I am incredibly passionate about getting more women and girls to choose STEM careers and to do this we need to start at the beginning and engage with schools and universities to build a more balanced early pipeline. There is also the old saying “you can’t be what you can’t see”, therefore it is hugely important to have visible role models where girls can look to and think “hey, that looks interesting – I can do that too”.
Being a visible role model as a female leader in what remains very much a male-dominated industry, particular in senior leadership positions, means that I have a responsibility to leverage my position to open doors, not just for women, but for all groups who have traditionally been under represented in leadership positions, including Māori and Pasifika and LGBTI+.
My aspiration is that we continue to lead the change to create a truly diverse, resilient, innovative, and inclusive infrastructure industry, which is attractive to and retains talent, and will make a positive contribution to the environment and society. Everyone deserves the opportunity to have a rewarding career, where they have a sense of belonging, feel valued and can contribute, with equal treatment and access to opportunities.
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