Her father, Head of the Systems Laboratory at the Ministry of Works, was pioneering base isolation technology and early computer-aided design long before it became mainstream. Seeing 3D computer images of their family home produced in the 1970s left a lasting impression. Later, while recovering from a serious accident in sixth form, she learned to programme the school’s first computer to generate minimalist artworks - blending mathematics, design and innovation in a way that would shape her future.

At university and throughout her early career, she was often the only woman in the room. With few visible role models beyond Professor Helen Tippett, resilience became essential. Rather than retreat, she chose connection - joining the NZ Institute of Building and embracing cross-industry collaboration.

In 1993, a conversation with Stacey Mendonça sparked a bigger vision: not just a women’s group within one profession, but a cross-industry community. By 1994, that idea became NAWIC New Zealand.

Co-founding NAWIC and its Excellence Awards remains one of her proudest achievements - particularly seeing them grow, evolve and thrive independently. For her, leadership has never been about hierarchy, but about opening doors, asking difficult questions, and creating spaces - physical and professional - where others feel they belong.

“Being a woman in construction has shaped me into a person who values empathy, inclusion, and courage - qualities that build not just structures, but culture, connection, and possibility.”

Her advice is simple: be confident in your voice. Don’t wait for permission to speak up. Often the moment that most needs a voice is when no one else is prepared to use theirs. Change begins with the courage to ask the uncomfortable question.

Find your people. Lead with collaboration and generosity. Believe that you belong - because you do. Bring your creativity, humour and values into the room. Construction needs diversity of thinking as much as technical skill.

Her belief remains clear: one person, working with integrity and alongside others, can change what’s possible for many.