Can you share your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in the engineering industry?

I didn’t set out with a clear intention to work in engineering, but once I found myself in the industry, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed it. My career began in the oil and gas sector, where I took on a sales engineering role. That initial step opened the door to a wide variety of opportunities across the industry, many of which were both technically challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to work in diverse and often male-dominated environments, including the motor and construction industries. These experiences have shaped my resilience, broadened my perspective, and deepened my passion for problem-solving and innovation. The variety of roles I’ve held has given me a strong appreciation for how engineering underpins so many aspects of the world around us.

What’s kept me engaged over the years is the constant evolution within the industry and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, tangible outcomes. It’s a career path I’ve grown into and one that continues to inspire me.

What are some of the barriers you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

One of the main barriers I’ve faced throughout my career has been working in environments where I was often the only woman in the room – whether in oil and gas, construction, or the motor industry. It can be a challenge when you’re in a space where you don’t immediately see people who look like you or share similar experiences. That said, I’ve always leaned on one of my biggest strengths: communication. I’ve found that by building strong relationships, listening well, and engaging openly, I’ve been able to break down some of those initial barriers and earn trust and respect.

Another challenge has been navigating industries where unconscious bias still exists. There have been moments where I’ve had to prove myself more than others, simply because of assumptions around gender. But rather than letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I focused on delivering results, staying adaptable, and demonstrating technical understanding in whatever role I was in. Earlier in my career, I also found it difficult to access mentorship – particularly from women who had walked a similar path. So, I made a point of learning from a wide range of people and building a network of trusted peers and mentors. Each of these challenges has made me more resilient and, ultimately, more passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone feels they can succeed.

How can we encourage more young girls to consider engineering as a career?

I think one of the biggest factors is visibility – young girls need to see that engineering is a space where they belong. That means showcasing diverse role models, sharing real stories from women in the field, and highlighting the wide range of careers engineering can offer. It’s not just about hard hats and oil rigs – engineering touches everything from technology and sustainability to healthcare and space exploration. We need to broaden the narrative around what engineering actually is.

Another key element is early exposure. Engaging girls in STEM from a young age – through school programs, hands-on activities, or mentorship opportunities – can help build confidence and curiosity before societal stereotypes have a chance to set in. I really believe in the power of outreach: going into schools, supporting community events, or even just sharing your own story can have a huge impact.

Finally, we need to create more inclusive and supportive environments once they do enter the industry. It’s not just about getting girls into engineering but helping them stay and thrive. That means addressing unconscious bias, offering mentoring and development opportunities, and actively promoting diverse leadership.

I didn’t plan to go into engineering myself – but once I did, I realised how rewarding and dynamic the field really is. If we can help girls see the possibilities early on, I think we’ll see a much more balanced and innovative future for the industry.

What changes would you like to see in the engineering industry to make it more inclusive for women?

I’d like to see a stronger focus on creating inclusive workplace cultures where women feel supported, valued, and have equal opportunities to grow and lead. That starts with better representation at all levels, especially in leadership roles, and continues with things like mentorship programs, flexible working policies, and actively addressing unconscious bias in recruitment and career progression. Promoting engineering to young girls early on – showing them that they belong in this space and can thrive – also plays a huge role in making long-term change.

How has mentorship played a role in your professional development?

Although I don’t have an official mentor yet, I’ll soon be paired with one through the Elevate programme, which I’m really looking forward to. In the meantime, I’ve been fortunate to learn from my senior managers, who I look up to as informal mentors. They guide me daily – whether it’s helping me navigate challenges, improve my approach, or develop professionally. Their support and feedback have been incredibly valuable as I continue to grow in my role.

How has your business unit supported and empowered you to reach your full potential?

My business unit has been incredibly supportive in helping me reach my full potential by providing both structured training and ongoing development opportunities. For example, I’ve had the chance to complete the APM (Association for Project Management) course, which has given me valuable project management skills and boosted my confidence in managing complex projects. Additionally, I was able to participate in the Elevate Programme, which has been a fantastic initiative for enhancing leadership skills, connecting with peers, and learning from senior leaders in the business.

Beyond formal training, the regular check-ins with my manager and leadership team have provided me with the chance to discuss my career goals, identify areas for improvement, and align on the next steps for my professional growth. This kind of proactive support and feedback has been invaluable in ensuring that I stay on track and continue to develop.

In sum, it’s the combination of both structured development programs and a culture of continuous support that has empowered me to reach my potential, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

VINCI Energies UK & RoI launched an all-female programme called Elevate, can you tell us about your experience on the program?

The Elevate programme has been a transformative experience for me. It has not only given me the opportunity to reflect deeply on my own strengths but also provided me with practical tools to navigate and succeed in male-dominated environments. The programme taught me how to overcome common barriers women face in these industries, while building confidence in my abilities and leadership potential.

One of the most impactful aspects of the programme was the opportunity to connect with other women in similar roles, sharing experiences and challenges. This network of support was invaluable, and it really reinforced the importance of building a community where we can all learn from one another.

The trainer, Steph Tranter, has been absolutely amazing throughout the process. Her insights and lessons were both inspiring and practical, and she created a safe, supportive environment for us to explore personal and professional growth. Her guidance has equipped me with skills I can apply daily in my role, and I’m incredibly grateful for the invaluable lessons she shared with us.

Overall, the Elevate programme has taught me so much about leadership, resilience, and how to effectively overcome challenges. It’s definitely an experience that has had a lasting impact on my career.

What advice would you give to women entering the engineering field today?

For women entering engineering today, I’d say it’s important to recognise and embrace the value of your unique perspective. Engineering is a diverse field, and having a different viewpoint can often lead to innovative solutions. Don’t shy away from sharing your ideas, even if they feel unconventional or outside the box – your input matters and can lead to real change.

Another piece of advice is to find mentors and build a network of supportive individuals. Mentorship plays a vital role in navigating your career, and it’s not just about learning from others; it’s also about sharing experiences and growing together. Whether you find formal mentorship or build connections with peers, the relationships you foster can be instrumental in your development. It’s also essential to keep learning and evolving. Engineering is an ever-changing field, and staying updated with the latest developments, tools, and techniques is crucial. Look for opportunities to expand your skillset, whether it’s through courses, workshops, or just keeping an eye on emerging trends in your area of interest.

Lastly, stay resilient and persistent, especially when things get tough. There will be obstacles and moments of self-doubt, but don’t let those discourage you. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and prove to yourself what you’re capable of. Keep pushing forward, and always trust that your hard work will pay off.

Engineering is an exciting and rewarding field, and there’s so much potential for women to make a significant impact. Keep believing in your abilities.