About female first
Female First is a sports, business, and leadership agency founded by Libby Cook-Black, a proud First Nations woman, former elite athlete, and community leader. As the Founder and Owner, Libby brings her sporting journey, cultural perspective, and commitment to creating opportunities for women to thrive both on and off the field.
Female First is shaping an agency that connects sport with leadership and business, providing women with the visibility, networks, and pathways to succeed at every level.
Our vision for female first
A world where every woman, from the city to the most remote community, can see herself as a leader, athlete, and change-maker. We envision stadiums, boardrooms, and communities filled with
women who are fearless, visible, and unstoppable, driving change for generations to come.
tHIS IS OUR WHY
Female first's purpose
To break down barriers and ignite possibilities for women. Female First exists to amplify voices,
unlock opportunities, and rewrite the rules in sport, leadership, and business. We stand for women who dare to dream bigger, step forward, and lead boldly.
Visibility
Elevating the stories, successes, and leadership of women.
Culture
Grounding everything we do in First Nations knowledge and ways of being.
Community
Walking together and creating impact that benefits the collective.
Breaking down barriers
and igniting possibilities
Meet Libby cook-black
Founder & Coach
My name is Libby Cook-Black and I am a proud First Nations woman from Erub Island in the Torres Strait, with connections to the Saisarem, Meuram, and Samsep tribes.
I am a former athlete who has represented Australia as a Jillaroo, worn the Queensland Maroons jersey, and played for the Indigenous All Stars. I also played Rugby 7’s with the Queensland Reds and graduated from the Indigenous Marathon Foundation Program experiences that taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of visibility for First Nations women in sport.
As a young girl, I left community and Country to attend boarding school in Sydney. That journey gave me opportunities but also revealed the complexities of walking in two worlds, staying true to culture and identity while navigating spaces not built with us in mind. Today, that experience drives my vision to create pathways, so the next generation doesn’t have to choose between culture and opportunity.
I’ve worked across government, not-for-profit, and community sectors. I’ve founded my own charity, supported the creation of three more, and established businesses that focus on visibility, equity, and opportunity for women, and regional communities.
I live by my values. That’s why I moved my family back to Country to connect with their ancestral lineage, learn language, and sit with our old people and knowledge holders, while also commuting to the city to bridge gaps, build partnerships, and showcase the incredible talent in regional and remote communities.
Through Female First, I bring these experiences together, as an athlete, coach, founder, and mother, to create spaces where women can lead, build brands, and chase big dreams without barriers.
Some of the people we've worked with include:
Cayla George (OAM)
Olympian
WNBA Player
Australian Opals Captain
2023 WNBL Champion & MVP
Otis Gowa
Australian 100m Champion
Former National Sprinter
Indigenous Mentor & Advocate
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