We provide culturally connected solutions to enable our First Nation women reach their full potential.

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Our Service

Next Step Service

BLAQ DIAMONDS is a ‘Next Steps’ Empowerment Service. We walk alongside First Nations women who are rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence, offering culturally safe, strength-based support through a solutions-oriented approach..

Our Focus

We focus on:

  1. Helping women identify sustainable, long-term solutions to their challenges
  2. Rebuilding self-confidence, identity and independence
    Providing tools, guidance and culturally grounded strategies to rise above trauma
  3. Creating pathways to education, social, emotional wellbeing, employment and self-sufficiency through Economic Empowerment.
  4. We believe that with the right support, every woman has the power to transform her story. Our mission is to walk with her through that transformation.

At BLAQ DIAMONDS, we don’t just respond to crisis—we help women build better futures for themselves, their families and their community. Through cultural connection, community and compassion, we empower First Nations women to reclaim their voice, their value and their vision.  Because healing is possible. Strength is cultural.  And every woman deserves the chance to shine.

Our Shared Experience

We’ve walked that road, too.

We know what it means to rebuild — personally, spiritually and culturally.
To rise from the weight of trauma. To reclaim identity, confidence and purpose.
Not just for ourselves, but for our families, our futures and our communities.
That’s why BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment exists.

We are a safe, culturally grounded space for First Nations women ready to take their next step — whether that’s healing from domestic violence, stepping into economic independence, or rediscovering their inner strength and power.

Here, women feel seen. Heard. Empowered.
We provide the tools, support and pathways to not only overcome adversity but to thrive — emotionally, culturally and economically.

We’ve walked that road.
And we’re here to walk with you, wherever you're going next. 

Aboout the Founder

Melisa Drummond-Anderson

Founder. Survivor. Cultural leader. Changemaker.

Melisa Drummond-Anderson didn’t just start BLAQ DIAMONDS — she lived it.

After surviving over 18 years of domestic and family violence, she turned her pain into purpose, transforming her lived experience into a powerful force for healing and change.

What began as her own journey of recovery became a movement for others.
Melisa saw the gaps — the lack of culturally safe support, the absence of voices like hers — and created

BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment to fill that space.  From public speaking engagements to grassroots healing and empowerment programs, community consultation projects, Melisa continues to inspire and equip First Nations women to rise, reclaim their power and create new futures on their own terms.

She’s not just leading a business. She’s leading a movement — one that believes every woman has the right to be safe, strong and self-determined.

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Melisa’s career highlights

Melisa’s journey began in the early 1990s with a traineeship in the Australian Public Service. Since then, she has built a diverse and impactful career across government, community development and leadership, working with agencies such as ATSIC, DEEWR, NT Government, local councils and not-for-profits including Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV). She has held roles across Townsville (Gurrumbilbarra), Brisbane (Meanjin), Cairns (Gimuy), Remote Indigenous Communities across Qld and NT and the Torres Strait Region (Zenadth Kes), serving remote and regional communities with passion and purpose.

Throughout her career, Melisa has been driven by one mission: to uplift and empower others through culturally safe, solutions-focused support. Her lived experience as a survivor, combined with her professional expertise, has shaped her into a powerful leader, speaker and mentor.

Today, she is recognised as a changemaker and advocate for First Nations women empowerment space, continuing to lead with integrity, cultural pride and an unshakable commitment to healing and empowerment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Board of Director Roles – Nywaigi Land Aboriginal Corporation, Mungalla Aboriginal Corporation for Business

WorkUp Queensland – Registered Mentor – Walking Together, Learning Together Mentoring Program (2023 – 2025)

MURRA Indigenous Business Program Alumni, University of Melbourne (2019)

Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre Alumni, Sydney (2017)

Diploma of Management, Darwin Human Resource Academy (2008)

Certificate IV in Business Governance, Darwin (2018)

Certificate IV in Life Coaching (in progress since 2021)

Certificate IV in Government (Procurement & Contracting), DEWR, Brisbane (2003)

Certificates IV, III & II in Community Sport & Recreation, TAFE QLD (2006–2008)

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