Judges

Alexia is a Technical Lead, having started her career as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice before becoming a Master’s Degree Apprentice. Alongside her professional role, she is a Trustee of Engenuity, a Non-Executive Director at EAL, and Chair of the MAKE UK Future Makers group, contributing young-engineer insight into national skills and industrial policy.

A passionate advocate for apprenticeships and women in STEM, Alexia has dedicated significant time to outreach and mentoring across the sector. She is an award-winning engineer and one of the youngest ever to achieve Chartered Engineer status, progressing from apprentice to technical lead in under six years.

Amy is a leader in the healthcare sector, providing strategic programme and project management advice on a range of projects including the UK’s New Hospital Programme. Her experience spans Australia and the UK. She is also an advocate for DEI in the industry leading numerous panels and events to inspire real change.

Anna is a Senior Project Manager at the Royal Household, currently part of a client team delivering a ten year reservicing programme. Prior to this, Anna has worked in roles spanning HR, finance, operational and events management, spending time in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, the UAE and Belgium before moving to the UK. She is a member of the APM and is currently completing a qualification in arbitration with the RICS Dispute Resolution Service.

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.

As past editor on NCE, Claire Smith was one of the founders of the Inspiring Women in Construction Engineering Awards and, since joining Mott MacDonald as managing editor for UK and Europe in 2023, has supported the event as a judge. Having started out as a geotechnical engineer working on site before switching to construction journalism, Claire has experienced first-hand the challenges women face in a workplace where the majority of people are male. Claire is the only woman to have held the post of editor on NCE in its 54-year history and used her time leading the magazine to put a spotlight on equality, diversity and inclusion issues in the industry.

Danny is a Programme Delivery Manager at Manchester Airport with over 30 years in Project, Facilities, and Technical Services delivery. Starting as an apprentice electrician, his career has taken him across the UK, Middle East, and Africa, working in various industries, including Commercial, Industrial, Milling, and Aviation. Danny is passionate about promoting STEM and Project Delivery careers, using his extensive experiences to mentor and guide others. Known for his collaborative and inclusive leadership style, he fosters a supportive environment that encourages innovation and growth. His diverse background and dedication to excellence enable him to manage complex projects and deliver exceptional results.

Debbie Tassell is the Communication Manager for a 200-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.

Ebenezer has 30 years’ experience in managing the geotechnical design process on complex and demanding ground engineering schemes. During his career, he has been fortunate to have been involved in a few of the UKs most prestigious schemes including: Channel Tunnel Rail Link C230, Brighton and Hove Peacehaven WTW (the largest WTW in Europe) and the iconic Battersea Power Station Development (Phase 3) in London.

He set up Geofirma Ltd to deliver a wide range of geotechnical consultancy and design services to the construction industry. Geofirma delivers the whole range of geotechnical consultancies services ranging from project feasibility and initial studies to the detailed geotechnical design, with our clients including main UK contractors, piling contractors, developers, architects etc.

Ebenezer was one of the founding members of the innovative Ground Forum mentoring scheme. He is a Ground Forum committee member, a RoGEP panel committee member, and a STEM ambassador.

Eibhlin has carved out a distinguished career in the construction industry. She has extensive infrastructure experience and has been instrumental in identifying strategic partnerships and developing major framework opportunities. What started as an accidental career path turned into a realisation of the industry's potential. She is passionate about FIR (Fairness, Inclusion, and Respect) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), advocating for women in construction. Notably, her efforts in creating an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) forum on projects garnered award recognition, and the initiative was rolled out industry-wide. Currently, she oversees Lynch's Sales and Marketing teams, forging strategic partnerships with Tier 1 customers. Her focus is on delivering world-class infrastructure through plant, people and innovation.

Emelye heads up our Environmental Services Discipline, with nearly 20 years’ experience in ground investigation and contaminated land. She leads and supports a multi-disciplinary team delivering ground investigation, contaminated land consultancy, geotechnical engineering and ecology services. Having built the discipline from scratch, she’s passionate about developing people, broadening skills and creating opportunities that allow both individuals and the business to thrive. As co-chair of our Women in Leadership forum, she actively supports, mentors and champions colleagues, helping to shape an inclusive culture and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Eugene is a senior leader at Glencar Construction, bringing extensive experience across the UK construction and fit-out sectors. He is known for his strong focus on operational excellence, health and safety, and collaborative project delivery. Eugene plays a key role in driving Glencar’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and client satisfaction, working closely with project teams, supply chain partners, and stakeholders. His practical leadership style and in-depth industry knowledge support the successful delivery of complex construction projects while upholding Glencar Construction’s core values and reputation for excellence.

