Abi is a graduate construction manager for Laing O’Rourke and won the Rising Star – Contribution to Gender Diversity award in 2023. She is passionate about connecting with young people and making construction an attractive, inclusive and supportive industry for those currently in it as well as for future generations.

Alexis has 20 years’ experience as a Healthcare Planner, working across a range of clients – including private companies, construction contractors and public sector healthcare organisations including the NHS. She has been involved in Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) schemes, Private Finance Initiatives (PFIs), Primary care and Acute healthcare schemes both in the UK and in the Middle East. In November 2021, Alexis joined the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust as Deputy Head of Hospital Reconfiguration, after 18 years of service with specialist healthcare planning consultancy, MJ Medical where she was a consultant, and senior health and equipment planner.  

Alison has a background in knowledge transfer, driving innovation and change into the construction sector both in the UK and overseas. Alison is currently Head of Constructing Excellence, where she works with its members and wider movement to drive positive change in the built environment. Alison has a passion for transforming the construction sector into a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable industry.

Anna is Technical Director for NG Bailey, responsible for all technical management, design, BIM, QC and Commissioning activities across the Engineering business. Anna has circa 30-years experience, commencing her career in the consultancy field as a chartered electrical engineer, before moving to the contracting arena in 2016.

Professor Anne Nortcliffe, is a second-generation scientist and third-generation engineer. Anne progressed from being her father’s material testing technician as child to leading an academic aerospace engineering team to founding the School of Engineering, Technology, and Design at Canterbury Christ Church University, now new Dean of Faculty of Arts, Computing and Engineering at University of Wrexham. Anne is passionate about providing authentic inclusive education, innovation and research fostered with local industry collaborations to benefit of all stakeholders and supporting regional and national economic growth. Anne is nationally recognized, winning awards for her contributions to gender diversity in construction and engineering. As an experienced national and international education technology researcher, and passionately develops best practices in engineering and computing education to benefit of all.

Bryony joined Arcadis in 2008 as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor and obtained MRICS status before moving into Project and Programme Management in 2010. Bryony has worked in Europe supporting the development of the Arcadis Global Corporate Strategy, and also in the Middle East, on the £7 billion Ashghal Programme of Works in Qatar before returning to the UK to lead the Programme Management Office (PMO) for the Digital Railway Programme, a rail industry-wide programme designed to benefit Great Britain’s economy by accelerating the digital enablement of the railway. Bryony is now a Senior Account Director for Network Rail, the UK&I Lead for Social Value in Mobility

Carolyn is a highly experienced Non-Executive Director and is currently on the Boards of Shoreham Port and the Jersey Development Company. She has over 30 years of experience in the development sector, including the planning, financing and delivery of major projects, placemaking and development of cultural strategies and programmes. Carolyn is the Strategic Director for Development, Growth and Regeneration at the London Borough of Sutton where her role is to secure smart, sustainable connected development and infrastructure to support inclusive growth. She is a member of the Office of Road and Rail Regulation’s Road Expert Panel and a Commissioner with the National Preparedness Commission. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and a Liveryman with the Worshipful Company of Paviors. She is also a Member of the Institute of Directors.

Cathy is Head of Land Quality (South) at Tetra Tech with over 25 years’ experience in environmental consultancy across a range of sectors. Cathy is a Chartered Environmental Scientist and specialises in contaminated land.

I am National Highways category lead for ground investigation and archaeology and also manage both frameworks. I have been in the Construction industry for over 30yrs. It’s encouraging to see more women coming to the industry demonstrating their knowledge and skills and inclusion within the industry.

Ceri Evans joined Mace in May this year as their Global Director of Cost and Commercial Management for Mace Consult. Ceri previously spent 14 years at Bechtel, most recently leading Contracts and Procurement for Bechtel’s Infrastructure business across EAMS UK&I. An experienced leader for over 20 years in strategic operational, programme, portfolio and commercial management, Ceri has significant experience in the construction industry as a client, consultant and contractor across the UK, Saudi, North America, Australia and Canada.

Yuli is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE) with nearly 30 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, and in particular with geosynthetics. Yuli has worked as a Geotechnical Engineer for 10 years in Hong Kong and since her return in the UK some 18 years ago, she has been working for Tensar International overseeing projects’ designs in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Russia and Asia Pacific. Yuli has served as a past Chair of the UK Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society (IGS) and the ICE NW Region and she is currently the Vice Chair of the British Geotechnical Association (BGA) and an Appointed Board Member of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE).

