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PANEL: Breaking the Concrete Ceiling: Women Leading the Industry

26 Nov 2026
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION SUMMIT

As the construction industry continues to evolve, women are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping its future, leading major projects, driving innovation and challenging long-standing perceptions of who belongs in the sector. While significant progress has been made in recent years, barriers to representation, career advancement and leadership opportunities continue to exist. Building a more diverse industry requires not only attracting more women into construction, but also creating pathways that enable them to thrive and lead at every level.

The session will examine the experiences, achievements and leadership journeys of women who are helping to transform the industry from within. It will explore the opportunities and challenges of driving greater gender diversity across the built environment, while highlighting the role of culture, mentorship and inclusive leadership in creating lasting change. As the sector looks to the future, the discussion will consider how empowering more women to lead can strengthen innovation, improve business outcomes and build a more resilient and representative industry.

Chairperson
Lexie Dempster-Hoad, Secretary and Membership Chair - NAWIC Victoria
Speakers
Rachel Harding, Technical Director - Rail - AECOM
Abbey White, Director of Community, Sustainability and Social Impact - CPB Contractors
Pragya Gupta, Senior Coordinator of Capital Delivery - Melton City Council
Georgia Fugler, Design Director - Downer Major Projects - Downer
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