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Leticia Searle

ECHO gave her time to reflect on her leadership journey to date and create a strategic leadership plan to move forward with.

Leticia Searle

Leticia is Educational Program Lead at Foodbank Victoria. She is responsible for leading and overseeing a skills-based training and education strategy and coordinating the roll out of these programs across the state. Leticia is committed to creating sustainable, collaborative programs that build capacity and provide opportunities for individuals to thrive.

What inspired you to apply?

One of my colleagues sent me the link to the ECHO program. I applied because this program is unique and is designed around our strengths, culture, community and the challenges we face as First Nations women.

I was also at a point where I was looking at ways to grow in leadership, connect more with community and be able to support other women. This seemed like the perfect program to apply for.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

You are everything you ever need – back yourself and have confidence.

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

ECHO gave me time to reflect on my leadership journey to date and create a strategic leadership plan to move forward with. Since the program finished, I’ve taken on a new leadership role at my workplace and will participate in another leadership program this year. I’ve also connected more with community and been more confident in knowing my worth and advocating for myself. I also gained a network of women to lean on by participating in the program.

Read other participants’ experiences

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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