Charlotte has over 20 years’ experience in Ground Engineering leading and managing geotechnical delivery from optioneering and feasibility studies through design and construction. She has a breadth of project experience covering private and public-sector funded projects, managing geotechnical risk through the project lifecycle in the water, structures, highways, and railway sectors. As a UK Registered Ground Engineering Professional, Chartered Engineer, and Chartered Geologist, she is driven to blend the skillsets of Engineering Geologists and Geotechnical Engineers. At SYSTRA she has formed a collaborative team who support and challenge each other to find the best solutions by utilising skillsets and encouraging innovative thinking. Having started her career as a geology graduate inspired by Dr Brian Hawkins to pursue a career in Engineering Geology, Charlotte has progressed from a Geoenvironmental Consultant, via Geotechnical Design to a UK Wide Senior Leadership position. Her own journey through a male-dominated arena inspires her to champion and seek out diversity, and to empower her team to understand their own barriers to progression, development, and delivery irrespective of grade and experience.

Dr Charlotte Usher is a Chartered Geologist and principal geophysicist. She has been with RSK Geosciences since 2015 following the completion of her PhD. Charlotte is technical lead for geophysics within RSK, and is actively involved in research and development as well as working on large scale commercial projects. Notably, Charlotte was the lead author for the recently published CIRIA guidance, C812, and was a finalist for the rising star technical excellence category at the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering awards 2023. She is also dedicated to improving the diversity and inclusion in geosciences, and to help encourage the use of geophysics in the construction industry.

Christina Mavrommati is a Chartered Geotechnical Engineer with over 24 years’ experience in the design and delivery of a wide-range of large scale civil engineering projects in the UK and in Greece. Over the past 10 years she has worked as a designer and team leader on major projects such as HS2, CrossRail 2, Doha Metro Major Stations, the Thames Tideway Tunnel and the Network Rail Wessex Capacity Upgrade. Currently, a Project Principal and resource manager within the Foundations and Geotechnics principal account of the Metros and Civil division of Mott MacDonald, Christina is making significant contributions to the construction and engineering industry both through delivering complex mega-projects and by managing teams and providing pastoral care, advice and guidance on technical, professional, and personal development whilst safeguarding wellbeing. Across Mott MacDonald, Christina has been an outstanding advocate of diversity and inclusivity recognised as a caring mentor to early career professionals taking their first steps in the profession.

Christine joined National Highways in 2020 having spent 19 years as a contractor, leading highways projects and an SME through change programmes. Christine is a Chartered Civil Engineer and is particularly known as a leader on safety, and recently led the South East region in our move to the Scheme Delivery Framework, working with a diverse supply chain.

Chrysothemis is a Mining/Tunnel Engineer (MEng) with post-graduate studies (MSc) in Tunnelling Engineering from NTUA (GR). In 2016, she completed her PhD in tunnelling, which involved working on a joint Research Project between Queen’s University and ETH Zurich. In 2017 she was appointed Lecturer at the University of Leeds (UK) to teach rock mechanics, tunnelling and geotechnical-related courses, where in 2019 she got her tenure (permanent chair). She has also been appointed as visiting Lecturer at Warwick University in the UK and Adjunct Professor at Queen’s University in Canada. Her research deals with geo-engineering innovative design for resilient and sustainable geo-structures and their societal impact. She has published more than 60 papers in international journals and conferences. She also works as a Consultant and in the past as a Geotechnical/Tunnel Engineer. In September 2022 Chrysothemis became the first female academic to be appointed as Director of the MSc Engineering Geology at the University of Leeds, running its 69th year since 1965.

Claire is a geotechnical engineer by training but the main part of her career has been spent working as a construction journalist. Before joining Mott MacDonald in 2023, she was editor of New Civil Engineer – the only woman to hold the post in its 52 year history. Claire has also worked as editor on Ground Engineering and Aggregates Business Europe, as well as other titles including Construction Europe, International Construction and Transportation Professional.

Clare is an Engineering Geologist with twenty five years’ experience working primarily on railway embankments and cuttings. She spent nearly ten years working as a designer with Donaldson Associates Ltd. in Glasgow and York followed by fourteen years with Network Rail’s Geotechnical Route Asset Management team, also based in York. Clare has now moved to a Principal Programme Engineer role with Network Rails’ Eastern Region Regional Engineering team and is tasked with ensuring that the response to recommendations from accident investigations provide the improvement outcomes intended.

