Lenny’s journey of embracing her Indigenous heritage began when she was just 19 years old, after a DNA test revealed her roots to the Barapa Barapa people.  This revelation was vital, deepening her connection to her culture and heritage.  “At this stage in my life, it’s crucial for me to acknowledge my Indigenous heritage,” she reflects, recognising how this part of her identity shapes her worldview and informs her advocacy efforts.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of her role at Sodexo is the opportunity to collaborate with community partners to establish safe cultural practices that honour and respect Indigenous traditions.  “It’s rewarding to see how these collaborations can promote the ongoing development of Indigenous people and communities,” she emphasised, showcasing her dedication to fostering resilience and empowerment for Indigenous populations. 

"As the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, I am dedicated to fostering strong relationships and building strong collaborative community partnerships.   A foundational element of my role involves fostering a collaborative environment where community partners, elders, and members can freely share their insights, needs, and concerns.  This commitment to transparent communication ensures that Sodexo’s initiatives are accurately aligned with and responsive to the community’s directly voiced needs.”

“The Kai Kai Project is a key commitment by Sodexo aimed at transforming food security in the Pilbara region.  The term "Kai Kai," meaning "eating" or "food," highlights its focus on addressing the food security challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Australia.  Access to nutritious food is vital for health and well-being, yet the geographic isolation of the Pilbara complicates this access.”

“This initiative seeks to provide more than just basic food provisions; it strives to offer dignity through nutritious and culturally appropriate meals.  By engaging with community members, the Kai Kai Project ensures that the food provided meets their needs and preferences, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.”

"Over the past 12 months, Sodexo has donated 4,500 meals to remote communities. Looking ahead, we are proud to pledge the donation of one million meals to remote communities where we operate by 2030,” she shared.

"With the help of my amazing team, we are currently developing cultural awareness training for our staff. The training will enhance people's understanding of Indigenous people and culture.  Through the staff training sessions and community cooking events, we aim to connect Indigenous culinary heritage, traditional language preservation and nutrition education."

Her vision for empowerment is driven by a deep respect for community development and her Indigenous heritage, which motivates her to ensure that the basic needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds are met.  “My work is more than just a job; it’s a mission fuelled by my commitment to my culture and a desire to create lasting change.  Through my efforts at Sodexo and beyond, I aim to honour my roots while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.”

Lenny’s role as an Indigenous Engagement Coordinator is profoundly shaped by her Indigenous heritage and commitment to community, this influences every aspect of her work.  She emphasises, “Engaging with Indigenous communities requires a focus on respect and cultural awareness.”  Lenny prioritises respect, empathy, and understanding when connecting with communities, recognising their unique stories and perspectives.

At Sodexo, her goal is to promote Indigenous economic and community empowerment by building meaningful partnerships.  “I believe that close collaboration with communities is crucial for developing sustainable practices that honour their cultural practices and heritage,” she adds.  This position has allowed her to feel more connected to her Indigenous ancestry, which she considers fundamental to her identity.  “At this stage in my life, acknowledging my Indigenous heritage is essential.  I want to grow and expand my understanding of my background; this role has allowed me to connect with these roots,” she shares.

Lenny grew up in a small town in the Pilbara, where her strong sense of community was nurtured by her family's involvement in local activities.  While she wasn't aware of her Indigenous heritage until later in life, her active participation in community service shaped her appreciation for the people and communities around her.  These experiences have greatly influenced her role as the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator. 

Her personal achievements, including being honoured as the Victorian Premier Youth Volunteer of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year and participating in events like the Commonwealth Games 2018, have not only allowed her to fully embrace her identity but also continue to fuel her commitment to community work. These experiences motivate her to ensure that Sodexo's engagement initiatives are inclusive and community led.

She highlights the importance of active listening and understanding social cues, noting that communication styles can vary significantly across communities.  “By approaching each group with an open mind and a willingness to learn, I aim to build trust and establish productive relationships.  Overall, emphasising respect and recognising that diversity is key to meaningful engagement,” she says.

Lenny focuses on identifying areas of mutual interest between Sodexo and Indigenous communities.  “It’s important to see where our priorities align and collaborate on those areas,” she explains.  She compares this process to a Venn diagram, highlighting shared goals and values in the middle.