Cycle Breaker. ‘Glow Getter’. Indigenous Entrepreneur.

Photo: Jaynaya Winmar – a leader, connector, and advocate for Indigenous business.

Jaynaya grew up on Ballardong Noongar Country in Western Australia and has been living on Naarm (Melbourne) for the last 20 years. With deep roots in community and culture, she brings decades of experience in employment, recruitment, reconciliation, and procurement to the national and global stage.

Her journey reflects the power of Indigenous business to drive economic empowerment and community-led change. 

As Director of First Nations X, a not-for-profit organisation focused on empowering Indigenous Startup Businesses by bridging critical gaps in ecosystem support, she creates many opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

She was a key driver for First Nations House, which featured during West Tech Fest in Perth and on the global stage at SXSW in Austin Texas. This inaugural gathering provided a powerful platform to elevate the voices, aspirations and achievements of First Nations people on a global stage. 

“(It was) a network that came together to collaborate, predominantly with the US Consulate in Perth, to create space for Indigenous entrepreneurs to have exposure globally and showcase to the world what Indigenous businesses are all about” Jaynaya said.

Her impact was further demonstrated through her participation in the Distinguished Humphrey Fellowship Program in the United States, where the program centred on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Through this fellowship, she engaged with global leaders, policy makers, and community organisations to advance recognition of Indigenous rights, including self-determination, cultural protection, land and resource rights, and international collaboration. This work reinforced her commitment to creating frameworks that ensure Indigenous peoples can thrive on their own terms, while building bridges between nations for lasting change.

“I strongly believe in supporting others and their passions, as we are stronger together” Jaynaya explained.

Jaynaya has worked with First Nations communities across regional and remote parts of Western Australia and Victoria. She helps organisations listen better, build trust, and work in ways that respect culture and community. Her work includes creating Reconciliation Action Plans and Indigenous Procurement strategies that support real partnerships with businesses, sporting clubs and national organisations.

“For me, community work is never just a project—it’s a responsibility. I approach it by listening first, walking alongside people, and making sure their voices guide the outcomes. It’s important because when communities are at the centre, the solutions are stronger, sustainable, and carried with cultural integrity” she said.

Through her own business, Jaynaya continues to support organisations to build respectful relationships with First Nations people. Her business Blakbone Sistahood, is a proud Indigenous-led organisation with expertise in employment, recruitment, and Indigenous engagement.  It empowers Indigenous women through entrepreneurship, business, and leadership, creating culturally safe spaces where women can grow, connect, and thrive. 

Jaynaya explained that she founded the business to build women’s resilience while honouring cultural knowledge and identity. 

“We believe in walking confidently in two worlds—embracing culture while navigating business because our Blak women are the backbone of our community. It was an effortless transition into that space, coming from a strong matriarchal line of the Noongar Ballardong mob’ she said.

At the World Indigenous Business Forum 2025, Jaynaya will share her story and insights on Indigenous empowerment, policy influence, and community led business advocacy. She attends as an Ambassador at the Forum.

The Forum supports Closing the Gap Socioeconomic Outcomes 7 and 8, by creating opportunities for First Nations businesses and supporting economic empowerment. It also aligns with Priority Reforms 1 to 3 of the National Agreement, by strengthening partnerships, building the community controlled and Indigenous Business sectors, and ensuring government processes better meet the needs of Indigenous people.

Find out more and register to attend the Forum: Home » World Indigenous Business Forum Inc.