Our Board

Cormach Evans

Cormach is a proud Yorta Yorta man and father of two. He is the CEO and Founder of both Ngarrimili and Strong Brother Strong Sister. SBSS is a youth organisation that supports Aboriginal Children and Young People to achieve positive social and emotional wellbeing, whilst ensuring connections to culture and community. This is done through cultural mentoring, youth groups and advocacy with the out of home and education sectors.
Cormach started Ngarrimili in 2018, drawing from his own journey in business, with the view to creating the best opportunities for the First Nations business community. Cormach is currently residing on Larrakia Country in Darwin.

Rona Glynn-McDonald

Rona is a Kaytetye woman who grew up in Mparntwe on Arrernte Country. With ties to storytelling, economics and narrative change, Rona works with First Nations organisations to shape future systems that centre First Nations people, knowledge and solutions. Rona is the founding CEO of Common Ground and co-founder of First Nations Futures.
Rona works as an advisor to companies and organisations across the not for profit, retail, sport and philanthropy sectors. Through her work with First Nations communities across Australia, Rona aims to create future systems that centre First Nations people, knowledge and cultures.

Drew Paten

Drew Paten is the co-founder and Strategy Director of Talwali Coffee Roasters, a First Nations-led company that leverages coffee as a conduit to create opportunities and spark conversations around sustainability, supply chain and impact. His strategic leadership at Talwali has driven community engagement and business growth. Drew also serves as the Community Development Manager at The Koorie Youth Council, where he enhances youth involvement in decision-making processes for better representation across sectors. Additionally, he is a board director at Common Ground First Nations, where he helps guide the organisation's efforts to educate and celebrate First Nations cultures and stories.

Kedeisha Kartinyeri

After completing her Accounting degree, Kedeisha gained invaluable experience working at mainstream accounting firms in Adelaide for 4 years. A proud Ngarrindjeri woman, Kedeisha is now committed to her own business, working together with Aboriginal organisations and providing pathways for other Aboriginal people to follow her professional footsteps. A keen sportsperson, Kedeisha has played state league basketball for the Eastern Mavericks since 2015. And as a committed community volunteer, Kedeisha has completed the 30km Coastrek walk, raising funds for Beyond Blue. She’s also proudly involved in mentoring Aboriginal students.