Meet Sharniqua
Sharniqua's Story
Our Career Pathways initiatives aim to support young Indigenous women to transition into the workforce. We have developed an 'Each One, Teach One' framework for supporting new workers.
In October 2020, we were able to re-start this model and we would love for you to meet Sharniqua Oxtoby. Showing great initiative and personal leadership Sharniqua approached us seeking work experience whilst studying nursing at Charles Darwin University.
Having spent a week on work experience immersed in the business with us, we were so impressed, we offered her a more permanent role so she was able to work during her university break. This is her first go at seeking employment, but she has truly hit the ground running.
A graduate of St John's College in Darwin, she also has a keen sporting background, representing NT in basketball and playing Aussie Rules in the NTFL. She has completed work experience with Australian Defence Force.
In her own words...
"I am from the Kimberley’s of Western Australia and the Tiwi Islands. I am currently studying nursing, although I’m passionate about textile and fashion design and would love to pursue it in the future. I would like to learn more in graphic design and photography. Within my free time I love creating sketches of clothing throughout different designs.”
Since sharing her story, and inspired by her work with us, Sharniqua relocated to Sydney to pursue her studies in Fashion and Design at UTS. In March 2021, She was awarded a scholarship through Jumbunna Insititute. In April 2021 she spent her uni break furthering her career experience with us in Port Douglas and in June, is spending time at our Darwin site.
To support her career pathway in 2021, we successfully gained Sharniqua a $750 donation for her to buy a new laptop, donated kindly by Fitzroy Rotary and have arranged for sewing lessons with Indigenous co: Milmil Creations.
It's been such a pleasure to welcome Sharniqua to Starwin and seeing her shine as a young leader for her family (being the eldest of six children) and her community.
