Leann is a descendent of the Bidjara and Kara-Kara peoples in central and central-western Queensland and also identifies with her South Sea Island heritage. Leann is the Managing Director of Regional Economic Solutions a majority owned First Nation Business based in Rockhampton/Brisbane with a strong commitment to social, cultural, and economic development as the way forward for First Nations people. Leann has been appointed to regional, state and national boards including:
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation
- Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
- Queensland Indigenous Business Network
- Queensland Energy System Advisory
- Nullu Badi Ngudyubay Academy
An entrepreneur of 12 years and former senior public servant, Leann has been a finalist in the Queensland Telstra Business Woman of the Year awards and the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence awards. She is also a recipient of the Queensland Centenary Medal. Leann actively promotes:
- cultural agility programs based on unpacking Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander history and legal realities
- trauma aware and healing informed engagement
- women’s rights
- meaningful education, skills development and business ownership.