What is your current title for work?

Project Manager

How many years have you been in the construction industry:

Approx. 6 years

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

I went from a 16-year career in hairdressing to construction. Hairdressing served me well at the time I got into it. Not much at school interested me, the things I was interested in weren’t “going to help me get a job”. Hairdressing was creative, hands on, fun and in service of others.

Much like construction. Creative, hands on, fun and in service of others. I had always had an interest in construction, infrastructure truth be told, and mostly its impact on the environment. As I began to investigate construction as an option following on from my environmental management diploma, I found that construction was a realistic option for me and my interests, not a career that was just for men and no need to focus directly on the trade and hands on side of things.

What are you most passionate about?

I am really passionate about levelling the playing field within the construction industry. From increasing the representation of women in the construction industry to seeking solutions to ensure all people in all communities are well housed and work and play in healthy, functional and accessible buildings. Passionate about sustainable development, I want to see the decisions we make now within our developments and infrastructure will not only benefit our immediate needs, but will benefit the needs of future generations.

Why did you join NAWIC?

I found NAWIC right at a time when I was really feeling disheartened about my legitimacy and capability in a world dominated by men who exuded confidence in themselves, whatever their line of work might be. There’s nothing quite like a shared experience. Meeting other woman in the industry, in NAWIC and in various projects I have been involved in was the inspiration and boost to my confidence I needed. I felt these women who had gone before me were paving the way that I could be included in the construction industry. I want nothing more than to be part of paving that way.

What would you like to see for the future of women in construction?

More representation, more opportunities, more confidence in ourselves.

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

Whether you are a woman out on-site wearing PPE and wishing there was a bin in the on-site portaloo or a woman in the office navigating the room full of people who have a preconception about your capability, you make the industry diverse. You bring to it your life experience and a different way of looking at things helping create built environments and working environments that are more inclusive of more points of view.

What is your favourite thing to do for fun:

I love to go on adventures with my husband and two dogs Bran and Willie. The simplicity of being in the moment with them while they have loads of fun sniffing about, chasing sticks and swimming (the dogs that is). They never cease to make me laugh.