NGARLUMA LEADER JANELLE MOWARIN BALANCES FULL-TIME WORK AND STUDY, EYES SENIOR ROLES

BY TANGIORA HINAKI

Ngarluma woman Janelle Mowarin has completed a Certificate IV in Leadership and Mentoring while working full-time, describing the achievement as a springboard to bigger roles supporting Indigenous workers in the Pilbara.

Mowarin, from Ieramagadu, said flexible study and close support from the Pilbara and Kimberley University Centres made it possible to “chip away” at the course alongside her job.

“It was hard, but I kept knocking, chipping away, and eventually came through and graduated,” she said.

As part of the final assessment, she recorded role‑play conversations with mentees, focusing on priorities and time pressures on site. Assessors praised the submission for clearly demonstrating her mentoring style.

“Apparently, mine was very, very good; they could see my leadership and mentoring skills come out in that interview,” she said.

Mowarin works with Indigenous employees, drawing on community ties and lived experience.

“This role, I love it. I can relate to them, and they can relate to me,” she said.

“Because I’m part of the community, they can come to me whether I’m at work, at home or in the shop.”

She credits her parents’ example and years of balancing work and motherhood with shaping a steady, empathetic approach to leadership.

“My parents were always working; that was instilled in me,” she said.

“I had my children young, and even now I’m 50 years old, it’s not too late to start your career anywhere.”

The milestone has resonated at home. Mowarin said a recent message from her eldest son underscored the impact of her late‑career surge.

“I got a Mother’s Day message from my oldest son, he said, ‘We see what you achieved these last few years, and we’re proud of you,’” she said.

“That brings a tear to my eyes. My kids are watching me, and I’m proud to show them you can keep going.”

Looking ahead, she is weighing further study, including a degree or master’s, to progress into more senior roles in Indigenous engagement.

“I want to upscale myself, use this certificate as a stepping stone into higher positions, especially in the Indigenous space,” she said.

Outside of work and study, Mowarin is planning a 2026 wedding with an open invitation to the Roebourne community, a celebration she says reflects how she was raised.

“That’s all my family, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she said. “Anybody can show up, it’s fine.”