We’ve been yarning with Destiny Dewis, a proud Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander woman with a successful career spanning decades. A passionate advocate for empowering the next generation of First Nations people, She believes in the importance of early education as a way of developing career pathways. Destiny is inspired to help young First Nations women create a better life for themselves, role modelling this in her personal and professional life.

In this episode of the Queen Be Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Destiny Dewis, a proud Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander woman who is making a significant impact in community.

Destiny’s work focuses on empowering Indigenous folk with financial skills, enabling them to take control of their lives and make informed decisions.

Her passion for education and her commitment to creating positive change have led her on a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation. 

Empowering Indigenous Women through Financial Education

Destiny’s work revolves around providing financial literacy education to Indigenous women in regional and remote areas. She believes that education is the key to empowering individuals and communities, and she is dedicated to bridging the gap in financial knowledge. Destiny emphasizes the importance of teaching young folk and women about money management, budgeting, and the value of financial independence. She states:

“I always tell everybody, you don’t have to remember everything from these sessions today… As long as one little thing that you can take away from this session today, that’s all I ask for.”

Destiny’s approach is not just about teaching practical skills; it is about changing mindsets and instilling a positive attitude towards money. She encourages individuals to view money as a tool for personal growth and to make it work for them. Destiny explains:

“We need to make sure that we’re okay first. And whatever’s left, we can help our mob.”

The Power of a Social Enterprise approach in Indigenous Communities

Destiny believes that a social enterprise approach can be a powerful tool for building wealth and capacity within communities. Destiny highlights the importance of creating sustainable businesses that benefit the community as a whole. She states:

“It’s not all about profit and gain, especially in business… We need to make sure that with our capabilities, we are always giving back to the community.”

Destiny’s work focuses on leveraging existing assets and businesses within communities to create long-term, positive change. She emphasizes the need for collaboration and networking to maximize the impact and sustainability of local initiatives. Destiny explains:

“We want to make sure that we can build upon that to make it long term. But it also benefits the community.”

The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Worth

Through her own experience, Destiny has learned the importance of setting boundaries and valuing oneself. She encourages young girls and women to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who uplift and support them. Destiny emphasizes the need to prioritize self-care and to recognize one’s own worth. She states:

“I know my self-worth, know who I am, know where I want to go and what I want to become so that I can model that to the younger generation.”

Destiny’s personal experiences have shaped her understanding of healthy relationships and the importance of mutual respect. She encourages individuals to prioritize their own well-being and to establish boundaries that protect their emotional, physical, and financial health. Destiny explains:

“We need to learn to respect that both ways… It’s not your problem if you’ve just said, ‘No, I can’t deal with what you’re going through right now because I’m going through something.’”

Looking forward

Destiny Dewis’s journey is a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and resilience. Through her work in financial education and social enterprise, she is making a significant impact in empowering Indigenous women and communities. Destiny’s emphasis on self-worth, boundaries, and positive mindset serves as an inspiration to young girls and women who aspire to create change in their own lives. As Destiny continues to advocate for financial literacy and social enterprise, her work will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Indigenous communities across Australia.

Looking ahead, Destiny envisions a future where Indigenous women are empowered, financially independent, and actively involved in shaping their communities. She believes that by providing the tools and resources necessary for success, Indigenous women can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Destiny’s commitment to education, empowerment, and positive change serves as a beacon of hope for current and future generations.