Farzana Sarwar is the CEO and Founder of Mothers Into Work, a social enterprise supporting mothers facing barriers such as career breaks, low confidence, and limited access to networks to move into employment, self-employment, and training. Drawing on lived experience and extensive expertise in education, teaching, employability and community engagement, Farzana has designed inclusive programmes across sectors such as construction, hospitality, women into IT, and healthcare. The initiative aims to build confidence, practical skills, and pathways to opportunity. Farzana has led strong partnerships with charities, local authorities, and employers to create sustainable impact for women across all our diverse communities. Farzana is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, equity, and social mobility.

A Geotechnical Design Engineer with extensive technical background and varied industry experience. Her career started at Imperial College with a PhD in finite element analysis of London Clay slopes stabilised with piles followed by a decade of industry experience: designing and monitoring basements and foundations for buildings, bridges and railways. She has enjoyed a variety of on-site roles including 6 months building a new railway station and supervision of piling across London. Most recently she has been juggling geotechnical design with a growing young family, volunteering with GirlguidingUK and supporting the development of sustainable design methods at Robert Bird Group.

Greta is a Support Consultant at 4PS UK, where she plays a key role in supporting customers and contributing to team success. Alongside her core role, she’s a qualified Mental Health First Aider, helping to promote a safe and supportive workplace. She’s also a sustainability enthusiast with a strong interest in environmentally responsible practices and continuous improvement. She actively enjoys taking part in events and initiatives that encourage, support, and inspire women within the construction industry.

Hannah is head of land performance and operations within National Grid Strategic Infrastructure. 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 has chaired and been involved with technical societies and industry groups throughout her career, improving the quality of work completed by contractors and consultants in the UK. She promotes technical excellence, innovation and developing others throughout their career journey.

A Chartered Civil Engineer with a number of years’ experience of working in the water industry. As an experienced engineering manager for Binnies, Helen provides technical leadership and cross-sectional industry insight to complex infrastructure schemes. Winner, Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024: Enhanced by Engineering, Women’s Engineering Society. She is also Binnies’ Lead Supervising Civil Engineer, heading up their Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) Training Scheme and Co-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.

IJ Samuel is a Director at Turner & Townsend, leading the PMO on multi-billion-pound programmes and portfolios for clients such as Heathrow Airport, HS2, and Kuwait Oil Company. With 20+ years’ experience across infrastructure, energy, and utilities, she delivers clarity and confidence through robust governance, performance assurance, and digital transformation. IJ also serves as the Board Chair of the Digital Twin Skills Academy (DTSA) CIC, where she champions digital innovation, inclusive leadership, and strategic direction to equip young people with digital construction skills. Her influence extends beyond project delivery to shaping industry culture, fostering collaboration, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

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.

Jayne is CEO of Skills 4 Ltd, an award-winning diversity and inclusion training provider with unrivalled expertise in engineering and construction. Established in 2006, Skills 4 was created to improve gender balance and progression in male-dominated STEM sectors by supporting both individuals and organisations to drive lasting change. With over 20 years’ experience, Jayne has worked with hundreds of organisations and clients, helping to shape more inclusive cultures that retain, develop and progress diverse talent. Through Skills 4’s award-winning programmes, she has supported more than 12,000 women and other underrepresented groups to build confidence, develop leadership capability and progress into senior roles, becoming visible role models across the sector.

Dr Joanna White is Director of Engineering at National Highways, where her teams provide technical advice, assurance and leadership on infrastructure assets, providing technical business partnering and subject matter expertise in areas including structures, pavements, geotechnics, lighting, vehicle restraint systems, intelligent transport systems, and road design. As a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Jo is the National Highways professional lead for this capability.

Jo is a huge advocate of STEM activities with schools and is passionate about inspiring people to get into the transport industry.

Outside of her work at National Highways, Jo is a Trustee of the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund.

Katy assumed her current role with Skanska UK in May 2023, following a construction career spanning more than 36 years. She has a wide breadth of experience across the building, infrastructure and service sectors, including defence, transportation, education, commercial office, light industrial and healthcare.

A passionate advocate for greater inclusivity within construction, Katy chaired the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for eight years and has been executive sponsor of Skanska UK’s Women’s and Pride LGBTQ+ employee networks. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Engineers (ICE) and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), reflecting her professional recognition and commitment to the industry.

Katy also serves on the board of directors for Build UK, further demonstrating her leadership and influence within the construction sector.

Kay Denham is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IMechE with over 20 years’ experience in the water and wastewater industry. She holds a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Water and Wastewater Engineering from Cranfield University.

As Engineering Director for Galliford Try’s Environment Division, Kay provides leadership in financial and quality assurance controls, while driving strategic initiatives in carbon reduction, digital transformation, and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). She plays a key role in delivering the division’s 2030 strategy, fostering strong stakeholder relationships and maintaining PAS 2080 certification.

Kay was a finalist for the Inspirational Leader category at the 2025 Construction News Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering Awards. Kay also serves on the University of Exeter’s Engineering Advisory Group, promoting academic collaboration & supporting the development of future engineering talent.

