Coming together as mob is a crucial element to the success of how we learn in the Master of Indigenous Business Leadership program. It's what sets us apart and brings the very best out of students."
Proud Koori woman with family lines throughout Victoria and into New South Wales, Kaley Nicholson is among this year's MoIBL graduates. She is Chairperson of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, a Director of Alpine Resorts Victoria and the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations.
With extensive experience in First Nations policy and engagement, she was recently elected to the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, delivering her inaugural speech last month.
"Indigenous business owners are often walking through life learning to operate their enterprises only through Western perspectives, when our own identity and experiences are inherently different," Ms Nicholson said.
"The MoIBL program gave me tools to articulate the value of our Indigenous knowledge systems, weaving it through the practical ways we can apply them in our business strategies and the ways in which we conduct ourselves in any industry or sector."
As part of the program each class of students also get the opportunity to learn from Canadian First Peoples through a 20-day immersive study tour in Canada. The study tour is conducted in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Alberta, University of Manitoba and Simon Fraser University.
"The trip to Canada was incredibly inspiring. Learning from the Canadian First Nations Peoples about their Treaty systems shaped how I advocate today and gave me insights that continue to guide my work," Ms Nicholson said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President, Noongar man Professor Tristan Kennedy, warmly congratulated the graduating cohort of business leaders.
"These graduates exemplify what self-determined leadership looks like — visionary, community-minded, and grounded in culture," Professor Kennedy said.
"Their success through the MoIBL program reflects both individual drive and a collective movement to grow Indigenous-led solutions across sectors."
MoIBL alumni are returning to the program as Indigenous business experts, sharing how they've used their learning to build multi-million dollar ventures supporting self-determination and financial independence. Alumni and current students are also stepping into state and national roles leading Treaty and justice for Indigenous peoples.
Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, joined in congratulating the graduating cohort of Indigenous business leaders while highlighting the importance of the MoIBL program.
"Monash University has an unwavering commitment to work with Indigenous communities to champion Indigenous voices, knowledge and advancement. Indigenous-led programs like MoIBL are emblematic of our determination to walk alongside Indigenous communities to support leadership that is grounded, impactful and enduring," Professor Pickering said.
"We are immensely proud of the expertise, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to community displayed by our MoIBL graduates."
MoIBL Co-Director Katrina Johnson and MoIBL graduate Kaley Nicholson are
