Emily Betts is a proud Gamilaraay woman and the National Indigenous Employment Manager for the Kmart Group, where she is widely recognised for her leadership in advancing employment, education, and culturally safe practices for First Nations peoples. Her work is grounded in a collective leadership model alongside the Kmart Group’s First Nations Team, ensuring programs are shaped with community and delivered in ways that creating meaningful, lasting changes across retail environments. Throughout her career, Emily has championed initiatives that build capability, strengthen belonging and support long‑term career pathways. A key focus of her work is First Time Employment, where she and her team guide young people and jobseekers entering the workforce, helping them develop confidence, skills, and a strong cultural foundation as they take their first steps into employment. Emily also plays a central role in the Deadly Store Program, a flagship Kmart Group initiative that creates culturally rich and empowering retail environments. Through this program, she supports the growth of First Nations team members and leaders, ensuring culture is visible, celebrated, and woven into everyday business practices. Working closely with senior leaders, Emily leads strategies that align organisational goals with cultural integrity and inclusion and truth-telling. She designs programs that build cultural awareness across the business and embed diverse perspectives into decision-making at all levels. Emily’s leadership is defined by authenticity, collaboration, and empowerment. She is a strong advocate for community‑led approaches and believes that lasting impact comes from centring First Nations voices, celebrating strengths, and creating workplaces where culture, identity, and opportunity can thrive.