Debbie’s career in marketing and business development started in 1999, after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Business & Finance. She joined the German-owned global foundations giant, The BAUER Group in 2001. In 2007, after five years holding senior marketing and business development roles within a range of sectors, Debbie founded Jooce Marketing & PR Ltd, fulfilling a dream to own and manage a business. Jooce provides marketing and business development support to construction companies and boasts a strong portfolio of client’s operating predominantly in the geotechnical sector, including three industry leading geotechnical membership organisations – The British Geotechnical Association (BGA), The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) and the British Drilling Association (BDA). Debbie prides herself on helping her clients raising their profile, delivering consistent messages and win business. She is passionate about ECDI, and in particular promoting women in the geotechnical and wider construction sector. Debbie is an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and sits on Ground Engineering magazine’s Editorial Board. She is an avid networker and enjoy connecting people and businesses together. Outside of work, Debbie is a volunteer at Warrington Foodbank, working as its social media strategist, and supports Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home in its various fund-raising initiatives. Debbie time enjoys weekend breaks in the UK, practising yoga, and spending time with her fur babies.

Debbie Tassell is the Communication Manager for a 150-strong Foundations and Geotechnics team. She has worked at Mott MacDonald for many years, and stayed because she really enjoys her job and her colleagues. Debbie uses her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to join in and embrace camaraderie and collaboration. A graphic designer by trade – Debbie’s communicative skills are enhanced by her design capability and eye for detail.

Dinesh Patel is a recognised Arup Fellow and the recipient of the very first GE Lifetime Achievement Award (2023). Dinesh Patel has decades of experience of large infrastructure and complex tall building and basement foundation designs, and has been the designer / advisor on at least 5nr major tall towers in the City of London. His recent work on the Claridge’s basement Hotel, The Londoner Hotel and the V&A Museum have featured extensively in the media. He has extensive experience working in the Far-East and in Europe. Over the past 10 years, he has won 11 major awards in the field of geotechnical excellence, innovation and sustainable design solutions. These include winning awards from Ground Engineering, the BGS Fleming Award, and the international CTBUH Technical excellence award.

Ebenezer has nearly 30 years’ experience in managing the geotechnical design process of complex and demanding schemes. He is an experienced chartered geotechnical engineer and registered ground engineering (RoGEP) adviser. In 2014, Ebenezer set up Geofirma Ltd to deliver a wide range of geotechnical consultancy and design services to the construction industry. Ebenezer is very passionate about diversity and inclusion and the education of the new generation of ground engineering practitioners. He is one of the founding members of the innovative Ground Forum Undergraduate mentoring scheme, is a

Eileen joined Hub South East as a Project Director in 2018, bringing over 25 years’ experience delivering infrastructure and major capital projects for local authorities and the further education sector. A qualified accountant, with a Masters in Business and Leadership, Eileen moved into project management and amongst a range of projects, was responsible for one of Scotland’s first campus schools, bringing together early education through to tertiary education and also a specialist ASN provision. In addition to delivering projects she also had operational responsibility for the Council’s Facilities Management Services and lead the transition of this service, bringing together all of the aspects of a project life span from development and construction through to operation. Since joining Hub, Eileen has successfully delivered projects across education, health and most recently leading on the redevelopment of Scotland’s last operational textile mill in the Scottish Borders. Eileen brings a passion for partnership working and collaboration, with an additional pinch of madness, most recently manifesting in her jumping 10,000ft from a plane to raise more than £9000 for West Lothian Council’s Beatlie School. Eileen’s most recent achievement, and one which she is incredibly proud of, was winning the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering “Contribution to a Project” category last year. Eileen describes her winning as a huge honour but highlights the fact that the whole journey has opened so many doors and provided great opportunities for her to network with some amazing, and inspirational, women across the industry.

An Engineering Geologist with over 30 years’ experience in the Site Investigation industry. Her career started in the brownfield redevelopment of the West Midlands and she has worked as a Main Contractor, Local Authority Officer, Consultant and Ground Investigation Contractor throughout the UK. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of geologists to develop careers in the Ground Investigation industry. Liz is currently the Secretary of the Western Regional Group of the Geological Society, a member of the Safety Working Group of the AGS and is a Council Member of the Geological Society.

I’m a Partner at multidisciplinary engineering consultants CampbellReith and geotechnical lead, responsible for the development and technical delivery of ground engineering services - feasibility, investigation and risk assessment; geotechnical design and modelling; infrastructure impact assessments; and value engineering. I strive to create engaged and inclusive teams and actively mentor women and young people in the profession. I am committed to raising the profile of engineering and improving collaboration between disciplines, working with the AGS and IStructE. I was delighted to be recognised as one of the UK’s top female geotechnical engineers by Ground Engineering magazine in February 2024.

I head up our Environmental Services Discipline and have over 15 years experience in ground investigation, specialising in Contaminated Land. I am responsible for managing the team and providing project management for ground investigation, contaminated land consultancy, geotechnical engineering, and flood risk assessment.

Having developed a discipline from nothing I am responsible for diversifying our service offering to include a wider scope of services to add value to the company’s wider multi-disciplinary package.

