Laurenzia is a proud Yawuru Nyikina woman and a devoted mother to two young daughters. She grew up in the small community of Pandanus Park, south of Derby near Willare Bridge, and has carried the strength of her culture and family into her vocational journey.
While studying beauty at North Regional TAFE, Laurenzia received the Mary MacKillop Today First Nations Vocational Scholarship. Since 2021 this scholarship has supported students facing financial hardship and barriers to education. Laurenzia says the support has been a powerful motivator as she works towards her goals.
She hopes her story encourages other young mothers to pursue their aspirations with confidence. She shares that it is never too late to work toward something meaningful and that opportunities exist for those willing to embrace them.
Laurenzia recently completed her Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy at North Regional TAFE Broome, gaining skills in skincare, makeup, waxing, nail care and salon operations. Passionate about empowering other First Nations women, she is also building her professional experience through qualifications in Leadership and Business and through her current work in administration. Her long-term goal is to secure a great job and eventually open her own beauty business.
She encourages other students to apply for the scholarship, noting the incredible support she received from her lecturers, the Aboriginal Training Services team and the wider TAFE community.
Mary MacKillop Today congratulates Laurenzia on being named the WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2025.
Learn more about our First Nations Scholarship program.
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