What is your role on the board?
South West Regional Hub Lead
How long have you been involved with Women in Transport?
5 years
Why did you join Women in Transport?
We need people working in the transport industry that reflect society. At the moment there is an imbalance. I acutely observed that inequality when I joined the Highways Agency back in 2006. In most of the meetings I went to I was the only female in the room and often struggled to get heard. Women in Transport not only provides support and encouragement, it gives us a collective voice and as we grow in numbers it gets louder and more powerful.
What do you enjoy most about being part of Women in Transport?
During lockdown I found it a lifeline to keep in touch with not just the transport industry, but also the outside world! Since more of the regional hubs have started it has helped increase my network of connections and I feel empowered by many of the topics discussed and the pro-activity in tackling some big issues head on like the Motherhood Penalty.
Current job title?
Commission Director
What does your current job involve?
I work for WSP, which is a professional services consultancy and my role is to oversee the delivery of engineering, design and strategic advisory services to some of our local authority clients, primarily around the provision of infrastructure and transport.
What's the best thing about your job?
When I first left school I didn't really know exactly what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to be involved, somehow, in delivering services to help make people's lives better. In my job I am constantly thinking about the end user, the customer of our services, and feeling that in some way the work we do is making a difference to their lives, is very fulfilling.
How did you become involved in the transport industry?
I saw an advert in a national newspaper advertising roles in the Highways Agency, part of the civil service, as it was forming a new division supporting the operational management of the strategic roads network in England. At the time I was working in the provision of neighbourhood and housing services in local government and I was ready for a new challenge. I considered being involved at the outset of a new service, helping to shape and develop it, was a great opportunity. I had experience driving over many motorways between home, university and friends and family and had been stuck in many a traffic jam and diversion, so thought it could be really interesting to be involved in operations and work with the various partner agencies.
What do you like about working in transport?
Transport is a fundamental requirement of society. People and goods need to move from place to place. Feeling part of something so important is very rewarding but at times it can add to the stress. No two days are the same. I really enjoy the diversity of the people I work with and the projects we deliver.
What are you most proud of?
Having to name just one thing makes this really tough! There are lots of moments along my career which I look back on and feel a sense of accomplishment. Over the last few years I have worked with people either at the start of their career journey, or certainly in their early years. A couple of years ago, I was nominated for an award, for the positive difference I was making. I didn't win, but in all honesty the recognition by my colleagues was enough.
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