About Us
Bernice a proud descendent of the Waanyi People in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland on a mission to value-add and increase people culture to transform inclusive representation and visibility Indigenous. People in the construction & mining industry, organisations, government (local, state & federal), private sector and foreseeable future globally.
Bernice is an accomplished speaker, author, mentor and leader. She has held roles in senior management directly reporting to General Managers, CEO’s and successful family business operations, 5-6 figure budget projects and founded several businesses. Bernice is working with a board responsible to contribute towards consumer health, a forum on issues of strategic significance in the provision of quality health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and provide advice to organisational decision-makers. Bernice also sits on boards for Women’s centre and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women Legal Service.
Bernice provides a unique, culturally safe environment, accountability, tailored design and the mentorship you envision to achieve change and transform into the cross-cultural exchange as at the same time respectful boundaries. She’s like the transformation scout challenging community innovation.
Bernice is a survivor of disempowerment, feeling of unworthiness, well-being depreciation and has overcome little or limited opportunity in any prevention into the culture of the right to speak up. Bernice has lived it and experienced it, that’s where her learnings and experience come in.
Our Why
Bernice founded MZB Empowerment to focus delivery of personal and professional development in cultural, commercial and financial leadership. To provide mentoring to strengthen the empowerment of individuals and businesses in all walks of life through mutual trust and respect.
MZB Empowerment defines the global sustainable development priorities and aspirations for 2030 and seeks to be a call to action “the voice to echo change” for the UN Sustainable Development Goal #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth (UN SDG #8). This aims to end poverty and create a life of dignity and opportunity for all.
MZB Empowerment defines the global sustainable development priorities and aspirations for 2030 and seeks to be a call to action “a voice for the voiceless” for the UN Sustainable Development Goal #5 Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (UN SDG#5). This aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls to begin eliminating the increased risk of violence against women and girls.
Experience
Accreditations
Leadership & Mentoring NRWC
Westerman Aboriginal Symptoms Checklist – Adult and Youth WASC-A and WASC-Y
Money Minded Financial Literacy Program ANZ
Advancing Women on Boards Program
Murra Indigenous Business Masterclass Program MBS
Actively speaking and sharing knowledge to local schools around the Townsville community
One Business Program Trainer / Mentor
Achievements
MZB has facilitated a Leadership Program nationally with a reputable education college that is more than 60 years old, Tranby National Indigenous Adult Education and Training College. MZB has co-designed the Yanalangami Leadership program that was launched on International Women’s Day 2021. MZB is a mentor for the Meereeng50 Accelerator Program for Victorian-based Indigenous businesses.
Bernice has represented Australia on behalf of the National Rural Women’s Coalition as a member of the communication arm of the Communication Reference Team (CRT) for Rural, Regional, and Remote (RRR) women and girls in Australia. Bernice spoke at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 2021 (UN CSW 65) about communication barriers in RRR areas in particular for Indigenous women and girls.
MZB is a Facilitator/Trainer for the One Business Program an initiative in partnership with Iscariot Media and funded by Qld TAFE and Advance Qld for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, starting or growing a business in Qld.
Finalist for Leadership Awards in 2019 for emerging changemaker, via the Women’s Agenda, which can be seen here.
2020 Inspiring Woman #COLOURFULL Award Finalist
