"Do good work."
That's what the sign above Amy Crookes' desk reads - a daily reminder for Ms Crookes, APAC ESG Services Leader and dedicated mother of two, to lead her life with pride and purpose.
It's a simple phrase that has underpinned her decade-long commitment to Indigenous procurement and earned her a place as a finalist for Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year at the 2025 Supply Nation awards.
Ms Crookes is a Melbourne-based nominee from Seaholme on Boonwurrung Country, where she lives with her husband Adam and two children, Sadie and Jack.
But when not at home, Ms Crookes is the leader of the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Services team at EY in the Asia Pacific - a department guiding supplier diversity efforts with a focus on identifying opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, Māori and Pasifika enterprises, women-owned businesses, and social enterprises.
Ms Crookes also sits within EY's newly launched Office of First Nations Engagement, led by Dunghutti man, Norman Laing, which works to create opportunities for Indigenous businesses within EY's client pursuits and projects as well as support EY's broader commitments in Australia.
Her deep involvement in the Indigenous Business sector is driven by the rich and rewarding experiences she's had working in the community:
"The Indigenous business sector is one of the most generous and supportive communities I've ever worked with—grounded in culture, tradition, and a spirit of collaboration. You're constantly learning, listening, and growing alongside incredible entrepreneurs and leaders," she said.
"I'm driven by the opportunity to open doors, build relationships, and help Indigenous businesses thrive. Every day brings something different, and every interaction is a chance to make a difference—not just for the businesses we support, but for the communities they represent."
Now marking 20 years at EY, Ms Crookes has been named a finalist for the 2025 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year award by Supply Nation. The award recognises an individual who has championed supplier diversity and demonstrated commitment to building the Indigenous business sector - an achievement that Ms Crookes describes as "incredibly humbling".
"Supplier diversity isn't just a professional focus for me; it's something I feel personally connected to. This nomination gave me a moment to pause and reflect on the journey so far—the people who've supported me, the communities we're working to uplift, and the impact we're striving to make," she said.
"To get to do this work every day, and to do it alongside such passionate and committed people, is something I feel incredibly lucky for. I'm constantly inspired by the Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs I get to work with—they're the reason this work matters so much."
Ms Crookes described procurement decisions as "a powerful tool".
"When we choose to buy from First Nations businesses, we're not just placing an order—we're investing in self-determination, cultural preservation, and long-term economic opportunity," she said.
"I've seen the impact firsthand. Sometimes it's a small contract that helps a business take the next step, and other times it's a connection that opens up a whole new market. The ripple effect is real—and it's why I keep showing up for this work."
Over her career at EY, Ms Crookes has celebrated several achievements that continue to motivate her work within the Indigenous business sector - such as the launch of the Advance Export Program.
Developed in collaboration with Supply Nation and the Export Council of Australia, the initiative supports Indigenous businesses in accessing global markets and building export capability.
"It's been my proudest achievement to date," she said.
"The program has brought together a brilliant group of contributors and participants, and I've been genuinely blown away by the calibre, dedication, and vision of this cohort."
But the Advance Export Program is only one of many EY initiatives that have fostered their success in supplier diversity.
"Initiatives like the Entrepreneurial Winning Women Program, Entrepreneur Access Network, EY Ripples, and now the Advance Export Program are all designed to help diverse businesses scale, connect, and thrive. I've seen firsthand how these programs empower entrepreneurs, open doors to new markets, and build long-term resilience," she said.
"EY's global supplier diversity program has now impacted over 100,000 diverse-owned businesses, delivering more than 1 million hours of training globally. These figures reflect not only the scale of the program but also its sustained commitment over the past 20 years."
Her pride in her work is supported by her peers, who commend her dedication to supplier diversity.
Dunghutti man and Managing Partner of EY's Office of First Nations Engagement, Norman Laing, said: "Amy has made profound and lasting impact through the work she undertakes in Indigenous procurement."
"Through her leadership at EY, she has helped shift our procurement practices to be more inclusive and equitable, fostering long-term partnerships that honour Indigenous knowledges, business acumen, entrepreneurship and self-determination," he said.
"Her work continues to inspire systemic change and uplift underrepresented voices, and she exemplifies active contribution to Closing the Gap and reconciliation practices."
Looking towards the future, Ms Crookes advises those following her footsteps to "Start by listening—really listening—to the communities and businesses you want to support".
"Supplier diversity isn't just about policy or spend targets; it's about relationships, trust, and long-term impact," she said.
"Often, it just takes one person in a team to truly grasp the power of procurement spend. That person can become a powerful advocate—internally and externally—and help shift the culture toward more inclusive and impactful buying decisions.
Her message to others is clear and grounded: "Most importantly, lead with purpose. If you stay grounded in why this work matters, the rest will follow."