I am an active member of our Women in Leadership forum, helping to shape our business and provide advice, guidance and support to our aspiring future leaders within the company.

I began my journey at Heidelberg Materials in 2015 as an apprentice. Over the years, I’ve grown professionally and personally, transitioning from roles like Area Technical Manager to my current position as SHE Business Partner Aggregates. Beyond my responsibilities, I’ve actively promoted diversity and inclusion, encouraging women to join the industry. From STEM ambassadorship to organising site visits, I’m committed to shaping a more inclusive future.

Senior Geotechnical Engineer with a particular interest and project experience in renewable energy, namely onshore wind farms. Passionate about delivering a greener and more sustainable future and inspiring the younger generation.

Emma is a Chartered Construction Manager and Associate Façade Engineer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She was the winner of 2023 CN & NCE Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering – Engineering Excellence award. She started as a Site Engineer having worked as a Planner, Package Manger, Project Manager and now as a Senior Design Manager. Having worked within a wide range of sectors and projects including Marina Bay Sands (Singapore) she now specialises in Mental Healthcare Units. She is CIOB mentor, has a passion for Health and Wellbeing and professional development and is currently undertaking an MSc in Facade Engineering.

Emma Nicholson is a Director with E&R Property Partners and a previous award winner in the category of allyship at the Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards in 2023. Emma has her own property business and has worked in the property and construction industry for over 25 years. She is a Founder of two LinkedIn sites; Women and Sustainable Construction and Property and Women in Sustainable Rail. She is also a Fellow of IEMA, CIOB, APM and Associate Fellow of WES, in addition to having Board Trustee experience with North Yorkshire Sport, the Women’s Engineering Society and the Yorkshire Collaborative Academy Trust. Emma is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion and is an EDI Diversity Inclusion Ambassador for the Institute of Directors and on the CIOB's EDI Advisory Panel. She has mentored women in the industry for over 10 years.

Hannah is head of land strategy, policy and performance within National Grid Electricity Transmission Property. She has been responsible for multiple business improvement projects and hundreds of multi-disciplinary land investigation, construction, risk assessment and remediation projects across the UK over the last 20 years. She has contributed to numerous published technical guidance documents. Hannah is Chair of the C4SL Steering Group; delivering new criteria to assess potential risk to human health from soil. She is a Chartered Scientist (Geological Society), a scrutineer for the Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment and promotes technical excellence, innovation and developing others throughout their career journey.

Hayley joined the construction industry and the bidding world in 2006 when she started working for Norwest Holst part of the Vinci Group. She has remained within the industry and has focused her efforts on work winning for main contractors including John Sisk, Durkan and most recently Willmott Dixon Interiors. Passionate about implementing best practice within the bids and proposals teams she leads, Hayley is also a certified APMP Practitioner and a member of the UKAPMP.

A Chartered Civil Engineer with over 25 years’ experience working in the water industry for Binnies. As an experienced Engineering Manager, Helen provides technical direction and adds value by bringing cross-sectional industry insight when appraising and designing flood risk management schemes. She is also Binnies’ Lead Supervising Civil Engineer, heading up their ICE Training Scheme. An active member and Vice Chair for the Civil Engineering Employers’ Training Group, an established employer group supporting and enabling the delivery of civil engineering professional development in partnership with the ICE.

Hilga is a Business Director of Arcadis, leading their Rail business in the South, West and Wales. She has over 20 years’ experience working in Germany and the UK in the Rail and Construction Industry, Client and Contractor side, delivering complex and multi-disciplinary projects.

IJ Samuel is an accomplished Director at Turner & Townsend. She is renowned for advising clients on programme management strategies and performance management of multi-billion-pound major projects and portfolios, delivering successful outcomes across diverse sectors. She is a culture enabler and ‘Inclusion disruptor’, constantly challenging unconscious bias, and promoting Diversity and Inclusion as an everyday reality. IJ actively advocates for diversity of leadership teams as a future currency for innovation, inclusive decision-making and long-term cultural change. She rolls up her sleeves to walk the talk and she is the visible change she wants to see.

Jane is a Director of Arup, leading their Transport business in the North West and Yorkshire. She is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and has over 30 years of experience working as a design engineer focussing on ground engineering and the delivery of transport infrastructure projects.

Jemma is an award winning Chartered Civil Engineer with over 15 years experience working for principal contractors on infrastructure and construction projects. She specialises in Temporary Works and volunteers as Director of the Temporary Works forum. She is passionate about encouraging more people into industry and showcases the opportunities through her volunteering as a STEM Ambassador, being on the Board of the Institution of Engineers in Scotland and the Scottish branch of the National Association of Women in Construction.  She writes children’s books about her adventures in engineering and technical guidance on temporary works.

