Director of the Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights (recently the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre), Professor Yvette Roe, is a Njikena Jawuru woman from the West Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Yvette grew up in on Larrakia Country, in Garramilla (Darwin) where she has strong family and friend connections. Yvette has more than 30 years' experience working in Aboriginal health. She was awarded her PhD, by the University of South Australia in November 2015.

As a national and international emerging leader in Aboriginal health, Professor Roe pushes innovative methods to make sustainable impact. Devoted to being a two-way interpreter between the field of research and policy, and the voice of First Nations communities, her work uses research as a mechanism for social, cultural and political change. 

Professor Roe leads a dynamic and innovative, multi-disciplinary team focusing on maternal health and social justice reform from a First Nations community-driven perspective, translating research outcomes into practical solutions. The Institute works to support communities realise their cultural aspirations, and to dismantle the barriers imposed by colonial approaches to birthing and maternal healthcare.

The methodology focus is on redesign of healthcare systems, investment in culturally appropriate community workforce, strengthening families, privileging First Nations knowledge and governance, and empowering self-determination. Nation building tools are shaped through qualitative and quantitative data collation and analysis, and producing solid research evidence for communities independently, and for national impact.