Narelle Henry
Ms Narelle Henry, a proud Noongar woman born on Wadjuk Country, Boorloo, is committed to contributing to positive change through her work at Ember Connect. From a young basketball hopeful signing her first contract with the Perth Breakers WNBL team, to a coach, educator, and now GM of Ember Connect, her journey has been influenced by human connection – each poignant moment in her career is marked by a significant interaction that propelled her forward. One of the key contributors to Narelle’s success has always been the emergence of a caring social capital network that sought to elevate her basketball career, whether through guidance or the unlocking of a door. Narelle is recognised for her role in leading Ember Connect, an innovative collective of First Nations women who mentor, elevate and connect each other.
As a mother of two daughters, Narelle's aspirations extend beyond the confines of the basketball court. She dreams of a world where her girls and all young Indigenous women see themselves reflected in every space and place, free from the burdens of discrimination and self-doubt. It is this vision that drives her work at Ember Connect, where she endeavours to create a nurturing community where Indigenous voices are valued and uplifted. Like many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women across the country, she is driven by a deep desire for her daughters and nieces to inherit a world where opportunities are equal and limitless – where they are grounded in confidence and free to be themselves.
Narelle's journey is punctuated by moments of revelation and growth, none more eye-opening than her time as a student-athlete in North Carolina. Surrounded by a diverse group of people, she felt at home on campus and experienced a sense of excitement and freedom to be just like everyone else. Thinking back, the 50 letters she had sent out (including one to the Queen) paid off, and she was able to start classes without any limitations. ATSIC at the time was the final piece of support that enabled this life-changing experience – Narelle could not be more grateful. So, the GameChanger Grant came into fruition at Ember Connect. Her time in North Carolina also shed light on the glaring disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and why they existed on lands we call our own. This realization fuelled her purpose to contribute to impactful change.
Ember Connect is an innovative network designed to connect and elevate First Nations women. Led by Narelle Henry, and in collaboration with incredible women like Michelle Woosnam, the charity has grown through the collective wisdom and experience of the Ember Connect family and its dedicated network of women. Each member approaches their respective roles with love and generosity, fuelled by a profound sense of responsibility and a sincere desire to inspire and uplift women.
Ember Connect boasts an influential network almost 3,500 strong since launching in July 2022. In additional to facilitating a growing formal mentorship program, a remarkable 76% of Ember Connect women purposefully choose (up to) ten ways in which they are willing to connect and elevate others. This generosity of spirit reflects the goodwill of members on the platform and is a daily demonstration of reciprocity and connection that deeply resonates with Ember Connect’s vision.
Ember Connect reflects the kindness and humility of the family behind it. "Every story, every lesson, and piece of matriarchal wisdom we encounter is interwoven neatly into our space. Like us, it continues to grow and evolve, ready to be drawn upon when someone needs it the most – both personally and professionally."
Ember Connect believe unequivocally that women, like embers, grow stronger together - carrying the fire of their ancestors within, the collective seeks to ignite a new generation of growth that illuminates a path for First Nations women to lead a life of choice.
Ember Connect embraces the essential elements of First Nations women’s lives - culture, family, belonging, healing, personal and professional development – and connects women to networks to courageously seek out their truest aspirations.
In collaboration with partners such as Oxfam's Straight Talk, Ember Connect extends its reach, offering a platform for alumni to sustain connections and fortify their personal and professional networks. Their pioneering efforts have forged a path for First Nations women to embark on transformative journeys of development. For those already on the trajectory of growth, Ember Connect fosters skill enhancement and community engagement, enriching experiences through storytelling and knowledge sharing.
Their work so far has broken new ground in offering a space for First Nations women to begin their professional and personal development journeys and for those further down the path, to build upon their skills and experience by drawing from the community they can discover through the platform.
Narelle emphasizes, “the wisdom and innovation of Ember Connect are not the products of one person; rather, it is a beautiful demonstration of the infinite potential women hold when they come together.”