Joanna Farnsworth, FRICS, MCIOB, MSc

Joanna is an experienced Operations Director Responsible for Commercial delivery of Major Construction Projects with over 30 years’ experience in the QS and Construction sector. She is a Fellow of RICS and has served on the East of England regional board for six years regularly speaking on panels as an ambassador for Diversity and Inclusion and early engagement. Joanna gave evidence at the 2019 APPG for excellence in the built environment and was a finalist at the 2019 London Construction Awards. Joanna is enthusiastic about creating opportunities for all within the built environment and committed to delivering programmes that make a lasting positive impact through the creation of connected quality environments for people to work, learn and live in.

Julia is a portfolio non-executive director for a number of development and construction related companies – Lee Marley Group, Milton Keynes Development Partnership LLP, Gateway 14 Ltd and Corserv Ltd. She has spent over 30 years of her career delivering major infrastructure and development projects in both the public and private sector, across all sectors of Industry including as Director of Projects at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, heading up the delivery the £275m Investment Plan of core infrastructure, housing and commercial development critical to the success of the UK Governments new Garden City. Prior to this Julia headed up development at both Gatwick and Stansted Airports. She is also a Fellow and former Council member for the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation, as well as being the Chairperson for Home-Start Herts, a social care charity.

Katie is the Housing and Residential Lead at Akerlof - an award-winning, B Corp accredited consultancy specialising in ESG, MMC and Cost Consultancy for the Built Environment. With over ten years experience in the residential sector, she brings award-winning experience as a former client, developer (L&Q, Berkeley Homes, Hill) and trusted advisor. She has recently led the extensive stakeholder engagement for a Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities research project to create a digital kit of parts for housing. She has a pivotal role in translating policy into practical application, with an excellent industry network and reputation for driving positive change. Her passion for improving the quality, affordability, and inclusivity of housing, combined with activities at the forefront of innovation in construction, helps her to deliver betters for the industry. As an advocate for good design, Katie believes industrialised and offsite construction can positively transform lives.

My name is Kelly-Anne Morris and I have a passion for ED&I. I have worked for Cadent for 13 years and within that time have undertaken numerous opportunities. All of which, I have been actively involved in ED&I. I am a Regulatory Specialist at Cadent and a Fertility Lead and can proudly say that we are a Fertility Friendly Accredited Employer as well as receiving numerous other ED&I related accreditations. Strip an office back and it’s just people left. We need to ensure that our people are supported to be themselves at work and accepted.

Lisa has been with Haringey Council for over 16 years. Lisa’s procurement experience spans multiple sectors ranging from care, supplies and services, and construction. Since 2018 Lisa has established and led a dedicated team created to manage the Councils extensive portfolio of DPS systems and Framework, providing engagement with all stakeholders and suppliers. Lisa is also responsible for leading on the London Construction Programme (LCP), a virtual organisation hosted by Haringey Council. The LCP is the one-stop-shop for procurement of public sector construction projects ranging from Professional Services, Minor Works and Major Works schemes across London and the Home Counties. Now, over 40 public sector organisations are benefitting from efficient, compliant procurement processes that the LCP offers. Lisa has been instrumental in leading innovation in end-to-end procurement practices and more recently developed a full end to end technology to procure, contract and performance manage all contracts awarded via the LCP Framework.

Manon is the Development Director of the Major Projects Association the purpose of which is to improve the initiation and delivery of major projects. Over the past 19 years Manon has been involved in every aspect of delivering that vision: from the production of thought leadership publications to the development of the Major Project Knowledge Repository. She established the Major Projects Association’s Diversity initiative which frames the issue of diversity as a challenge for the whole sector to improve performance. Manon is also a competitive drug-free powerlifter. In the 20 years that she has been competing she has won 13 World Championships, 9 European Championships and held 8 World Records and a host of British titles and records. She also knits.

Mark is an Associate at Tony Gee and Partners and has worked in civil engineering for over 30 years across contractor and consultant organisations covering multiple sectors. Currently working in business development following many years delivering heavy civil engineering projects in the UK. Taking a vocational route to education via a day release ONC, HNC and Degree.

Previously chair of the CECA Transport Committee, Urban Land Institute Committee member and Director of BRTuk.

Melissa is passionate about community participation and quality in design, understanding the aspirations, connections and needs between people and places. She has wide-ranging experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, managing client and partnership projects, and mapping social value across community investment. Her career spans working in the social housing sector to establish community development and enable resident involvement; as a consultant practising participatory design; advising in placemaking and supporting stakeholders in community-led design; and, design research engagement at an architectural practice. Melissa’s role at the Foundation is to lead on our engagement work, ensuring it has a more positive impact on quality of life, especially inclusive of stakeholders who are most marginalised and underrepresented. Working across resident reviews, quality of life mapping, and stakeholders her role supports clients to work collaboratively, develop an engagement strategy, review and report on methodologies, and deliver projects across neighbourhoods.

Michael is an Associate Director and team leader at the Bristol office of Structural Soils. As a team leader, he is responsible for overseeing the management of several teams of geotechnical engineers who undertake multiple projects from tender stage through to writing the factual and interpretive reports. Over the past 20 years Michael was held a variety of role within structural Soils ranging from Project manager of major infrastructure and Nuclear Ground Investigations – through to the rail and over water contract manger. Michael is also the Schools/Early Careers Coordinator for the Western Regional Group of the Geological Society – and is keen to bring young people into the world of geotechnical engineering.

Having graduated with a BSc Honours degree in Applied Geology, Natalie initially started her career in a soil and rock testing laboratory and then spent the early years of her career working on ground investigation sites and project managing within the geotechnical sector. As an engineering geologist with over 30 years’ experience, Natalie has contributing to several prestigious ground investigations throughout the UK and internationally. Natalie is currently Managing Director at Concept and is actively involved in initiatives to increase student uptake of STEM subjects, raise awareness of Geo and Earth Sciences Degree courses, and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Shortlisted Top 100 Influential Women in Construction

Employability Manager – ISS UK Ltd

An experienced Employability & EDI Professional with over 15 years experience within the construction and recruitment industry. Specialising in Early Talent, apprenticeship recruitment & employability.

Naz has worked with a number or organisations and employers to introduce and support more diverse talent into the construction industry. Liaising, networking, and supporting apprentices, students, and a more diverse talent pool into the Built Environment. She has worked as a mentor and coach to support women, women of colour, marginalised groups and students both entering and working within the built environment.

She is consistently passionate about the sector and opportunities for all to build a successful career pathway and through skill development and education. A director with LRCTG (London Region Construction Training Group) She also works to promote education and upskilling for all to ensure a more skilled workforce continues. Naz campaigns for a more diverse and equal workforce with both employer and employees.

Paola is a Director and the Geotechnical Discipline Leader at Robert Bird Group in London. She is a chartered geotechnical engineer with a doctorate in Geotechnical Engineering and over 20 years of technical and managerial experience gained working on multidisciplinary projects in Italy, the UK, Middle East and Australia. Paola started her career lecturing and researching at universities in Italy and the UK, before joining the industry to work for specialist geotechnical consultancies in the UK and Australia. Paola has gained extensive technical experience in the field of soil and rock mechanics and geotechnical design solutions and managerial experience working as geotechnical lead and design manager on large residential & commercial projects, as well as major infrastructure projects, including Crossrail, Battersea Power Station iconic redevelopment, Audley Square, 1 Leadenhall, St John’s Wood, One Waterloo, Lots Road, Stratford Waterfront, Here East and Park Crescent West in London; NEO Pafilia and Blu Marine in Cyprus; Harvard Allston Life Science and La Cienega in the United States; Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion, Red Sea, Neom, Qiddiya and Midfield Terminal Building in MENA; Brisbane Cross River Rail, Sydney International Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Precinct, Pacific Highway Upgrade, North West Rail Link, Northern Sydney Freight Corridor, and Sydney Light Rail Inner West Extension in Australia. Paola has a detailed knowledge of most areas of geotechnical design and specialises in providing engineering solutions for complex urban projects with deep basements close to sensitive structures, providing professional advice and ensuring efficient project delivery, aimed at achieving high standard technical deliverables and cost and programme savings. She has considerable experience of using numerical modelling to solve complex geotechnical challenges and to deliver integrated design solutions. Her technical skills include delivering advanced design solutions, routine and advanced laboratory testing, data interpretation and site soil geotechnical characterisation, physical and numerical modelling, design of foundations, deep basement and retaining structures, slope stability, prediction of ground movements and effects due to tunnelling excavation in urban areas, utility and building damage assessment, instrumentation and monitoring requirements, 3D finite element soil-structure interaction modelling, third party interface management. Paola has been authoring publications in International Journals and Conference Proceedings. She has also won the 2024 WICE (women in construction engineering) award as Best Woman Geotechnical Engineer!

