What is your current title for work?

Junior Quantity Surveyor

When did you start working in construction?

2022

When did you decide working in construction was the thing you wanted to do:

I wanted to retrain, and spent a lot of time researching this before picking a direction. I hadn't heard of QS's previously, but as soon as I did I knew it was for me. And no regrets!

What are you most passionate about?

Inclusion and education, as well as in interest in sustainability and technology, and how these are interlinked.

Why did you join NAWIC?

I've been a member for at least a couple of years now. The events are great, and since I'm the token woman on site, I'm really grateful for the time I spend with other women in industry. I find many of the members truly inspiring. It also opens the door to a lot of sites I wouldn't otherwise get to visit as well as new friends.

What would you like to see for the future of women in construction?
I'd like us to be equally represented across the industry, especially on sites and in trades. I personally feel that I wouldn't have enjoyed this job as a school leaver or in my 20s, until my skin got a bit thicker. Whilst I enjoy the role and being on site, I would like to see a future which is more welcoming to younger women, and that includes seeing more female role models, and having more ally's in our male colleagues. 

Also, the industry can be too focused on getting the project built at the expense of broader outcomes, including applying sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices. I would like to see these 'softer' factors being taken more seriously in design and construction, and I think that women have a lot of opportunities in this space as that evolves.

Words of wisdom or tips for women at the start of or considering a career in construction:

Be confident about things you know, listen and learn from people who know about those things and be you. Fitting in is changing yourself to suit the team, belonging is being part of the team as you are.

Choose the latter, takes way less energy.

What is your favourite thing to do for fun:

Go to the beach or a picnic with friends, or go for a walk with an audiobook.