
Supporting Indigenous leadership
The Sali's are helping close the Indigenous leadership gap by funding scholarships that support postgraduate study, leadership development, and real-world experience. Centred on communities like Shepparton, these scholarships are giving students like Amanda the tools to succeed.
For Radek and Helen Sali, philanthropy is about creating real impact. Education transformed their own family’s future, which inspired them to invest in the next generation of Indigenous leaders. “University changed my family’s trajectory,” Radek explains. “My father was the first to attend university, and academia gave us the learning, jobs and acceptance that helped move our family forward.” Witnessing the power of education to change lives, they saw the need to support Indigenous students in business. There are still too few Indigenous Australians in senior business roles, but postgraduate study can change that. Indigenous MBA graduates are fast-tracked to leadership, are more likely to own and run businesses and employ Indigenous staff (Supply Nation 2018).
Partnering with La Trobe University and the Kaiela Institute, the Salis established the Lightfolk Foundation Shepparton Scholarship to break down barriers for Indigenous students pursuing business leadership. The scholarship provides far more than just financial support, offering leadership development and work-integrated learning opportunities, including a potential internship with their company Light Warrior.
For scholarship recipient Amanda the support has been life changing. Now working in higher education and regional marketing, she is committed in turn to making a meaningful difference herself. “This scholarship lifted a huge financial weight and gave me the motivation to succeed,” she says. “It came at a time when I was struggling, and it allowed me to refocus and move forward with my degree.” Being able to study on Country in Shepparton was also critical. “I was born and raised here, and staying close to my community and family support system has been invaluable,” Amanda explains.
The Salis’ hands-on approach to philanthropy sets a new benchmark for engaged giving. “We like to be actively involved and see firsthand results,” Radek says. With a growing demand for Indigenous leadership in business, this scholarship is equipping the next generation of Indigenous enterprise leaders with the skills, networks, and experience to succeed. This scholarship marked the first step for Amanda, not only in her studies but in becoming an Indigenous leader in business.
Support future Indigenous leaders
By investing in education – through scholarships, mentorship, or other ways of giving, you can help break down barriers and build a more inclusive future. Discover the many ways you can give.