Paula is a Founding Director and the Chief Scientific Officer of Carbon8, a university spinout treating industrial residues with carbon dioxide to manufacture low carbon construction materials. She has a PhD in geology and was an academic for 25 years, before crossing into the commercial world. She is a previous winner of the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering for Technical Excellence

Precious Zumbika- Lwanga is a proud mom of two, an award-winning Construction Professional, businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is an experienced Executive, Cost & Commercial Expert, Strategic Advisor, Leadership Consultant and Non-Executive Director to several boards. She holds a BSc Hons in Quantity Surveying (University of Cape Town) and an Executive MBA from Lancaster University Management School. She commands over 20 years’ experience at the helm of cost and resource management operations and transformational change across a portfolio of high- value projects and programmes. She is a focused consultant with an impressive track record in collaborative, cross-functional teamwork within high-pressure environments in the public and private sector.

Precious is Founder of Carus Advisory Services a boutique construction and management consultancy where she works with and advises her clients on how to drive value and improve their organisational & project performance. Her passion for a more collaborative, transparent industry sees itself in the work she undertakes and drawing from the breadth of her experience she supports clients to not only look at the tactical objectives but approach projects and programmes strategically from leadership behaviours through to how to develop high performing project teams from project and asset delivery through to handover.

She is a Cranfield University Executive Development Associate Lecturer where curates and delivers leadership modules to various FTSE 250 organisations.

Precious was named one of NatWest Top 100 most inspirational women in 2021 in the Oxford Cambridge Arc, a judge for Women leader awards UK (2020, 2024) and a judge for the Construction News Awards 2023 & 2024. 

Rachel Bell is an Architect and Director of Partnerships at Stride Treglown. Beyond her day job, Rachel supports numerous initiatives encouraging a more inclusive construction industry for the future. She is a mentor through the Mentoring Circle and a director for Women in Property limited. Rachel’s mantra is ‘Stand Tall’ something she supports and encourages everyone to do, to step up and out of their comfort zone. Season 3 Stand Tall podcast highlights others stepping up and leading the way in their field. https://stridetreglown.com/stand-tall-with-rachel-bell/  Rachel Bell - Director - Stride Treglown

Rachel is an Operations Director at Macro with 20 years’ experience in leading and delivering capital projects. Rachel has worked across a number of sectors in the UK, Europe and the US.

Rob is a project director for Mott MacDonald, based in Croydon working in their transportation division on major infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas. Rob has over 25 years of experience and specialises in ground engineering and underground structure projects. Rob has worked on HS2, Sizewell C, and defence projects in the UK, and is presently working on the Scarborough Subway Extension in Toronto.

Dr Roni Savage is CEO & Founder of Jomas Associates, an Engineering Company serving the Construction Industry since 2009. Named Most Influential Woman in Construction 2022, Roni, is a Honorary Fellow of Royal Institute of British Architects, a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Geologist and SiLC (Specialist in Land Condition). A graduate of University of Portsmouth with a BEng(hons) in Engineering Geology and Geotechnics, she also holds a Masters’ (with distinction) in Environmental Management from University of Exeter. She has worked on many major construction schemes, including the widening of the A406 and M25, as well as various buildings and structures across the UK. She has been involved in designing sustainable remediation solutions to enable the reclamation of several brownfield sites, which may have laid derelict otherwise. She was conferred with an honorary doctorate by University of Portsmouth in July 2023 for exceptional contribution to the construction industry. Multi-award winner, and mum of three boys, Roni is a passionate diversity champion, speaking internationally on matters relating to diversity in business, engineering and construction. Roni is policy chair for construction for the federation of small businesses, with an advisory role to the UK government, and vice chair of YMCA SPG, a charity committed to empowering young people.

Rosa Diez is a Project Director for Mott MacDonald Ltd currently working as Tunnel Technical Lead for HS2 Northern tunnels. Rosa has more than 28 years experience in the design and construction of major underground projects around the world, particularly in the metros, railways and hydro sectors. After completing her MSc at Imperial College in Engineering Geology, she has worked for several major international consultancies, managing large design teams for underground projects such as the Heathrow Express, Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Victoria Station Upgrade, Porto Metro and the Crossrail C121 SCL contract. Rosa is also Account Lead for Transportation Tunnels folio responsible for winning work and managing a portfolio of approx. £4 million per year, and European Tunnel Practice Lead for our +100 tunnel team across several centre of excellence in Europe .

Since starting her first business when she was sixteen, Rosie understands the barriers that women experience first-hand throughout their careers and businesses. This inspired her to set-up Modern Woman in 2018, a dynamic female-led community to elevate and support career-driven women achieve their ambitions across diverse industries and backgrounds. Through her work at Modern Woman, Rosie has worked with many corporate companies both in and outside of the construction industry to support with their internal challenges around encouraging more women into male-dominated sectors and enabling them to thrive throughout their careers.

