Seven years is a long time in any industry. But my time on the Women in Property North West committee hasn’t felt like a slog — it’s felt like something I’d happily do all over again.
A lot of my focus has been on education outreach and the student awards programme, and it’s honestly one of the most energising parts of my role. Property and construction can feel like a world with a velvet rope in front of it — like you need to know someone to get in. Meeting students early, talking honestly about what a career in the built environment really looks like, and showing them the range of pathways available — that’s how we pull the rope away.
The student awards do something brilliant too. They shine a light on emerging talent, give young people a platform they might not find elsewhere, and connect them with people who can genuinely help shape their careers. For some students, that connection can be life‑changing.
This isn’t something I leave at the committee door. At SES, I live and breathe it every day — working with women across the business to raise awareness of the opportunities available in construction and engineering, and helping to shift perceptions from the inside out. Our purpose is reimagining places for people to thrive, and that has to start with the people within our business. You can’t build truly inclusive places without an inclusive industry behind them.
Being part of Women in Property has shaped me both professionally and personally. It’s one of those rare spaces where you can say what you think, learn from people who’ve been where you are, and feel part of something bigger than your own to‑do list.
That sense of openness is reflected in the range of events — panel discussions, skills workshops, site visits and networking sessions. There’s something for every career stage, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for decades. And with the launch of the new NextGen Committee, there’s a clear focus on welcoming the next generation from day one.
If I’m honest, the hardest thing to put into words is the sense of belonging. Professional environments can be isolating, even when they’re busy. Having a community that genuinely encourages collaboration, mentorship and honest conversation fills a gap many people don’t realise they have. When you feel supported, you perform better, you speak up more, and you’re more likely to stay in an industry that needs your voice.
After seven years, my commitment hasn’t faded — if anything, it’s grown. Because I’ve seen what this kind of organisation really does. It changes careers. It builds confidence. And quietly, steadily, it helps change an industry.
If you’re working in property or construction and you’re not already involved — whether as a member, mentor or supporter — I’d really encourage you to take a look. The door’s open.