Empowering First Nations Women: The Story of BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment

Melisa’s Journey of resilience and empowerment

Melisa Drummond-Anderson is a proud Nywaigi Traditional Owner from North Queensland and a Gumulaig woman of the Wagadagam Nation of Mabuyag Island, Zenadth Kes, Torres Strait Island Region. As a survivor of domestic violence, Melisa has used her journey of resilience and healing to become the Founder and Managing Director of BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment (BDWE), a profit-for-purpose community-informed innovation model that walks alongside First Nations women to help them reclaim their agency and achieve economic independence.

Melisa is an innovative social entrepreneur who designs and delivers culturally grounded, scalable solutions that address systemic barriers to economic participation, wellbeing, and business access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Her bold vision is to uplift First Nations women as confident leaders, business owners, and changemakers, breaking cycles of intergenerational disadvantage and creating pathways to economic empowerment through culturally safe pathways.

About BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment (BDWE)

BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment (BDWE) is an entirely First Nations, female-led and operated social-impact enterprise, proudly registered with Supply Nation. Centred on lived experience, cultural resilience, and intergenerational healing, BDWE supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women on their journey to empowerment.

The organisation provides opportunities for women to develop leadership, public speaking, and business planning skills through workshops, mentoring, and peer networks. By creating culturally grounded learning spaces on Country, online, and in regional communities, BDWE enhances business readiness and fosters pathways to growth.

Key initiatives driving change

Through BDWE, Melisa has delivered a range of impactful initiatives that are transforming lives and communities, including:

• Sistas in Business Gathering: on-Country networking spaces for First Nations female entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and grow.
• Financial health and wellness programs: supporting women transitioning from welfare to sustainable livelihoods through financial literacy and resilience-building workshops.
• Domestic violence awareness campaigns: including the GANI YIRRA Purple Shirt campaign, delivered in partnership with GaWun Supplies, MinterEllison, Challenge DV, and Black Coffee Indigenous Business Network
• Corporate and community partnerships: bridging opportunities between First Nations women, government, and the private sector to foster collaboration and growth.

Driving social and economic change

Melisa’s impact-driven approach has earned widespread respect from grassroots communities, corporate sectors, and government agencies. As such, BDWE has become a trusted partner for social and economic change, particularly in North and Far North Queensland, Cape York, and the Torres Strait.

Melisa’s vision remains grounded in the needs of her community. By harnessing cultural strength and amplifying women’s voices, BDWE is paving the way for a future where First Nations women are not only participants in the economy but also leaders and changemakers.

In addition to leading BDWE, Melisa is a sought-after guest speaker, First Nations consultant, and cultural mentor, delivering keynote presentations, one-on-one mentoring, and advisory services to organisations committed to ethical engagement and inclusive innovation. She is proactive and deeply committed to advancing culturally informed business practices that deliver measurable social and economic outcomes.

Backing Female Founders Program

BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment has been supported by the Queensland Government’s Backing Female Founders Program, which is a suite of initiatives to support female founders grow and scale innovative businesses. One of these initiatives is a partnership with Murawin Pty Ltd and Coralus to provide business support to a cohort of First Nations female entrepreneurs.

Innovation is about creating opportunities for everyone in Queensland. BDWE’s work demonstrates how culturally safe, solution-focused programs can empower First Nations women to thrive, strengthening communities and boosting economic participation across the state.

As part of the First Nations Female Entrepreneurs Coralus Cohort, in partnership with Murawin and Coralus, Melisa has gained the support and focus to strengthen BDWE’s innovation capability, refine scalable delivery models, and expand her impact for First Nations women across Queensland and beyond.

Melisa’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation stems from resilience, lived experience, and a commitment to community. Her work with BDWE is paving the way for a brighter future, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Read more stories on Queensland’s innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs.