Bio

Connor Floyd is a Dharug man and international development practitioner with over a decade of experience, including at DFAT. He began his career working alongside Yolngu communities in remote Northern Australia, which continues to shape his respect for local knowledge and leadership.

At the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh he oversaw programs on disability inclusion, gender-based violence and governance. He later managed Australia's partnership with the World Food Programme. He now works as an independent consultant and has since advised governments, multilateral organisations and civil society on policy, design and evaluation.

Connor has served as AFNAD Treasurer since July 2025. In that time he has built AFNAD's financial management systems and delivered its first DFAT contract acquittal. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action.

Motivation

Taking on funding from DFAT has brought AFNAD a long way in a short time. OFNIE's support has allowed AFNAD members to shape and start delivering on our first Strategic Plan. We have also begun diversifying our partners. ACFID has engaged AFNAD to bring First Nations perspectives into its Racial Justice Initiative, with the work done by members. Support from DFAT's Equity Hub is helping us build the infrastructure for diversified funding modalities. This includes systems that let AFNAD hold contracts and subcontract work to members.

I am nominating again because that work is not finished. I want AFNAD to keep receiving funded work responsibly, without taking on risk for the organisation or the committee. That means members are paid properly for their expertise; every dollar can be explained to members and funders; and saying no when a contract asks more of us than it gives back or compromises our independence.

Over the next term I would like to keep building the foundations that can see AFNAD's financial operations continue sustainably for the next decade. That means finishing the contracting and financial systems so they are sustainable for handover to a future treasurer, and diversifying our income. My experience managing DFAT programs and partnerships, and now consulting on the other side of the contracting chain, helps here.

It would be a privilege to keep serving AFNAD and its members in this role.

Bio

David is a Dhunghutti man and international development practitioner who's experience spans climate resilience, environmental management, monitoring, evaluation and learning, and inclusive development across Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. As a founding member and current President of AFNAD, David has helped lead the establishment of AFNAD's governance, partnerships and profile across the sector. During his tenure, he secured AFNAD’s first round of funding, enabling the largest in-person gathering of members since AFNAD’s inception and the development of its inaugural Strategic Plan. He has also worked to expand professional development opportunities for members, including access to training, conferences and learning sessions, as well as connections to consulting opportunities. David is Principal Consultant at Sustineo and leads the firm’s Climate Change Stream. He remains committed to strengthening AFNAD as a member-led organisation that creates practical opportunities for First Nations Australians working in international development.

Motivation

I am seeking re-election as President because I would welcome the opportunity to build on AFNAD’s recent progress and help guide the association through its next stage of development. Since becoming President, I have worked with the Committee and members to strengthen AFNAD’s foundations and sector relationships, and to secure our first tranche of funding. This support enabled us to hold the largest in-person gathering of members since AFNAD’s inception and the development of our inaugural Strategic Plan.

I understand the President’s role is to provide accountable and inclusive leadership to the Committee, support sound governance, represent AFNAD across the sector, and ensure the association remains focused on the priorities of its members. It also requires working collaboratively with other Committee members, recognising their existing responsibilities and supporting them to contribute effectively with limited resources.

If re-elected, I would be honoured to help AFNAD turn its recent momentum into sustained value for mob in the development sector. I hope to contribute continuity, established relationships and practical leadership as we implement our Strategic Plan and pursue further funding and partnerships aligned with member priorities. My focus would be on facilitating more professional development, learning and yarning opportunities, strengthening connections across our membership, and supporting pathways for First Nations practitioners to contribute to, and feel safe within, Australia's international development sector.

I do not take the trust of AFNAD’s members for granted. I remain committed to leadership that is accountable, responsive and focused on translating AFNAD’s growing profile and resources into practical benefits for members.

Bio

I am a proud Kija woman living on Kaurna Country and have been a member of AFNAD since 2023, when I began working in the international development sector. I currently work with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and serve as a Non-Executive Director with the Unity of First People of Australia.

My professional experience spans international development, government and governance, including working with DFAT, DT Global and First Nations communities.

Over the past three years, I have watched AFNAD grow into a vibrant and influential network that supports First Nations professionals across the development sector which I am proud to be apart. I am passionate about contributing to this community and supporting opportunities for connection, learning and collective impact.

Motivation

I am nominating for the role of Vice-President because I am passionate about AFNAD's mission and the important role it plays in strengthening First Nations leadership within the international development sector.

Over the past three years, I have seen AFNAD develop into a strong community that creates opportunities for connection, advocacy and professional growth. I believe my experience working across government, international development and governance positions me well to contribute to the organisation's future direction.

In previous roles, I have worked closely with DFAT and managing contractor DT Global, giving me insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. In my current role with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, I work in stakeholder and community engagement, while my position as a Non-Executive Director with the Unity of First People of Australia has strengthened my governance and strategic leadership capabilities.

The release of DFAT's First Nations International Development Strategy presents an important opportunity for mobilisation and meaningful engagement across the sector. I would welcome the opportunity to support AFNAD in helping its members engage with and influence this important work.

