Advancing our industry and building a better future for all.
Our people share a common purpose – building a shared legacy. In the leadup to the NAWIC 2023 Awards for Excellence, we want to acknowledge two incredible women nominated in recognition for their impact on both the industry and our community.
Regional Woman of the Year finalist, Ashley Barnes is a Design Manager who is working hard to champion equity in the construction sector. “I’m responsible for helping ensure the glass ceiling within this space is shattered. If I can do that, my daughters will have the level playing field they – and all women – deserve.”
Ash’s role as a client-centric Design Manager is focused on delivering cost-efficient, well-considered design solutions that seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment.
Outside of project delivery, Ashley advocates for importance of workflow innovations in regional communities in her role on three Property Council of Australia boards. She is currently liaising with Minister Crankanthorp to highlight the importance of continued large-scale developments in Newcastle and the wider Hunter New England region, and has secured additional meetings to scope funding.
Future Leader nominee, Isabella Spinolo is a Senior Project Engineer who is working on long term initiatives to increase female representation in the construction industry. Isabella championed a Student Engagement Program for students of the Mone Sant’ Angelo Mercy College which has been praised by students, the college and industry colleagues.
Isabella developed a program of content which exposed students to a range of industry leaders from construction, architecture, finance, planning disciplines. Nicole Christensen, Principal at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College, praised Isabella’s program, “It has had a transformational impact on our students. I truly believe that Isabella has set our students up to thrive, in our college and throughout their careers.”
Ashley and Isabella are part of a large cohort of changemakers who proactively create safe and enjoyable places to work. By promoting inclusion and equity, they support the next generation to thrive – and ultimately to advance our industry.