Danielle makes her mark with MBA in Social Impact
On the day of her graduation ceremony, Legal Aid lawyer, mum-of-five, and proud Wiradjuri and Gomeroi woman Danielle Captain-Webb wanted nothing more than her five children to watch her walk across the stage and receive her MBA in Social Impact.
“Having all my children witness my graduation meant everything to me. It was so beautiful to capture a photo with my five kids in the same place we took a photograph with my two eldest children during my undergraduate ceremony. I wanted to show them that through perseverance and dedication, anything is achievable,” says Danielle.
“I truly believe that completing this degree is not only my success, but my family and my community’s success as well.”
Danielle recently graduated from the MBA in Social Impact, offered by the Centre of Social Impact at UNSW, and it is with a sense of pride, and relief, that she collects her degree.
“It took three years to complete the degree, juggling it amongst my work and family commitments,” explains Danielle. “It is rewarding to finally have the piece of paper – to really feel that I’ve completed the degree.”
SUPPORTING FIRST NATIONS LEADERS
Driven by a deep commitment to social change, Danielle decided to pursue the MBA in Social Impact so she could better serve First Nations communities.
“I decided to do the degree because once I was elected as the chairperson of Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, I quickly realised that having a law degree was incredibly helpful, but there was this whole other area of social impact leadership that I had never turned my mind to, which would better support my efforts in this position” reflects Danielle.
“Doing this degree was an investment in myself, but also an investment in my community, to ensure that I had the skills and capabilities that we needed to better drive social change and impact.”
Danielle received the Centre for Social Impact’s inaugural Indigenous Female Social Impact Scholarship – established by incoming CSI Board Chair Greg Hutchinson AM and his wife Lynda – to complete her Graduate Diploma in Social Impact, before undertaking an MBA. For Danielle the scholarship was about more than financial support; its investment was the backing she needed to truly commit to her studies.
“I was really motivated by the scholarship because I felt people were investing in me, people believed in me, and by accepting that scholarship I was committing myself to fulfilling my studies,” explains Danielle.
The MBA in Social Impact supports students to understand the social economy and how the different societal sectors can collaborate towards positive social change.
Through her MBA journey, Danielle developed more than technical knowledge in social change and impact.
“I have seen massive growth in myself as an individual while completing this degree,” says Danielle.
“This degree has transformed the way I think and work, especially in terms of how I'm collaborating with Community, and my process for driving social impact for First Nations people.”
AN INSPIRING COMMITMENT TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY
Danielle has got her hands full when it comes to the work she’s doing on the ground with Community.
Since being appointed as Chair and Deputy Chair, Danielle has spent nearly six years on the board of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, focusing on supporting self-determination in the local First Nations population.
Danielle has also been appointed as a Councillor of the Law Society of New South Wales and works as a solicitor advocate in the Coronial Inquest Unit at Legal Aid NSW , where she represents families navigating the coronial inquest process upon the passing of a family member.
“The coronial system can be alienating, confusing and uncomfortable for families,” explains Danielle. “It’s very important to me that I represent First Nations families in this process – being someone trusted to explain the process, advocate on their behalf and ensure their loved ones’ story is told appropriately.”
Danielle aims to deepen her work in the coronial inquest system through the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity. Through the fellowship, Danielle will investigate how the NSW coronial inquest system can be culturally responsive and appropriate for First Nations people, families and communities. Following the completion of the foundation year, Danielle will join a community of change makers as a lifelong Global Atlantic Fellow. Danielle will attend Oxford University in 2025, for her first gathering with other Fellows from around the world.
Again, Danielle’s drive to serve and support fellow First Nations families is the motivation for her next study steps.
“Although the system should bring families truth, healing and justice, the coronial inquest process can in some instances instigate further trauma and harm for First Nations people,” says Danielle.
“I believe there’s a real opportunity to holistically transform this system for First Nations people, families and communities.”
Danielle’s journey demonstrates the importance of supporting dedicated individuals to realise their leadership potential. Guided by her deep commitment to supporting First Nations families and communities, her individual leadership capabilities are set to blossom further and help pave the way to a more just and inclusive society.
Find out more about the MBAx (Social Impact).