Odette Pearson is a Kuku Yalanji/Torres Strait Islander person and Associate Professor and co-Theme Leader of the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme at the South Australian health and Medical Research Institute. Her experience and post-doctoral training in Aboriginal health policy, health services research and equity comprises a unique comprehensive skillset relevant to existing and emerging complexities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and well-being. Integral to her research is leadership and governance by Aboriginal people and communities.