Kaylene Ball is an inspiring Wuthathi and Thursday Island woman and an accomplished alumnus of the Cape York Leadership Academy. For the past 9 years, Kaylene has been a valuable staff member at Cape York Partnership, where she has held various roles, ranging from Receptionist, Project Officer, Executive Assistant to the CEO, Human Resources Support Officer, Marketing Coordinator, all at Cape York Partnership and Cape York Institute. She has also been an Enrolment Officer and Project Coordinator (Student Support) at Djarragun College and Cape York Leaders Program. Today, Kaylene works with our Pama Future’s team as the Project Support Officer.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Kaylene to discuss her journey and how the Cape York Leadership Academy has helped her become the resilient, determined, and inspiring woman she is today.
What did you enjoy most about being part of the Leadership Academy?
“Digging deep into the core of who you are as a person and how you function as an individual. Â When you understand yourself better you are better able to learn strategies to respond better to situations and be more open to the idea of self-growth.”
What skills have you found most useful in your professional life?
“Effective communication. Knowing when to use your voice, how to engage with others, and the importance of appropriate and correct manner to have meaningful conversations.”
What is your fondest memory of the Leadership Academy?
“Just feeling comfortable alongside mob. It’s not every day you get to be in a room full of powerful First Nations with their own story and walks of life to share that you can connect with, relate to or learn from their experience. It’s a very supportive atmosphere, you become family and we all cheer each other on and want each other to succeed not only in career aspirations, but in life, home, family and community. We cry, laugh, share, encourage and grow together.”