Nyiyaparli Yindjibarndi woman, former Business News 40under40 winner and executive director of IPS Management Consultants Jahna Cedar has won a state award for leadership.
Ms Cedar was named the Western Australian award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
Organised by Women & Leadership Australia, the awards celebrate exceptional women leaders, specifically those who have made outstanding contributions to equality.
She has dedicated more than 20 years advocating for equal rights and reconciliation, as a leader of IPS Management Consultants and while serving on boards including the Curtin University Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, Niapaili Aboriginal Corporation and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research.
Ms Cedar said the award was a testament to her resilient ancestors.
“Indigenous women experience multiple layers of discrimination and intersectional barriers, just like women from other marginalised groups,” Ms Cedar said.
“As a society, we need to look at inclusive and collaborative ways to increase women’s – in particular indigenous women’s – participation in the workforce.”
Women & Leadership Australia chief executive Suzi Finkelstein said Ms Cedar continued to demonstrate outstanding contribution to gender equity and was paving the way for emerging women in leadership roles, particularly First Nations women.
Ms Cedar will accept her award at the online Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium on July 8, 2022.
Other state and territory winners include Australian College of Nursing chief executive Kylie Ward, South Australian Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier and disability and media professional Lisa Cox.
