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"NAIDOC Week is a time of joy and celebration for Aboriginal peoples. This year’s theme, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Loud and Proud,' reflects hope and moving forward as a community."

Jaida Conway, Legal Intern, Thales Australia.

Jaida is a proud Gomeroi woman from Narrabri, with connections to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and the Darug people from the areas where she grew up and went to school. Her Indigenous heritage is core to her identity, shaping who she is as a person and guiding through both her personal and professional journey. "I love my Indigenous heritage, it’s part of who I am. It gives me a unique worldview and helps keep everything in perspective," she says.

Her passion for Law first started when interning at a real estate company, where she worked with the procurement and legal teams. Through CareerTrackers, she joined Thales in 2022 for a Summer internship, and has since continued working with the Legal and Contracts team. Balancing her university studies in Law majoring in Indigenous Studies, and professional work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was challenging. "Starting university in 2021 during COVID-19 was tough. Being isolated in a new environment away from my family, who I am very close to, was very hard both emotionally and academically."

At Thales, Jaida works in the governance space, focusing on a number of things, including control testing, provision of support to the broader team, and helping draft the Modern Slavery Statement. She is proud to be a longstanding CareerTrackers Intern, "I’ve been fortunate to find an organisation that reflects my studies, do work I enjoy and have a supportive and fun workplace culture".

Jaida’s Indigenous heritage influences her life every day. Her academic achievements include placing first in New South Wales in Indigenous Studies during her Higher School Certificate (HSC), " It was a proud moment not just for me but for my community". 

Jaida was on the New South Wales Department of Education panel on anti-racism in 2021, adding her voice to discussions on combating racism and creating a more equitable society and education ecosystem. "Being part of the First Nations community, and a voice of the next generation, I was privileged to join the panel with members from diverse cultures, professional backgrounds, and ages. We discussed how racism presents itself in education and what needs to be done to combat it for a more equitable society."

Actively involved with CareerTrackers, as well as various mentoring groups, Jaida focuses on cultural safety education, teaching and engaging Indigenous students and the broader community. 

Reflecting on her journey, Jaida says, "I have lived out of home since I was 16. I’m the eldest of six, with one sister and four brothers. Family is a big part of my life, and for the peoples of the First Nations community. Balancing my career goals with my commitment to my family and community is challenging, but everything I do, I’m doing for our collective future."

Jaida is working towards her Law Degree with the goal of becoming a lawyer and of her future direction, she says "I definitely want to work in the community. It's where I feel most at home and has been my calling for as long as I can remember."

In the spirit of NAIDOC Week and Beyond, Jaida says "Engage with your local Indigenous community. There’s a lot of beauty in learning that will help dispel misconceptions about Aboriginal peoples and culture," she concludes.

Jaida Conway's dedication, achievements, and contributions to Thales and to First Nations, and the broader community highlight her inspiring journey during NAIDOC Week.

Read more about Thales Australia commitment to reconciliation.