OUR PEOPLE

Rhian Miller

CEO and Founder

A proud Wirangu, Narranga and Wongi woman, Rhian brings over a decade of experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentoring, leadership, and program design. Beginning her journey as a mentee in the AIME program, she went on to contribute in a range of senior roles, guiding initiatives that created opportunities for thousands of young people.

Her work has spanned education, leadership development, and cultural engagement, including leading youth programs at one of the nation’s most significant cultural festivals, and shaping organisational strategies to support reconciliation and learning.

With a deep commitment to empowering the next generation, Rhian founded EPIC Pathways to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students thrive at school and beyond. Her vision is grounded in cultural pride, strong relationships, and a belief in the transformative power of education.

Ann-Maree Long

Head of Community Engagement

A proud Badjala, Woppaburra, and Torres Strait Islander woman, Ann-Maree is a Program Manager at EPIC, bringing her expertise in digital literacy, education, and community engagement to create opportunities for First Nations youth. 

A QUT Creative Industries graduate, she previously led the CareerTrackers High School Program and served as National Coordinator of the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy in partnership with CSIRO.

As a storyteller and facilitator, Ann‑Maree has mentored young First Nations future scientists and sharing ancestral scientific knowledge in a cross‑cultural journey across oceans.

Ann‑Maree serves on First Nations advisory groups, including the Committee for Brisbane and the Pyjama Foundation, and sits on the Ember Connect Board, where she brings nearly a decade of experience in leading national programs that uplift students through storytelling, creativity, and collaboration.

As the first in her family to complete high school, she is deeply committed to creating opportunities and amplifying young Indigenous voices.

Will Wensley

Storyteller, Facilitator, Trainer

Will is a seasoned actor, videographer, and facilitator with over two decades of experience both in front of and behind the camera. A Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) graduate from QUT, he has built a career spanning acting, directing, and coaching—running his own acting school on the Sunshine Coast and supporting actors on set for film productions.

For the past seven years, Will has brought his storytelling craft to First Nations storytelling. Capturing voices and moments from across the country and guiding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in sharing their own stories. He’s also been a core part of the GARMA Youth Forum, collaborating closely with EPIC CEO Rhian Miller to help create a space where young people have fun, are celebrated, and heard.

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Kalani Ripley

Board Member

Kalani is a proud Kalkadoon man and a leader in modern manufacturing. Beginning his journey as a mentee in the AIME program, he experienced firsthand the power of mentoring and connection — a foundation that continues to influence his leadership today.

After taking the reins of a traditional injection moulding business, Kalani introduced advanced 3D printing technologies to transform production processes, blending innovation with established craft. Passionate about pushing boundaries, he challenges industry norms, improving efficiency and promoting sustainable practices.

By combining technology with tradition, Kalani sets new standards in his field while inspiring the next generation of makers and problem-solvers.

Siena Mayutu Wurmarri Stubbs

Communications

Siena is a proud Yolŋu woman of the Gumatj clan, from the Yirritja moiety. Her storytelling journey began at age 12 and blossomed into her first book, Our Birds — a celebration of Yolŋu language, Country, and connection. A Film Studies graduate from QUT, Siena now brings her talent for multimedia storytelling to EPIC, where she amplifies the voices and journeys of young people and communities with deep cultural insight and creative strength.

Jaiden McGregor

Adviser and Strategist

Born and raised in Darwin on Larrakia Country, Jaiden comes from the Nyikina people in northern Western Australia. A passionate advocate for youth and First Nations affairs, he brings both lived experience and academic dedication to his work. Jaiden completed a Bachelor of Arts—majoring in Global Humanities and Society & Culture—at Charles Darwin University, finding a profound love for learning after high school and becoming one of the proud First Nations graduates recognized at the First Nations Leadership Valedictory Ceremony.

Jaiden’s outlook is rooted in cultural connection, empathy, and an expansive perspective on identity and belonging. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management, driven by his goal to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts across Australia and the world.

Tom Wensley

Director and General Manager

Tom is an experienced not-for-profit leader with a diverse background spanning youth programs, social impact initiatives, and strategic partnerships. He began his career in state and federal government, working across industrial relations, strategic policy, and administrative law before moving into the for-purpose sector.

In leadership roles, Tom has overseen mentoring programs for young people, working closely with schools, universities, and communities to create opportunities and expand access. He has also guided national partnerships, collaborating with government, corporate, philanthropic, and higher education partners to strengthen organisational impact.

A graduate of the University of Queensland, Tom brings together skills in law, sociology, and political science, along with experience in startups, governance, and the creative industries. He is committed to building connections that support young people to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Robbie Miller

Director and Head of Programs

Robbie (Adnyamathanha and Saibai) is a highly analytical, culturally capable, and innovative project manager with deep experience in project design, governance, planning, and evaluation across the First Nations education and arts sectors. He excels at building meaningful relationships and working collaboratively to drive positive change, with a strong passion for uplifting educational outcomes for First Nations youth.

Robbie spent over 12 years. In recent years, he has worked as a project manager in the First Nations team at Creative Australia, delivering the First Nations Literature and First Nations Fashion projects.

Beyond his project work, Robbie is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has mentored and supported emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, served as a mentor in residence at Brisbane’s Music Industry College, and spent a semester as a sessional lecturer at QUT. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Advertising) and a Bachelor of Music (Production) from QUT.

Dion McCurdy

In-House Legal Counsel, CFO and Strategist

Dion is a legal professional, social entrepreneur, and advocate with a passion for using the law as a tool for positive change. His career spans roles in boutique and mid-tier law firms, as well as his own legal practice, where he has supported not-for-profits, charities, and community organisations to navigate complex legal and governance challenges.

A graduate of the University of Queensland, Dion’s background in law, psychology, and political science underpins his work in both the legal and social impact sectors. He has co-founded and led initiatives dedicated to strengthening democracy and civic participation, and regularly shares his insights at national and international forums.

With more than a decade of volunteer service in mentoring programs, Dion brings a deep commitment to equity, empowerment, and community. As EPIC’s Legal Counsel and CFO, he combines legal expertise, financial stewardship, and strategic vision to help shape programs that create lasting impact.

Drew Paten

Board Member

Drew Paten, a proud Gunai/Kurnai man, is deeply committed to creating lasting change and fostering self-determined futures for Indigenous communities. As Director of Strategy at Talwali, Drew champions sustainability and ethical innovation. He holds influential board roles with Common Ground, Ngarrimili, and now EPIC Pathways, advocating for Indigenous entrepreneurship, leadership, and education. Drew also serves as Community Development Manager at the Koorie Youth Council, empowering Aboriginal youth through culturally grounded mentorship and community development initiatives. His passion and dedication continue to inspire meaningful impact.

Huda Fadlelmawla

Facilitator

Huda, stage name Huda the Goddess, is an award-winning spoken word poet, educator, and activist whose work bridges cultures and inspires change. A proud Black Sudanese Muslim woman, she has spent over five years working alongside First Nations communities with AIME, fostering cross-cultural learning and youth empowerment.

Winner of the 2025 Australia for UNHCR–SBS Les Murray Award for Refugee Recognition and the Australian Poetry Slam, Huda has performed on global stages and delivered three TEDx talks. As an EPIC Facilitator, she blends storytelling, cultural exchange, and lived experience to inspire young people to find and share their voices.