Cherie McLaren is a proud Gamilaroi woman with connections to the Wailwen people, social entrepreneur, researcher and nationally recognised cultural practitioner committed to strengthening Aboriginal communities through culture, leadership and evidence-informed practice.
With more than 15 years of experience working across government, corporate, education and community sectors, Cherie has become a respected voice in Aboriginal cultural capability, governance and community engagement. Her work bridges Aboriginal ways of knowing with contemporary organisational practice, helping organisations move beyond compliance to create genuine partnerships and measurable social impact.
As Founder and Managing Director of Speaking in Colour, Cherie has led the development of cultural capability programs, strategic advisory services and community partnerships that have supported organisations across Australia to embed Aboriginal perspectives into governance, leadership and everyday practice.
Recognising the need for a dedicated organisation focused on community impact, Cherie also founded Miti Nukang, an Aboriginal women-led not-for-profit committed to empowering the next generation of Aboriginal women through culture, community and leadership.
Cherie recently completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Newcastle following eight years of research. Her doctoral work explored how community-led cultural resurgence programs strengthen Aboriginal identity, wellbeing and leadership, while advancing new approaches to measuring cultural safety and social impact. Her research continues to inform policy, governance and program design nationally.
A sought-after keynote speaker, facilitator and strategic advisor, Cherie regularly works with executive teams, boards and government agencies on Aboriginal governance, cultural safety, Reconciliation Action Plans, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), community engagement and impact measurement.
At the heart of Cherie's work is a simple belief: lasting change occurs when Aboriginal voices are centred, relationships are built on trust, and organisations have the confidence to turn good intentions into meaningful action.
"We don't measure success by the number of programs delivered—we measure it by the strength of culture, confidence and community that remains long after the program ends."
Cherie is a highly regarded lecturer in Aboriginal culture and education and is a casual lecturer at the University of Newcastle.
As an accomplished artist, Cherie has exhibited photographic and woven artworks exhibited in Perth, Sydney and Newcastle and major public artworks completed in Newcastle. Cherie is an active member of the Awabakal Community and a board member for several organisations to ensure business success supports positive social impact in local communities.
Cherie is available as a keynote speaker for conferences, events, forums, team building activities, RAP development and panel discussions.