Nikita Ridgeway
Executive Manager – Communication and Events
Nikita is a proud Bundjalung and Biripi woman, communications executive, strategic marketing leader, entrepreneur, and trusted advisor with more than 20 years of experience driving organisational growth, stakeholder engagement, and social impact across government, corporate, health, education, and community sectors.
As Founder and Creative Director of Boss Lady Design & Communications, Nikita leads one of Australia’s leading Indigenous-owned communications and creative agencies, providing strategic advisory services in branding, communications, stakeholder engagement, cultural capability, and organisational transformation. Her expertise spans executive communications, reputation management, community engagement, large-scale campaigns, national events, and strategic partnerships.
Nikita previously served as Head of Marketing for 13YARN, Australia’s first national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support service, where she led marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement strategies that increased national awareness and strengthened community connections to culturally safe mental health support.
A recognised leader in Indigenous affairs, communications, and social impact, Nikita has advised senior executives, government agencies, boards, and community organisations on effective engagement, inclusion, reconciliation, and strategic communications. She is also the Founder of Dreamtime Ink Australia and Co-Founder of the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Basketball Association (NATSIBA), demonstrating a longstanding commitment to Indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Internationally recognised as one of the BBC’s 100 Women, Nikita continues to influence positive change through executive leadership, strategic advisory work, keynote speaking, and advocacy for Indigenous representation, innovation, and economic empowerment.
