• ATCO Celebrates with graduates of the 2021 Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program

    On Tuesday 30 November ATCO celebrated the graduates of the 2021 Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program, marking ATCO’s third consecutive year of support for the initiative.

    The Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program was established by the WA Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI) in 2019 and develops the leadership qualities of young Aboriginal people in a culturally focused way. Tuesday’s graduation ceremony was held at The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia and the home of Reconciliation WA, who provided their facilities for the duration of the program.

    There were four participants in the class of 2021; Kearyn Cox, Shannieka Martino, Nikita Quartermaine and Cohen Taylor. As part of the Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program, each of the graduates had completed ten weeks of cultural sharing experiences and an accelerated journey of self-development.

    During the ceremony each graduate spoke, reflecting on their personal experiences whilst undertaking the program and sharing their future aspirations.

    Jennifer Kluken, ATCO Manager Community Investment and Partnerships commented on the continued support of the Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program.

    “Not only was it a wonderful experience to meet the graduates, hear their personal stories and to celebrate their achievements, it was great to meet previous graduates of either Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program or the Yorga Djenna Bidi Aboriginal Women's Leadership Program some of who have returned to be guest speakers or co-facilitate the new program.” said Jen.

    In the time between the 2020 and 2021 WAALI graduations, ATCO has also continued its reconciliation journey with the launch of its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in March 2021, the Innovate RAP will guide ATCO’s reconciliation path over the next two years.

    The entire ATCO organisation congratulates Kearyn, Shannieka, Nikita and Cohen on their leadership accomplishments. To learn more about WAALI and their Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program, please visit their website.

  • Related Content