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Ellen Tunumafono

Thanks to ECHO, Ellen has taken on a new leadership role, applied her many new skills and connected with a strong network of ECHO alumni.

Ellen Tunumafono, ECHO First Nations Women’s Leadership Program participant

Ellen is a Senior Coordinator, Indigenous STEM Outreach programs & Indigenous Student Support in the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne (UniMelb). She coordinates Science faculty Outreach programs for First Nations community and programs and activities that have Indigenous STEM knowledges as a focus. Ellen also supports and advocates for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying science at UniMelb.

What inspired you to apply?

The ECHO application was recommended to me and my female colleagues in the Murrup Barak team by our management. I applied because I felt like it could provide some guidance and assist in me having more confidence to progress in my career - especially to be more open and prepared for leadership opportunities.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

The overwhelming message to trust in myself.

How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?

ECHO helped me trust myself and has given me the tools to feel confident in my skills and abilities. Since this program, I have taken on a new leadership role and utilised many of the concepts taught in the sessions, especially around decision-making. It also provided an amazing network of women to turn to as ECHO alumni.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

Allyson Walker

Allyson Walker is a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara and Taungurung woman with connections to other countries. She trained as a nurse, before moving into community development work.

Equality

Ange Jeffery

The ECHO Program inspired Ange to make the right decisions so she could keep working for an employer she loved while also pursuing her art practice.

Equality

Indy Peters

Indy is Youth Co-ordinator at Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP). She organises culturally safe environments for Indigenous students to connect culturally and socially with each other.

Equality

Leticia Searle

Leticia is Educational Program Lead at Foodbank Victoria. She is committed to creating sustainable, collaborative programs that build capacity and provide opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Equality

Mel Peters

The ECHO Program taught Mel to know her worth and empowered her to seek out a workplace where she could be better supported to grow into a senior leadership role.

Equality

Vicky Peters

Since completing the ECHO Program, Vicky has found a clearer vision of herself as a leader and a strategic path to pursue her leadership aspirations.

ECHO First Nations Women’s Leadership Program

The Elevating Connections and Healing Ourselves program is open to First Nations women in Victoria. ECHO provides a culturally appropriate and safe space to build on participants’ leadership roles.

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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

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