Indianna Tillett

“Empowerment starts with knowing who you are, where you come from, and how your story can lift others.

My purpose is to build strong, confident, and connected communities —

starting from our young ones through to our Elders.”

Indianna Tillett is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman and the visionary Founder of

Empower 2 Empower , a not-for-profit organisation creating pathways

for identity, leadership, physical health and wellbeing. Her work is deeply rooted in

strengthening the next generation and honouring Elders through culturally grounded

education, empowerment, and community engagement.

A former athlete who represented the Northern Pride in Rugby League and a former team

member of Deadly Choices, Indianna brings the same strength, teamwork and determination

from the field into her leadership journey. Her extensive experience across government and

community sectors reflects a lifelong commitment to uplifting Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander peoples.

During her five years with Deadly Choices, Indianna led the Elders Group Program and

delivered vital health and education programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

students from Prep to Year 12 across Cairns, Mossman and Yarrabah. These programs

fostered pride, resilience, and belonging among young people.

Today, through Empower 2 Empower, Indianna continues to inspire

and guide communities through her workshops and mentoring programs. She has delivered

successful initiatives in schools and after-school care settings, building strong foundations

around identity, leadership, health, and wellbeing. Beyond her professional work, she

volunteers her time to support Elders in Cairns, developing activities and seeking sustainable

funding to ensure their continued wellbeing and recognition.