Kevin Koosaletse is an accomplished Programme and Project Director with over two decades of experience delivering complex, multimillion pound infrastructure programmes. He has a distinguished record in programme, portfolio and commercial management, leading multidisciplinary teams and joint ventures to achieve enhanced performance, strengthened client relationships, and sustained business growth. His leadership spans major UK programmes such as Thameslink, Crossrail, HS2 and TfL DLR programmes, where he has consistently improved margins, safety performance and stakeholder confidence. Kevin is committed to developing high performing teams, advancing industry practice, and contributing to professional leadership through mentoring of Senior Leaders (Reverse Mentoring), Women in Construction & Engineering, Emerging Talent and active engagement with Association of Project Managers (APM) and Major Projects Association (MPA).

Kirsty is an experienced Senior Estimator with 14 years at Breheny Civil Engineering, specialising in civil engineering projects across highways, infrastructure, and public realm works. Throughout her career, she has developed strong expertise in cost planning, tendering, risk assessment, and value engineering, supporting the successful delivery of complex projects. She is also an active member of Breheny’s Social Value Team, helping to improve and strengthen the company’s social value contribution across projects and communities.

Alongside her professional role, she has proudly served as a STEM Ambassador for over 10 years, inspiring young people to pursue careers in engineering and construction.

With over three decades in administration, HR, and operational support, Linda is Lead for People & Culture in Geosciences at RSK. She champions inclusion, equity, and wellbeing, fostering a positive, values-driven culture where all feel supported, heard, and able to thrive. A strong advocate for fairness and integrity, Linda has extensive experience in youth development programmes and held a previous policing role, emphasizing policy, procedure, and doing what’s right. Passionate about mentoring alongside learning from others, she brings a unique blend of lived experience, empathy, and structured thinking, committed to building environments where people can grow and succeed. Linda is proud to contribute to this year’s awards as a panel judge, celebrating excellence and recognising those who make a difference.

Lindsay Christink, BSc BA PEng MIStructE, is a Project Director at AKT II with over 12 years of experience in structural engineering. Since joining AKT II in 2022, she has led major projects including the LSE’s flagship Firoz Lalji Global Hub and complex life-science interventions at the Francis Crick Institute. Her portfolio spans strategic urban integration, academic facilities, and commercial developments such as Tenter House and 100 Piccadilly. Prior to AKT II, Lindsay worked on public infrastructure projects with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in Canada and has extensive experience across London’s high-profile redevelopment schemes.

As Head of Carbon Management on the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) project, Lucy has quantified the carbon impact, used the procurement of the three design and build contracts to drive down carbon emissions and written the Carbon and Energy Management Plan with 24 legally binding carbon commitments. She has embedded a best practice approach to carbon management, with LTC certified to the global carbon management standard (PAS 2080) and becoming the first infrastructure project to receive Gold accreditation by the Carbon Literacy Project.

Prior to her role on LTC, she managed carbon and sustainability on other high-profile, national infrastructure projects.

Lucy Sandall is an accomplished Head of HR with over 12 years of experience in human resources, specialising in organisational development, employee relations, and talent management. Lucy has spent the past four+ years navigating the unique challenges of the construction industry at HS2 Old Oak Common, driving initiatives that improve workforce performance and employee engagement. Known for her strategic approach and hands-on leadership, Lucy is passionate about fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures. Her expertise in HR best practices and dedication to supporting business objectives have made her a trusted leader in her field.

Maria Stratigaki is a Senior Associate Director of Ground Engineering at Jacobs, currently seconded to Sizewell C as Geotechnical Lead and subject matter expert. Acting as an Intelligent Client within the Civil Works Programme, she manages geotechnical risk, sets and assures technical requirements, and oversees both onshore and offshore ground investigations. Maria leads the development of design parameters, digital ground models, and technical governance across complex interfaces including nuclear island, marine works, tunnelling, and major earthworks. With over 20 years’ experience, she brings technical leadership and strategic insight to one of the UK’s most significant low carbon infrastructure programmes.

Associate Director within the engineering department of Structural Soils in Bristol. I am responsible for overseeing multiple teams of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers, with experience levels ranging from student placements to seasoned professional with over 30 years of industry knowledge. He has been with Structural Soils for in excess of 20 years. In this time, he has undertaken a wide variety of managerial roles ranging from oversight of the companies work on the Network Rail managed infrastructure – through to the management of the overwater plant. He has also managed multiple significant infrastructure projects in the highways, nuclear and water sectors.

Rachelle is a Director in the Healthcare Advisory Team at Currie & Brown, with 30 years of experience delivering major healthcare projects in the UK and internationally. She specialises in large scale master planning, reconfiguration programmes and the redesign of healthcare pathways, driving improvement through extensive stakeholder collaboration. Rachelle leads complex healthcare estate programmes to successful, timely and cost effective completion. Whilst championing inclusion, mentoring future leaders, and supporting organisational resilience.

