Kevina Kakembo | Senior Quantity Surveyor | AECOM
Kevina is a dedicated senior chartered quantity surveyor, passionate about making a meaningful impact in the built environment.
Since entering the industry in 2018, she has worked across South Africa, East Africa, Italy, and the UK, delivering flagship projects for a variety of clients in diverse settings. She began her career as a Candidate Quantity Surveyor in South Africa, gaining hands-on experience that shaped her adaptability and global perspective. After moving to the UK, she successfully transitioned her SACQSP chartership to RICS, quickly adapting to the UK market and earning a promotion to Senior Quantity Surveyor. Kevina is currently focused on building her expertise and preparing for the next stage of her career, actively seeking opportunities to expand her skill set. Kevina has been recognised for her contributions to the construction industry, receiving a Highly Commended award as Young Professional of the Year at the CFCI Design and Construction Awards 2024. A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion (EDI), she has served in various ambassadorial roles, contributing to initiatives that support greater representation in the sector. Most recently, contributing to an important discussion on the RICS podcast about the retention of women in surveying. Mentoring and reverse mentoring have been integral parts of Kevina's career. She has supported early-career professionals while gaining valuable insights from senior leaders. Kevina is also passionate about inspiring the next generation of professionals. As a Form the Future Young Ambassador and a CFCI Next Gen, working to bridge connections between young talent and career opportunities.
Ashleigh Foreman | Site Manager | Barratt London (Barratt Redrow)
My love for buildings and development came after a short work experience and Telfords.
I saw a gap in the industry where women should be and knew I had the skills to bring to the table. I started my career with Barratt London as a trainee site manager in 2021. Since then I have had 2 promotions - To assisted and now to Site manager. At the busiest time I was managing a program of over 100 apartments with a site of around 300 operatives a day. Since beginning my career I have sought every opportunity to upskill, develop my portfolio and broaden my experiences and cv. I have attended training of structural works and engineering insights and improved my computer skills using systems such as Asta and asite to maximise my knowledge and management style. My career - Although focused around health and safety management, mitigating risk to our program and delivering top quality homes to customers, has many more sides to it. I have put myself forwards for the junior board within the East London region, promoting engagement, leading charity events fund raisers, team building and outreach. I have also found so many positives to being a woman in this field - Putting myself forwards as a mental health first aider has been incredible. Together on site and within my company, we are combating mental health stigma and promote and open to talk environment for all directly employed staff and contractors.
Marzia Bolpagni | Associate Director | Mace
Marzia is Civil Engineer specialised in digital technologies.
She is a champion in service excellence and innovation where she supports clients on digital strategy and applications. She does not just deliver excellence in her company: her work has an impact at international level. Lead author of the international standard BSENISO7817-1:2024 on the use of digital engineering to define digital requirements: the only standard in this field lead by such a young woman. Thanks to the popularity of the work, other two parts are now under adoption at international level under her guidance. She is the youngest leader of a 30+experts from 16 countries at CENTC442 and ISO. She coordinates 150+international volunteers in translating complex STEM concepts. She is the youngest ambassador of Nima, promoting the adoption of technologies in the UK Construction. She is Honorary Associate Professor at UCL, Visiting Professor at Northumbria University. She co-authored a relevant UK BIM Framework national guidance. Marzia is Founder of Italians in Digital Transformations UK, a community of 800+ Italian professionals working in the UK. She gave lectures to 28 international universities so far, supervises dissertations and she mentors 20+ a year students to inspire the new generation on STEM career. She is keynote speaker in 250+events in 28 countries, author of 25+scientific articles, a book, included in magazines/journals, podcasts and videos.
Sinead Danquah | Customer Experience Manager | Barratt Redrow PLC
My journey in this field has been marked by dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
As a Customer Experience Manager, I have consistently strived to bridge the gap between technical execution and client satisfaction. By prioritizing clear communication, tailored solutions, and an empathetic approach, I have ensured that each project not only meets but exceeds expectations. This role has sharpened my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, foster strong relationships, and navigate complex challenges—all crucial skills in the construction industry.
A highlight of my professional growth has been my role as a member of the junior board of directors. This position allowed me to contribute to the strategic direction of my organization, work closely with peers and leaders, and further develop my leadership and decision-making skills. One of my proudest achievements during this time was organizing a charity gala that raised just under £200,000, reflecting my commitment to making a positive difference both within and beyond my professional sphere.
Beyond my professional endeavours, I have always believed in the importance of giving back to the community and in my spare time I work as a listening volunteer for a LGBTQ+ charity, a farm hand at a local farm and volunteer at my local cemetery.
My combined experiences as a Customer Experience Manager, construction professional and volunteer have shaped me into a well-rounded individual who is passionate about creating tangible, positive impacts in the built environment and the lives of others.
Ellie Stevenson | Market Development Executive | AtkinsRealis
Diagnosed with dyslexia at five, I couldn't read until I was eight and struggled throughout school to express what I was thinking coherently.
Now in my career, that very hindrance is what makes me so effective at my job; turning complex technical talk, into client focused solutions. Not only do I use this to creative powerful campaigns in sectors including energy, aviation, built environment and infrastructure, but I strive to develop our industry into one where women are more visible, heard, and valued. While my career is in marketing, my specialism is construction and engineering, which women make up 15% of the workforce. Both inside and outside my organisation, I actively work to support people to overcome the barriers that women often encounter in STEM industries. I'm a Trustee and Marketing Lead for a charity which empowers women in STEM fields by providing free high-quality mentoring. I campaign for allyship, delivering value moments across meetings, and in 2024, I delivered a talk on mentoring and allyship at the Women In Construction and Engineering Awards Summit. This year I've also been selected to take part as a digital delegate for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69). I've presented to secondary school students about my career path, sharing that not only can the STEM sector be a creative and exciting industry to aspire to be in, but that it's vital that nobody sees their gender, neurodiversity, culture or background as a barrier to a future in STEM.
Sky Parsons | Senior Healthcare and Life Sciences Consultant | IBM
As a Senior Consultant at IBM, Sky specialises in the Healthcare and Lifesciences industry, leveraging her extensive knowledge and expertise to drive success for clients.
At university she studied Biomedical Science (Genetics), which provides a strong foundation for her work in the Life Science industry. In addition to her studies, Sky spent her time at university as a STEM ambassador promoting STEM education and careers to young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities. During her time at IBM, Sky has focused on complex delivery roles ranging from website developmet to mobile app migration. Sky has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to new challenges and consistently deliver high-quality results. Sky has consistently invested in the professional growth of others through mentoring, developing and delivering an in person Agile course and supporting multiple teams in implementing new ways of working. Alongside her work, Sky is also deeply committed to giving back to her community. She has been a Qualified Girl Guide Leader for over five years and is also an Assistant Scout Leader. Using her leadership skills, Sky runs a variety of activities including outdoor skills, sports and STEM based activities. Sky has also gained her Going Away Licence which enables her to take Guides away on overnight trips and camps.
Erin Keating | Manager | PwC
I have six years’ experience delivering large-scale transformations across Banking, Insurance and Capital Marketing clients.
I have worked on a range of change programmes centred around topics such as regulatory compliance and technology implementation. As an ambitious and solution-oriented professional, I am dedicated to helping clients address the challenges of tomorrow, today. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I am passionate about advocating for Women In Business. I have organized initiatives to empower women and facilitate dialogue with industry leaders. Mentorship is a key aspect of my role, where I guide students and new professionals to foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives. I am committed to nurturing talent and ensuring that each individual feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
Lulu Isdory | Technology Consultant | Ernst & Young (EY)
My name is Lulu Isdory, a technology consultant specializing in SAP programme management at EY London.
Growing up in Tanzania, I faced significant challenges breaking into the tech industry due to limited technological advancements and gender inequality. As a woman, entering this field was particularly daunting. I am now an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, committed to addressing women's underrepresentation in the technology sector. I graduated with an MA (Hons) in Sociology and Politics in May 2023, after receiving a fully funded scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation in 2019. University opened doors to experiences I had never encountered before, igniting my passion for using technology to address societal challenges. I engaged in strategic problem-solving through consulting societies and internships, gaining insights into the disruptive potential of technology. In September 2023, I joined a graduate scheme where I serve as the PMO overseeing the portfolio management of 14 digital transformation projects. I have contributed to a significant S4 HANA Finance Transformation. My project management role has led me to acquire the Scrum Master and Scrum Product Owner qualifications, alongside learning in SAP Project Delivery, Applied AI, and Client Centricity. Outside work, I lead an initiative that empowers African students with limited access to technology, helping them gain essential tech skills to solve complex problems and pursue STEM careers. I also mentor young African women from disadvantaged backgrounds, guiding them in securing scholarships and exploring STEM opportunities, while actively giving back to my community through mentorship and DEI initiatives at EY.
Abby Sonnier | Senior Consultant | FTI Consulting
Abby Sonnier is a Senior Consultant in the Strategic Communications segment of FTI Consulting and is based in London, UK.
She is part of the segment's crisis communications practice specialising in cybersecurity and data privacy crises where she works with organizations amid cyber crises to respond to the incident in a way that protects their reputation, avoids additional legal or financial fallout, and builds trust. She has worked with organisations across a broad range of sectors, sizes, and geographies. Prior to FTI Consulting, Abby was a Cybersecurity Analyst at Consortium Networks where she led all compliance-driven advisory projects across a broad range of sectors. Abby has spent time in the media and journalism space while at the Bologna Institute for Policy Research, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and The Cipher Brief, a national security media organization, where she helped launch its Cyber Initiatives Group. Abby holds an M.A. in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies where she studied cybersecurity and data privacy in the Mediterranean and the United States. Abby also holds a B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership from the University of Mississippi.
Charlotte Louise Menefy | Associate | Clyde & Co
I wanted to be a lawyer from 11 years old, after being the subject of an aggravated burglary and having to provide witness testimony.
This led me to study law for A Level (self-tutored) and then at university. During my second year of university, I purchased and ran a female-only gym, but still pursued my legal dream! I became a paralegal in 2013 at a firm specialising in insurance and reinsurance, but I covered a wide range of legal disputes. I was involved in a high-profile, reported case concerning the management of a trust, as well as a unanimous win before the Privy Council on the subject of the timing of offer and acceptance. At this time, I became a member of ACTAPS, IRLA, and Chairman of BILA Young Professionals. In 2019, I joined Clyde & Co's Aviation team, where I specialise in disputes arising from incidents involving air travel. I work for airlines, and their insurers, in respect of claims involving personal injury, baggage & cargo matters, and damage to aircraft. At Clydes, I am a proud member of various organisations in place to support my colleagues, including being the co-Chair of our LGBTQIA+ network, Pryde & Co, Aviation representative for employees and our gender equality network. Through my work, I am also training with Amicus, who work with prisoners on death row in the USA, and have recently become a school governor for our local school. I aspire to keep using my position to give a voice to those in need.