A passion for Indigenous healthcare the driving force for Fortescue's CEO for a Day

Fortescue Metals Group’s (Fortescue) latest CEO for a Day marks her success down to a passion for promoting and enhancing Indigenous health.

Registered Nurse, Jessica Curnuck, today joined Fortescue Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Gaines and members of the leadership team for the release of the Company’s March 2022 quarterly production report.

A proud Martu woman, Jess began her career working in customer service. However, after experiencing first-hand the power of positive medical experiences she realised her passion for healthcare and retrained as a nurse.

Over the past six years, Jess has worked across regional and remote hospitals in Western Australia and is now using her wealth of knowledge in her role as a Registered Nurse at Fortescue’s Chichester Hub.

“As an Indigenous person, I understand the generational effects of poor health outcomes for my people. My passion is to educate Indigenous and non-Indigenous people about how to break the cycle of chronic illness,” Jess said.

“Becoming CEO for a Day is incredibly exciting and unexpected, and I really hope to use this opportunity to inspire others and let them know that you can turn something you are truly passionate about into a career.

“Nursing wasn’t something I originally wanted to do with my life, but now I am able to use my role to make a real difference in the lives of others, helping to close the gap and rebuild the trust in the medical field.”

Ms Gaines said, “Since its inception, Fortescue’s CEO for a Day program has recognised some of our most promising Aboriginal team members, while supporting their leadership aspirations so they can reach their full potential.

“Jess lives and breathes Fortescue’s unique Values and culture, serving as a mentor to young Indigenous teammates and consistently setting a high standard for them to aspire to.

“Through her commitment, courage and determination she goes the extra mile both in her role and outside of work, and we are incredibly proud to have her as a member of the Fortescue family,” Ms Gaines said.