Leonie Vela is a First Nations Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and governance leader with a strong commitment to the AASW as an ethical, accessible and member-centred association. Leonie is a Generalist Consultant Social Worker in Solo Private Practice who served as Branch President of the AASW Queensland branch from 2022-2024 and brings experience in collaborative leadership, strategy and advocacy.

Leonie’s work is grounded in a strong commitment to First Nations justice, cultural safety, and self-determination. She advocates for governance and professional frameworks that recognise Indigenous knowledge systems and lived experience as foundational to social work practice in Australia. Focused on advancing an affordable and responsive Association that is relevant to social workers across diverse practice settings and regions, Leonie is passionate about developing equitable and accessible continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. She believes the profession is strengthened when inclusion is structural, participation is meaningful, and members are supported to grow. You can contact Leonie at [email protected]