LEAH BENNETT (SHE/HER)

About Leah Bennett, MAICD

Leah Bennett is a proud Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa woman and CEO of First Nations Foundation (FNF), Australia’s only national Indigenous-led financial literacy and education provider. She is regarded as one of the most influential First Nations voices in financial services, known for pushing the sector beyond awareness and into genuine structural change.

With more than 14 years’ experience across financial services, compliance and social impact, Leah brings a rare combination of lived experience, reform capability, and sector expertise. She has extensive governance credentials, including service as a Director with FNF, Firesticks, and advisory roles with Westpac, Lifeblood, and the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute.

Leah is driven by a social justice imperative and is known for being an authentic and brave leader, truth-teller, and change-maker. Her work is grounded in cultural safety, economic self-determination, and the redesign of systems so First Nations people can participate equitably in the economy.

Celebrating Leah: The impact of her work

“I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been selected for this award. In particular, I’m grateful to the First Nations women who’ve received it before me. Their strength and selflessness have opened doors many of us now walk through. My hope is that this moment reminds the next generation of First Nations women that their voice, their vision and their leadership belong on every stage.I am incredibly humbled and honoured to have been selected for this award. In particular, I’m grateful to the First Nations women who’ve received it before me. Their strength and selflessness have opened doors many of us now walk through. My hope is that this moment reminds the next generation of First Nations women that their voice, their vision and their leadership belong on every stage.”