As a young First Nations woman, I bring both a fresh perspective and a commitment to listening and learning from others. If elected, I would bring a governance approach grounded in culture, respect and accountability, support professional development opportunities for members, and contribute to AFNAD's strategic growth in service of the entire membership.

Bio

Ethan is a final-year Politics and International Relations student at the University of Canberra. His interests are centred around international development, Indo-Pacific affairs, global politics and national security. He has previously worked with Alinea International as a consulting intern and Program Officer for DFAT's Equity Hub. Ethan has a broad interest in all areas of international development and is committed to strengthening First Nations participation in these spaces. He is a member of AFNAD and is nominating for the Operations Manager role on the committee.

Motivation

I am nominating for the Operations Manager role because I want to contribute to AFNAD's vision of providing a culturally safe professional network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

I understand the role to involve coordinating member updates, and communications (Newsletters, ACFID ticket notification etc.).

I hope to contribute a perspective of someone outside the traditional bounds of international development. My professional experience has given me a solid foundation of skills that allow me to manage competing priorities and deadlines. I believe these skills are fundamental to the operations role.

Outside of my professional experience, I want to contribute to AFNAD's vision and mission of becoming a culturally safe professional network that isn't beholden to a managing contractor or other large entity. I want to contribute to giving First Nations Australians a way to engage with the international development sector on their own terms.

Bio

Karla is a proud Truwulway / Trawlwoolway Queer women living on Ugarapul country in Tulmur (Ipswich) who lives with apparent and non apparent disabilities.

With 15 years of experience in human resources, Karla has worked with organisations like Telstra, Kmart, and Suncorp, helping them to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments for First Nations people and their communities. She currently holds the role of First Nations lead at DT Global.

Motivation

I am interested in serving as President, Vice President, or Operations Manager because I am passionate about supporting and strengthening the network of Australian First Nations professionals working in international development.

Having recently concluded my tenure as a Non-Executive Director with a Queensland-based charity, I have been considering how I can continue contributing in ways that create meaningful impact for my own community. This opportunity aligns strongly with my values and my commitment to advancing First Nations leadership, representation, and influence across the sector.

I bring a combination of governance, policy, people and culture, and organisational leadership experience. In my professional role, I lead First Nations initiatives within an international development organisation, working across strategy, workforce development, cultural capability, stakeholder engagement, and organisational change. My governance experience has strengthened my ability to think strategically, support good decision-making, and contribute to sustainable organisational growth.

As a proud First Nations woman, I understand the importance of creating spaces where our voices, lived experiences, and knowledge are recognised and valued. I am committed to fostering collaboration, supporting emerging leaders, and helping create opportunities for First Nations professionals to connect, learn, and influence positive change.

I believe my experience, leadership capabilities, and genuine commitment to community would enable me to make a valuable contribution in any of these roles while supporting the organisation's continued growth and impact.

Bio

Kianna Taylor is a proud Nhanda woman from the Yamatji Nation in Western Australia and serves as the Indigenous Programs Coordinator with the Australian Volunteers Program.

Kianna holds a Bachelor of Science from Murdoch University, majoring in Environmental Management and Sustainability, with minors in Australian Indigenous Studies and Nature-Based Tourism. Her professional experience spans the government, mining, infrastructure, and community development sectors, where she has supported environmental management, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and community-focused initiatives.

With a strong background in stakeholder engagement, program coordination, and partnership development, she is passionate about supporting community-led outcomes and promoting self-determination. Her interests include youth leadership, climate action, and strengthening connections between Indigenous peoples through shared learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Through her work, Kianna hopes to advocate for culturally safe and inclusive approaches that elevate Indigenous voices, foster meaningful partnerships, and support future generations to thrive.

Motivation

My background has been quite diverse and, although I am relatively new to the international development sector, I bring extensive experience in coordinating and delivering programs and projects at both local and national levels. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supporting initiatives that strengthen participation, build capacity, and create meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities.

I am interested in joining the AFNAD Committee because I am passionate about ensuring First Nations voices, knowledge, and leadership are represented and valued within the international development sector. Through my current role with the Australian Volunteers Program, I have gained an appreciation for the importance of Indigenous-led approaches, cross-cultural collaboration, and the positive impact that sharing knowledge and lived experiences can have in creating sustainable outcomes.

I see the committee as an opportunity to contribute my skills in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and relationship building while also learning from other Indigenous professionals and leaders working across the sector. I am particularly interested in supporting initiatives that strengthen pathways for First Nations people to engage in international development and create opportunities for meaningful connections between Indigenous communities in Australia and globally.

Joining the AFNAD Committee would allow me to contribute to an organisation whose values align closely with my own commitment to community empowerment, inclusion, and self-determination. I am eager to bring both my professional experience and personal perspective to the committee and to support AFNAD's ongoing efforts to advocate for and elevate Indigenous voices within international development.