Empower Her Journey Program
Helping First Nations women turn business ideas into thriving enterprises.
Through culturally safe workshops, mentoring, and practical business support, the Empower Her Program equips Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with the skills, confidence, and networks needed for long-term business success.
About the Program
The Empower Her Journey Program is delivered by Aboriginal businesswomen Jess Morris (Wiradjuri & Wailwan) and Kat Henaway (Meriam & Mua, Torres Strait). With extensive experience in business development, mentoring, and grant writing, Jess and Kat are passionate about supporting First Nations women to create economic independence through micro-enterprise development.
The progam provides hands-on guidance from idea to launch, including:
- Building business skills
- Developing sustainable strategies
- Accessing funding and resources
- Connecting with other Aboriginal-led businesses
The program will be delivered in 13 locations across NSW:
Brewarrina | Dubbo | Forbes | Griffith | Campbelltown | Tamworth | Tumut | Ballina | Port Macquarie | Gosford | Blacktown | La Perouse | Wreck Bay (Jervis Bay)
The program will be delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026.
Meet Our Program Facilitators
Jess Morris
Jess Morris
Jess Morris
Jess is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri & Wailwan Nations from Western NSW and lives on Birpai Country in Port Macquarie. With over 15 years of experience in the health and community sector, Jess has worked across Aboriginal health, research, and community development. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Master of Public Health, a Certificate IV in Project Management, and a Certificate III in Fitness.
Jess is the Co-Founder and CEO of Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services and Co-Founder/Director of Strong Spirit Services Ltd. She has successfully led projects that focus on reducing inequalities, improving social and emotional wellbeing, and strengthening Aboriginal-led programs across NSW. Jess also builds research into Strong Spirit, having secured a Cancer Institute NSW research grant, where she leads the Mob’s Way to Wellness program in partnership with leading universities and research institutes.
She is deeply passionate about supporting Aboriginal women in business, drawing on her own entrepreneurial journey to mentor and guide others. Jess’s commitment lies in creating opportunities that foster economic independence, cultural strength, and community empowerment.
Kat Henaway
Jess Morris
Jess Morris
Kat is a descendant of the Meriam and Mua peoples of the Torres Strait Islands, with German and Scottish heritage. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her career in both multinational corporations and Indigenous business development, having worked in Sydney, London, and Edinburgh with some of the world’s largest public and private sector organisations.
Kat holds a Bachelor in Community Management and is an Indigenous entrepreneur specialising in business development and investment. She has worked with countless First Nations women, helping them establish and grow their enterprises through culturally safe business support. Kat has also been a driving force in First Nations women’s leadership and advocacy, currently serving on the Advisory Council for the Wiyi Yani U Thangani First Nations Institute for Gender Justice and on several boards.
With extensive experience in governance, business strategy, and investment pathways, Kat brings a sharp focus on helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women build sustainable, future-focused businesses that generate wealth and leadership within their communities.