After earning my Civil Engineering degree, I spent 2.5 years as a site manager before discovering my passion for planning. I'm deeply committed to championing women in engineering, which led me to join Multiplex's Women’s Network, where I proudly served as Chair in 2024. During this time, we launched impactful initiatives, including knowledge-sharing sessions, education on sexual harassment, and hosting 2 successful events including International Women’s Day, featuring inspiring speakers. Now at MACE, I’m excited to bring this passion to the Women at MACE team, driving positive change and fostering empowerment within the industry.

Renée Preston is the CEO of Gallaway and Founder of Construction for Women, a CIC addressing skills shortages and inclusion across the built environment. Recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction and winner of several prestigious industry awards, Renée is also the author of the Construction for Women National Site Standard, setting a new benchmark for female inclusion and site accessibility. She leads early talent and workforce accessibility programmes, working with industry, education and policymakers to deliver measurable social value and champion practical reform for a future-ready construction sector.

Sarah is currently Managing Director at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure for their Water, Aviation and Highways business, part of the Morgan Sindall Group. A pragmatic and strategic business leader who has worked across several industries over the last 30 years, notably in Rail as Route Director for the East Coast mainline at Network Rail, but also aerospace, automotive and IT. She is a Physics graduate and lives in the East Midlands with her husband and two children.

Experienced senior executive and board advisor with a 25+ year career supporting business growth and value creation across the digital infrastructure, real estate investment and banking sectors. This includes senior leadership roles with major fibre and telecommunications companies, financial institutions and data centre/ digital infrastructure companies including global providers such as AWS, Equinix with responsibility for data centre strategy, investment real estate across EMEA.

Siobhán now operates as an independent consultant and Non-Executive, working with boards, investment committees and executive teams, helping organisations unlock value, optimise performance and navigate the complexities and benefits of data centre development for operators and investors.

Well known in the real estate and data centre networks as an industry commentator and thought leader, she works on a voluntary basis with a number of global groups focused on addressing the challenges faced by women in the data centre industry and real estate industries to foster solutions for a more inclusive future. She holds degrees in Real Estate and Investment from Technological University, Dublin, University of Greenwich, London and a post grad from Trinity College, Dublin.

Sonia Murton is the Founder and Managing Director of Westbury FM, one of the UK’s fastest-growing facilities management companies. Under her leadership, Westbury FM earned a spot in The Sunday Times 100 in 2024. Named among the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction and The Independent’s E2E Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs, she was highly commended at the Women in Construction & Engineering Awards 2024. Sonia champions diversity with Westbury FM’s female-led management team and skilled women in construction and FM; she is passionate about fostering an inclusive workplace and empowering women in the industry.

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Suzanne has established herself as a dedicated professional in industrial relations management. Suzanne has worked on a number of high profile major projects including Thames Tideway, Crossrail and Northern Line Extension and has worked at Heathrow Airport for the past 13 years, initially leading the industrial relations agenda on the construction of Terminal 2 and currently serving as the Workforce Relations Manager for Heathrow Infrastructure’s extensive capital works programme.

Her extensive background in construction and ER related roles has equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by construction workers. Suzanne is passionate about improving employment practices and raising standards for all construction operatives across the industry, ensuring that mental health and wellbeing of operatives is always a top priority.

Tarryn is an Associate Director with over 18 years’ experience, after graduating from the University of Bristol and completing a master’s degree in Soil Mechanics at Imperial College. Since graduating Tarryn has worked with Tony Gee and Partners on a wide range of infrastructure projects including Werrington Grade Separation, Chernobyl Safe Confinement Structure, Dover Western Dock Revival, Victoria Station Upgrade and London Bridge Station.

Tarryn is passionate about the technical challenges that geotechnical engineering generates within a multi-disciplinary environment, and enjoys working with contractors who demand practical, cost-effective solutions.

Usha Kong is an award-winning entrepreneur, transformational coach, keynote speaker and social mobility advocate dedicated to increasing opportunity and representation for women and underrepresented groups. She is the founder of novi FUTURES, a social enterprise focused on empowering girls and young people through access, aspiration, and pathways into education, employment, and leadership. Drawing on lived experience and professional expertise, Usha works with organisations, educators, and communities to remove structural barriers, support inclusive talent pipelines, and enable women and young people to thrive in traditionally underrepresented sectors. She is a recognised role model for resilience, inclusive leadership, and social impact.

Vivien is a Chartered Geologist with over 25 years’ experience in the contaminated land sector, having worked for both STATS and RSK. She recently joined the Environment Agency, where she is involved in regulating major projects. Vivien has been an active member of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) for more than a decade and served as Chair from 2023 to 2025. She is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry.