March is Women's History Month. It is a time to honour the social, cultural, political and economic contributions of women, and to reflect on the leadership that has shaped communities across generations. Across Australia, this month invites us to recognise women whose work has created lasting change and strengthened opportunity for others long after formal recognition is given.

This year, that reflection carries particular pride for the Northern Territory with widespread celebration of Professor Ruth Wallace whose leadership in Indigenous education has been honoured on the national stage. Professor Wallace, Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor First Nations Leadership at Charles Darwin University, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Australian National University. The Doctor of Letters honoris causa was conferred at ANU's February graduation ceremony, acknowledging her sustained service to First Nations education, remote workforce development and equitable learning pathways across Northern Australia.

Professor Wallace's recognition highlights a career shaped by deep commitment to learning systems that work for all communities and a relentless focus on partnership, respect and community driven priorities. Her work extends beyond institutional leadership, reflecting a lifetime of engagement in education policy, community advocacy and collaborative change.

Leadership for Professor Wallace has always begun with people and place rather than positions or titles.

"Working with Elders from Gawa and Galiwinku and Larrakia has taught me to be comfortable in myself, to take a breath and feel whole so that I can take a more considered and deliberate step forward," she says.

"These women and men, my sisters and brothers, have shown me how to calm down and take steps that will persist and last when staffing or funding or other things change, to see the work we do as part of a long term plan that has many parts, and being present and listening is how I can learn and grow."

Her leadership is grounded in Country and authority. She speaks of walking on Country and learning about the stories that give people the right to speak on certain matters, of sitting and watching at major ceremonies as times of learning, and of the strength that comes from shared laughter when travelling together through challenging moments.

"I have learnt that being uncomfortable is an opportunity to reach out and learn, to take on a challenge, and it is a moment to value, not to fear," she says. She reflects on times when she felt unsure but was called by responsibility to contribute, and how those moments shaped her leadership with clarity and care.

Listening is central to how she leads.

"Senior women and men have taught me how to take the time to listen and privilege Aboriginal knowledge while also seeking ways to work together as a community," she explains.

"I have learnt that it is my job to understand the role I have within a system of amazing people with incredible strength, and to act within the areas I am authorised and expected to act."

Professor Wallace's influence spans policy, research and practice. Through her leadership roles, she has worked closely with government, education sectors and community organisations to inform how learning systems and workforce pathways can better reflect the diverse strengths and aspirations of remote and regional learners. Her partnerships have helped elevate understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and their importance in shaping effective education outcomes.

Her leadership at Charles Darwin University includes responsibility for First Nations Leadership and deep engagement with community and research networks across the north. This work continues to strengthen pathways into higher education, research and leadership for First Nations learners and professionals.

For young First Nations students and emerging leaders watching her journey, Professor Wallace's guidance is grounded and generous.

"Take your time, work out your strength and how you can be part of a better education or any other system. Learn the system so you can speak with authority and knowledge. Then always look out for the people around you. By working together, we can move from building something that is reliant on you to building systems that will help many and last long after we have gone."

The recognition of Professor Ruth Wallace reflects a lifetime of work that has built trust, strengthened partnerships and expanded opportunity for First Nations learners across the north and beyond.

In celebrating her achievement, we also acknowledge the communities, Elders and colleagues who have walked with her and helped shape a future where education is inclusive, grounded and enduring.

For Women's History Month, National Indigenous Times will be profiling Indigenous women leaders in a series of articles.