Destiny Dewis stands as a beacon of empowerment for Indigenous communities across Australia. A proud Aboriginal, Torres Strait, and South Sea Islander woman, Destiny’s career is a testament to her dedication to fostering growth, education, and financial literacy.

Her journey began in the tourism sector and has since traversed early childhood education, community services, and community finance, before culminating in her current role as a Project Manager for the First Nations Foundation (FNF). As a Project Manager, she travels across Australia delivering financial literacy training and working closely with CEO Phil Usher and her colleagues to execute strategies aimed at achieving long-term financial prosperity for Indigenous Australians. Her role involves building connections, developing beneficial relationships, and ensuring that the foundation’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Destiny’s passion for education as a pathway to success is evident in her career trajectory. Transitioning from tourism to childhood education, she understood early on the importance of laying a strong educational foundation for young minds. Her move into community services and finance further solidified her commitment to empowering Indigenous Australians through knowledge and financial literacy.

Currently, Destiny manages several impactful projects, including “On Country,” “My Money Dream” (MMD), and Financial Fitness workshops. These initiatives are designed to provide community members with the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve financial wellness. For instance, the Financial Fitness workshops equip professionals in communities with access to portals that serve as conversation pieces, facilitating meaningful discussions about financial health.

“The most rewarding aspect of my work is being able to get out into community and provide accessible financial tools and programs FNF offer directly to mob,” Destiny said.

Destiny’s advice to young First Nations Australians aspiring to enter project management or community development is profound.

“We need to practice what we preach in our everyday lives.”

She emphasises the importance of leadership, responsibility, and being a positive role model. Her mantra includes surrounding oneself with positive influences, maintaining balance and boundaries, and upholding responsibilities and morals.

Destiny highlights the need for the broader Australian community to support FNF’s work through collaboration and meaningful engagement. She advocates for financial education initiatives that are culturally relevant and designed by Indigenous people for Indigenous people. This approach not only aligns with FNF’s values, but also paves the way for impactful partnerships that transcend transactional relationships.

Outside of her professional achievements, Destiny’s greatest love and accomplishment is her family. She proudly embraces her cultural identity and is devoted to preserving and passing on traditional cultural expressions to those closest to her. Her personal and professional life is a harmonious blend of cultural pride and a relentless drive to uplift her community. Destiny’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, dedication, and cultural pride can create lasting change. Through her work with the First Nations Foundation, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of Indigenous Australians, paving the way for a future where financial literacy and economic independence are within reach for all.