Jahna Cedar
Director
Jahna Cedar OAM is a Nyiyaparli woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and current Executive Director at IPS Management Consultants. Jahna has worked for over 20 years advocating for equal rights and reconciliation of Indigenous people and has represented Indigenous Australia at the United Nations in New York on three occasions.
In 2012, Jahna was the youngest person to be elected to the West Australian International Women’s Day Hall of Fame and in 2017, Jahna proudly won Business News 40 Under 40, First amongst equals. Jahna was also awarded Telstra Businesswomen Awards WA – For Purpose and Social Enterprise Winner in 2017 and enjoys speaking at various events on issues of social justice, Indigenous rights and business management. Jahna also received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020 for Service to the Aboriginal community of Western Australia.
A motivational leader and entrepreneur, Jahna joined nine other First nation leaders in establishing the Blak Angels investment network in 2023, which aims to encourage more investment in First Nations businesses, generate more job opportunities for First Nations people, and enhance people-to-people relations and bilateral investment between the U.S. and Australia. As a part owner and investor in nine startup businesses, Jahna strives to build a Blak circular economy of economic sustainability and longevity, at a community level.
As a board member on Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute, Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, Australian Honey Ventures and International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Jahna offers an innate leadership style and proven business acumen whilst driving consistent results. She is passionate about encouraging and developing others, while working ethically towards corporate and strategic goals. Jahna is dedicated to challenging preconceptions, breaking down damaging stereotypes, and working hard to make a difference for Indigenous people, specifically women and youth.
