top of page
IMG_7650.jpeg

OUR PEOPLE

Our Team and Board:

A professional headshot of a smiling individual with wet hair and a casual checkered top. The background is a soft beige, providing a clean and minimalistic look.

CEO and Founder

Rhian Miller

She / Her

A proud Wirangu, Narranga, and Wangkatha woman with a decade of experience in First Nations mentoring and leadership. Rhian’s dedication to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students drives our purpose.

A professional headshot of a smiling individual with wet hair and a top featuring intricate patterns. The background is a soft beige, offering a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.

Head of Community Engagement

Ann-Maree Long

She /Her

Proud Badjala, Woppaburra, Torres Strait Islander woman working as Program Manager for Land on Heart’s Digital Literacy and Inclusion Project. A QUT graduate, she led CareerTrackers High School Program and Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy with CSIRO. She is incredibly passionate about amplifying young people’s voices.

A professional headshot of an individual in a black button up top. The background is a soft beige, offering a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.

Storyteller, Facilitator, Trainer

Will Wensley

He / Him

An experienced actor, videographer, and facilitator, Will brings stories to life, helping us share the journeys of our students and mentors.

​

​

blank-profile-picture

Board Member

Kalani Ripley

He/ Him

Kalani Ripley is a Kalkadoon man and a passionate innovate leader in modern manufacturing. Kalani challenges industry norms, driving efficiency and sustainability. His work sets new benchmarks in manufacturing, blending technology with tradition to shape the future.

blank-profile-picture

Board Member

Announced soon

Her/ she

Watch this space—it’s worth it!

Headshot_young man with beard and smile on face

Director and General Manager

Tom Wensley

He / Him

A lawyer and experienced not-for-profit manager, Tom brings his expertise in strategic partnerships and youth programs to EPIC.

A professional headshot of an individual in a black top. The background is a soft beige, offering a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.

Director and Head of Programs

Robbie Miller

He / Him

Adnyamathanha and Saibai man, Robbie, is a First Nations song writer and  works as a project management expert passionate about uplifting educational outcomes for First Nations youth.

​

​

A professional headshot of a smiling individual in a white top. The background is a soft beige, offering a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.

In-House Legal Counsel, CFO and Strategist

Dion McCurdy

He / Him

A UQ graduate with degrees in Law and Arts, Dion also serves as Adjunct Associate Lecturer at UQ. He founded Direct Lawyers and is Co-founder and CEO of NewVote, focusing on education and democracy. 

Headshot of Drew Paten.png

Board Member

Drew Paten

He / Him

​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.

EPIC Advisory Committee

Our Advisory Committee is made up of First Nations change-makers who provide essential guidance, cultural knowledge, and insights to shape the EPIC program's direction.
 

These leaders bring their expertise from a variety of fields, helping us ensure that:

  • Our work is respectful of cultural traditions and protocols,

  • Our initiatives are relevant to community needs, and

  • Our impact aligns with the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
     

Together, we are shaping a future that respects culture, fosters inclusion, and drives meaningful change.

​

​

Updates are on the way—stay connected!

The image shows the Progress Pride Flag. It features the traditional rainbow stripes representing the LGBTQ+ community, with red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. On the left side, there is a chevron design with black and brown stripes to represent marginalised LGBTQ+ communities of colour, and light blue, pink, and white stripes to represent the transgender community. The chevron points to the right, symbolising forward movement and progress.

EPIC embraces diversity and inclusion by providing an inclusive mentoring and work environment. We welcome everyone, irrespective of age, sex, gender, sexuality, religion, size and ability.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

EPIC honors and respects the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We deeply value their enduring connection to the land, water, and community. With heartfelt reverence, we acknowledge their rich cultures and pay tribute to the Elders past, present, and emerging.

The image shows the Accessibility Flag, designed to represent people with disabilities. The flag features a simple and clear design with a blue background. In the centre, there is a black, stylised figure of a person positioned in the middle of the flag. This symbol is placed on a neutral background to emphasise the focus on accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes digitally, in school, and on the journey to a positive post schooling pathways.

Self-determined futures. Our ways.

bottom of page