Ieyesha Roberts

Ieyesha Roberts is a proud 24-year-old Dunghutti woman from Kempsey in the Macleay Valley of NSW.

Ieyesha is living with kidney disease and has drawn on her personal challenges and struggles to become a powerful force for change.

Born and raised in a close-knit family, Ieyesha's parents and siblings have been a constant source of support throughout her life.

At just 12 years old, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with end-stage renal failure - a challenging experience that would shape her future.

Instead of letting her challenges define her, Ieyesha has used her experiences to advocate for others living with chronic illness. Through her personal blog ‘Ieyesha’s Journey’, she shares her insights and expertise, focusing on improving outcomes and quality of life for Aboriginal patients with kidney disease. Her blog has become a valuable resource for many, offering a unique perspective and practical advice.

One personal story that showcases Ieyesha's resilience and compassion is her commitment to being involved in research panels and speaking at conferences and seminars to raise awareness about kidney disease and its impact on Indigenous Australians. Despite her own health struggles, she shares her story and inspires others to take action.

Ieyesha is currently studying Indigenous Health Promotion at the University of Sydney, a program that aligns with her passion for improving Aboriginal health outcomes. Her studies have equipped her with a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and the importance of culturally safe care.

As a research assistant at the University of Sydney and Centre for Kidney Research, Ieyesha has contributed significantly to the development of the CARI clinical guidelines for managing chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Her work has helped shape best practices in kidney care, ensuring more effective and culturally responsive treatment for Indigenous Australians.

Ieyesha's recent achievements include:

• 2024: Involved in an Indigenous patient advisory group for chronic kidney disease among Indigenous patients.
• 2023: Co-author of the First Nations Australians Clinical Guidelines, aimed at improving kidney care and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• 2023: Speaker at the Aboriginal Chronic Conditions conference, sharing her expertise with healthcare professionals and community members.
• 2023: Speaker at a workshop for BEAT CKD, partnering with patients with chronic kidney disease to transform care and outcomes.
• 2023: Featured in a short documentary on telehealth and virtual care, highlighting the benefits of innovative healthcare approaches.
• 2022: Speaker at the 57th ANZSN Scientific Meeting, addressing a consumer plenary board and sharing her experiences as a patient advocate.

Ieyesha's passion and dedication have made her a sought-after speaker and advisor, and she regularly participates in patient advisory groups, seminars, and workshops. Despite her ongoing health challenges, she remains committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Her drive and motivation stem from her cultural heritage and her desire to create positive change for Aboriginal Peoples.

Through her tireless efforts, Ieyesha continues to inspire and empower others, leaving a lasting legacy in the pursuit of better health outcomes for Aboriginal peoples. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and determination.