‘Women Into Construction has a great team, all of whom are passionate about increasing gender diversity within construction and related industries. They come with knowledge and experience of working in a variety of areas within the industry, and are available to give you any assistance you need.’
Kath entered the construction industry as a trainee carpenter at the age of 19 and worked on site for several years on both new-build and renovation projects. She set up and ran her own carpentry and joinery business, and went on to teach carpentry in further education. Kath is passionate about encouraging and supporting women who wish to work in construction, and feels that they have the potential to make a very positive contribution to this interesting and exciting industry.
In 2018 Kath received an MBE for services to the construction industry.
Aretha has a legal secretarial background. She works as a Project Manager across the London area, and also coordinates our training and administration functions.
Anna, who originally trained and worked as a plumber, went on to forge a career in construction training, leading college departments in construction and engineering across London. Anna is now using her knowledge of employment and skills, gained from working with a wide range of stakeholders, to help women find inspiring career opportunities; hopefully resulting in the same enjoyment that she has found herself by working in this versatile industry.
Yvonne is a trained Architect with over 15 years experience working with organisations, including those in the construction and transport industry, to advance equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion.
Shelley is leading the set-up and delivery of our programme throughout Cambridgeshire. Shelley has 15-years experience in Events and Marketing and is a passionate champion for women, having also co-founded a website to support mothers. With two daughters of her own, one of which would like to be an Engineer, Shelley is looking forward to changing the face of construction in Cambridgeshire and breaking down barriers for the future.
Alison leads on the WIC programme delivery in Birmingham and the West Midlands. She has a background of working within recruitment and employer engagement with education providers.
Prior to joining WIC, Alison coordinated teaching and delivery in rail and construction employment academies at a range of HMPS establishments, as well as supporting those with convictions into sustainable employment in the construction and built environment.
Kirstie leads on the delivery of WIC programmes in Southend and South Essex. Before joining WIC, she spent 10 years worked within the construction industry, delivering swimming pool construction projects for high-end clients. She loves construction, has a sound knowledge of the skill sets required for the varied tasks involved in this industry, and is passionate about supporting and helping women to develop careers in this amazing industry.
Ripha has 20+ years’ experience in project management, employer partnerships, employability and careers and executive coaching. Ripha brings with her enthusiasm, drive and passion to continue supporting professionals with a blend of strategic practices to bring about success, balance and growth professionally and personally.
Ripha leads our new project ‘Moving On Up’, which helps the retention of female workers within the construction industry. Part of the focus will be offering executive coaching to supervisors and managers to support their female workforce. The other focus will be to provide careers coaching to female workers to progress within their construction careers.
