Proud Ngangumarta and Palyku woman Sophie Coffin has been named as a finalist for the National Indigenous Times Community Leadership Award.
With ties to Yindjibarndi Country, Ms Coffin works tirelessly to support Indigenous rights with a focus on Indigenous Intellectual property and continuing the battle of First Nations justice.
Her hard work and dedication were most recently recognised when she was named the winner of the Law Society of Western Australia's Emerging Lawyer of the Year award in September last year.
Ms Coffin graduated from the University of Western Australia, where she studied a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in both Aboriginal Studies and Law and Society), eventually completing a Juris Doctor.
Sworn into the Supreme Court in 2023, she described her academic milestones as her greatest achievements.
Ms Coffin told National Indigenous Times: "To me, culture is about community, connection and respect for our Elders."
"I am always guided by the senior leaders in my family and community in anything I do, and particularly in advocacy," she said.
"This was particularly so when advocating for the Voice to Parliament - I was guided by leaders of the Uluru Dialogue and their style of leadership that focused on education and hope," she said.
Ms Coffin was a WA Youth representative for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, representing her state.
She has represented Australia, on an international level speaking about Aboriginal leadership in international conferences, learning about international Indigenous leadership through the US Department of State's International Visitors' Leadership Program, and understanding Native American leadership and ways of working within their governance.
Ms Coffin has also worked as an education assistant in Yamatji Country supporting youth with special needs, and uplifting the people around her through education and holistic services.
Despite her busy schedule, she mentors law students through her work as a guest lecturer and tutor at the UWA Law School and School of Indigenous Studies.
Outside of law, Ms Coffin is passionate about helping and supporting the next generation.
She previously focused on youth development in Yawardani Jan-ga, which means "horses helping" in Yawuru in the Kimberleys.
Yawardani Jan-ga is a program that supports the neurodevelopment of Aboriginal youth utilising equine-assisted learning.
The program is run by Sophie's mother Professor Juli Coffin. Yawardani Jan-ga is a program that supports the neurodevelopment of Aboriginal youth utilising equine-assisted learning.
Sophie is a part of the board of Yawardani Jan-ga charity.
When asked how she defines success, she said it "generally looks like better outcomes for our community across the board".
"Success personally looks like working in alignment with my values, promoting the rights of Mob and being able to spend time with my family," she said.
Emphasising the importance of education, Ms Coffin was inspired in her early years to pursue a path within the legal sector.
"Advocacy for me started with education, when I studied my undergraduate degree in law and Indigenous studies," she told National Indigenous Times.
"I realised how important it was to have representation of Mob in the law, and to advocate for the advancement of our rights and interests."
The 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards will be held on Friday 27 June 2025 at Pan Pacific, Perth/Boorloo. Visit the Humanitix website to purchase your tickets today.
