Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman with Afghan, English and Irish heritage.

Zena works as an artist, writer, consultant and curator. She is passionate about plants and seeks out projects that empower community and Country. Zena is a member of the Birrarung Council and the curator of First Nations Projects at InPLace Artist Residencies. In 2024 Zena co-wrote the Yuruwan ‘Growing on Country’ resource, a unique space to consider food sovereignty and cultural landscapes, fostering fertile conditions for social and environmental justice and change. She is the co-author of the highly popular book ‘Plants; past, present, future’ (First Knowledges series) and is a widely published essayist and regular public speaker.