Sally is a Chartered Civil Engineer with almost 10 years experience working on large scale construction projects across the UK. Alongside her role as Regional Quality Manager, she also co-leads on the Women in Civil Engineering Network, and heads up the working group relating to women in STEM roles within the company. She also is a delegate engineer supporting trainees through the ICE training scheme, a WES Tyne and Tees committee member and STEM ambassador.

Sarah Woolham-Jaffier, 28, studied Civil Engineering in Edinburgh & Canada and has worked on a range of construction projects across different sectors. Sarah joined the National Grid Graduate Programme in 2018 and currently works as a Lead Project Manager developing 60km of Overhead Transmission Lines. Since joining National Grid Sarah has been predominantly responsible for the deliver of a 32.5km tunnel network across south London supporting multiple project managers, supervisors and taking a leading role in local community outreach programmes.

Sophie is a highly experienced Chartered professional with over twenty-five years’ experience in engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, infrastructure asset management, ground investigation and project management. She currently works as a Senior Geotechnical Advisor for National Highways and has also spent many years previously working in both consultancy and contracting. Sophie also has considerable experience in leadership, business management and client liaison/engagement gained throughout her career. Gaining her professional qualifications with the Geological Society as a Chartered Geologist and European Geologist in 2007, she is active in mentoring roles to those seeking to gain their professional qualifications.

Tanja has over 14 years post chartered experience and over 25 year's of experience in the engineering and construction industry. She was appointed Visiting Professor at Abertay University 2020 to 2023 and has been Project Manager for Special Projects in Transport Scotland since 2021, managing landslide remediation works on A83 Rest and Be Thankful. She is Geotechnical Advisor for Transport Scotland and manages the delivery of Minor Improvement and Structural Maintenance schemes in the north. Tanja heads the Vulnerable Location Operations Sub-Group for geotechnical assets and geohazards leading the development of adaptation and geotechnical asset risk ranking. She is a member of CIRIA Asset Owner Forum, CIRIA geotechnical working group, manages SRRB research projects and is a member of the BSI committee B/526/3 “Ground investigation and ground testing”. Her move to Transport Scotland followed a long career in consultancy. As Associate in WSP Civil, Bridges & Ground Tanja was heading the Scotland & NI Geotechnical team, managing staff in Scotland & NI and was part of the Bidding/Growth and Client Care Group responsible for the delivery of design packages for external and internal Clients maintaining technical excellence, bidding and business development.

Trevor Payne is Director of Estates at the University of Birmingham responsible for a complex portfolio of heritage and cutting edge HE buildings. With 300+ buildings, half a Million M2 of floor space and 700 acres of award-winning grounds supporting 40,000 students and 8000 staff. Trevor has delivered a £1BN capital programme and is leading a comprehensive campus masterplaning commission in 2024. He has delivered a 4,500 student Dubai university campus which opened in April 2022 and is working with Bruntwood Scitech on a Life Sciences Park in Edgbaston to open in 2024. Trevor completed a successful 28-year career in the UK Health service managing a portfolio of the largest, oldest and newest NHS healthcare buildings & sites. He has developed an active network that links NHS and HE estates Directors. UoB have just signed a ground breaking living lab/IoT partnership deal with Siemens to create the World’s Smartest campus. Linkedin profile linkedin.com/in/trevor-payne-msc-fiheem-fiwfm-941a477

Vivienne Inmonger is General Counsel at McGee, a specialist engineering contractor with extensive experience in delivering high profile, complex engineering projects. Vivienne has over 15 years of experience supporting and advising global organisations in the infrastructure, renewable energy and construction sectors. Vivienne leads the Legal and Risk team at McGee that advises its growing business on construction, corporate, commercial, risk and compliance issues. Her focus is on shaping sustainable growth of the business while protecting McGee’s legacy and assets.

Zainab Adigun studied BEng in Civil Engineering at Brunel University then a MSc Structural Engineering on a Women in Engineering full scholarship. Zainab designs new buildings and small refurbishments projects across all sectors. As social value champion and EDI team member for her organisation, she helps to define strategy and deliver on social value commitments. Zainab volunteers as a board member for the Association for Black and Ethnic Minority Engineers (AFBE) where she is the team leader for the Making Engineering Hot which works with young people from black and other ethnic minority groups to expose them to careers in engineering. Recently, Zainab was listed as one of 100 Finalists for the Top Women in Engineering 2022 Awards as recognition of her contribution in encouraging females to consider a career in engineering. She won the CN & NCE Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering awards in 2022. Zainab has also recently won the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize at the IET Young Women in Engineering Awards 2023. The prize is awarded to an inspiring engineer working in the UK, who is able to engage and encourage young people’s involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).