How did you get to where you are?

I’ve never really planned out my life at all. I’ve just been kind of moving through it, following things that make me happy and then just being completely open and willing to anything that has come my way. An opportunity pops up – even if I have no idea about what I'm doing, or unsure of what it actually is, I'll go for it. But I've picked up so many skills that I use now, created some really amazing relationships and have developed a career pathway doing something I care about with people and for people I love.

What’s your plan for the future? / Where do you want to be heading?

I don't really have a plan either – I'm a big believer in whatever is meant for me will be mine: the pathway that is meant for me will become. I guess my only real goals are to continue making space for my mob, being able to create opportunities for others whenever I can. Be able to still provide for myself and family via the crafts I have chosen. And move with happiness and genuinity.

One piece of advice for the next generation of Warriors?

The box only exists in your head. Don't ever let anyone say you can't be anything, do anything. Exist in a way that's true to you. If others want to limit themselves that's cool for them, but aim for the stars.

What’s that one bit of advice you wish you’d had when you were younger?

Not to go off course of music or whatever - but your family's trauma is not yours to carry and bear. Healing is so important, not only for you but for all those around you. Lift that weight off your shoulders.

What does ‘Warrior’ mean to you?

Strength. Leadership. Empathy. Understanding. To be a Warrior isn't just about fighting. It's caring for one another, lifting up your fellow Warriors. It's just as much about nurturing yourself as it is about protecting.

What challenges did you have to overcome to get to where you are?

When I was starting out in the scene, there was a lot of ignorance, a lot of misleading and mistreatment. Which goes even further because I'm a blackfella and a woman. I found my people, I learnt what I should be expecting and owed and moved forward with people and orgs that aligned with things that were important to me: inclusion, representation, strong care for women and queer mob. And most of all, respected and wanted my mob to participate and be uplifted.

Lastly, any recommendations of one or two Indigenous Warriors out there killing it in their fields that the reader should know about?

Elvis Carter, a young fulla in my community. He's worked so hard over the past couple of years to work towards his goal of playing in the NFL and has recently been offered a college football scholarship in the US. Right now our community is raising money to get him over there. He's also a big part of our mob, looking after all the boys taking up leadership roles whenever he's given the opportunity. Secondly is Apryl Day. Amazing mother. Cousin and Aunty. She’s been working vigilantly building up Dhadjowa Foundation that supports families who’ve been affected by Black deaths in custody. She has been through so much yet still moves with love and grace. We are truly lucky to have a fighter and leader in her.