The 2025 Leah Armstrong Scholarship recipients have officially been announced, which empowers First Nations women in their pursuit of careers in finance, governance, and economic development.

First Nations Economics (FNE), in collaboration with the First Nations Foundation (FNF), is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Leah Armstrong Scholarship Program. Angelina Hickey and Hayley Shadforth have been selected for this prestigious scholarship, which aims to empower and amplify the leadership of First Nations women in finance, governance, and economic development.

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship is designed to strengthen the representation of First Nations women in sectors crucial to driving economic prosperity and creating meaningful community outcomes. The program is particularly focused on increasing the number of Indigenous women in financial services and leadership roles, ultimately working to enhance the economic resilience and independence of First Nations communities.

FINSIA is supporting the initiative through FINSIA Student memberships, aiming to provide microlearning programs, mentoring, finance sector networking and resources, all aimed at supporting a career in the financial services sector.

Meet the Recipients

Angelina Hickey, a proud Dunghutti woman, is currently pursuing a Master of Commerce at RMIT University in Melbourne. Aiming to become a trusted professional accountant, Angelina is committed to enhancing financial literacy and independence within First Nations communities. Her work is focused on fostering economic empowerment and resilience through financial knowledge and skills.

Hayley Shadforth, a Bardi and Nyikina woman from Kimberley, Western Australia, is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Western Australia. Hayley plans to use her education to establish support systems for Aboriginal-led businesses in Broome, promoting economic self-determination and sustainability within her community.

A Transformational Opportunity

Leah Armstrong, the ambassador for the scholarship program, highlighted the profound impact of the initiative on First Nations women.

"The Scholarship Program is a powerful enabler of change. First Nations women are key leaders and knowledge holders within their families, communities, and workplaces. By investing in their development, we open doors to community-led prosperity, resilience, and economic self-determination,” Ms Armstrong said.

Associate Professor Rick Macourt, Managing Director of FNE, expressed his pride in supporting the recipients.

"Supporting Angelina and Hayley underlines our commitment to developing future leaders who will drive sustainable economic development, inspire systemic change, and improve community economic outcomes across Australia,” Professor Macourt said.

Emma McCashney, Acting CEO of FNF, also emphasised the importance of the scholarship in creating long-term empowerment.

"This scholarship is critical for creating long-term economic and social empowerment. It equips First Nations women with the education and resources required to lead transformative change within their communities,” Ms McCashney said.

The Leah Armstrong Scholarship provides more than just financial support—it offers recipients a platform to excel academically and become influential leaders who will spearhead sustainable economic growth in First Nations communities nationwide.

By equipping First Nations women with the necessary tools to succeed in finance and governance, the program is helping to shape the next generation of change-makers who will foster economic self-determination and resilience across the country.

Through initiatives like the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, First Nations women are not only building brighter futures for themselves but also contributing to the broader goal of creating a more prosperous and equitable society for all Australians.