Shonella Tatipata

2022 Cohort

Shonella is investigating how the interactions of data and First Nations’ narratives can contribute to more equitable systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Shonella is a Panai and Wuthathi descendant from her mother’s side and Kulkalgal from her father. She is based in Canberra, ACT, Australia where she is an independent consultant working nationally with governments, organisations and First Nations communities. She works on projects that support First Nations Peoples experiencing equitable changes in their lives.

Her background includes wide-ranging finance roles in government and private sectors, with a purpose-driven shift to professional services to focus on First Nations’ priorities. She uses her experiences to inform how First Nations’ disparities can be holistically addressed within the context of intergenerational trauma and lived insights. Her projects have ranged across many areas including education, health, aged care, childcare, family preservation, social services and employment.

Shonella is committed to helping stakeholders in First Nations spheres to sustainably deliver real community outcomes and how they can evidence-base it. Through AFSE, Shonella hopes to continue her work supporting continuum stakeholders towards intended outcomes by resetting how their data interacts with First Nations narratives. She is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University.

“All I see are my families when pursuing changes First Nations Peoples want. I want their narratives and healing to be valued.”

Social change work

Shonella intends to investigate how the interactions of data and First Nations’ narratives can contribute to more equitable systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.