Top 100 most influential women in construction 2024
Shortlist announced for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction 2024
Launched in 2022 by the National Federation of Builders, the awards intended to showcase the influential women that work in the sector, making female and non-binary role models more visible and accessible.
The shortlist features nominated women across each of five categories, with the final Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction being unveiled at the 2024 Women in Construction Awards later this year. The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while also highlighting how the industry supports and values equality.
Local hero
Exceptional women from across the United Kingdom who are currently working at an operational or site level role in construction.
Midlands
- Kayleigh Merritt
- Tehmi Parinchy
- Soraia Pardal
East of England
- Julia Stevens
- Suzanne Moss
- Kelly Cartwright
South West
- Danielle Haskings
- Emma Tate
- Karen Flanagan
North East
- Denise Cherry
- Amy Hoskin
- Lisa Pogson
North West
- Melissa Fazackerley
- Julie Baker
- Joanne James
South East
- Tehmina Khan
- Monica Chandran
- Chloe Xidhas
Scotland
- Emily Carr
- Natalie Horsfall
- Wendy McFarlane
Northern Ireland
- Melanie Dawson
- Lorna Hagan
Wales
- Lisa Kelly-Roberts
- Katherine Evans
- Alison Hourihane
Woman on the tools
Working within a specific trade who have or are striving to inspire the next generation of construction workers.
- Lydia Bailey
- Nettie Taylor
- Lana Edwards
Influencer
Those who have made a real impact within an organisation in one of three sub-categories.
Designer
- Damini Sharma
- Sam May
- Bethany Holroyd
Client
- Carlene Goodearl
- Christine Jordan
- Liz McDermott
Contractor
- Becky Slater
- Carolyn Jay
- Renee Preston
Allies
Working within the industry and acting as key influencers in supporting inclusion and change.
- Claire Yellend
- Tony O'Sullivan
- Lade Ogunlaja
- Kelly Cartwright
- Joanna Strahan
- Alice Brookes
- Gail Farley
- Jason Newton
- Magdalena Stefaniak
- Claire Brown
One to Watch
Industry newcomers leading the way in championing equality, diversity, inclusion and equity.
- Monica Chandran
- Kynleigh Parker
- Courtney Northrop
- Fiona Beddoes
Where and when will the Top 100 be announced?
An awards ceremony and gala dinner will be hosted by the National Federation of Builders on Monday 30th September 2024, at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. All industry will be informed and invited to attend, the Top 100 and winners will be announced at the exclusive gala event.
Deborah Madden, CITB Engagement Director for England, said:
"We are thrilled to recognise the incredible women and allies who are driving real change in the construction industry. Celebrating their achievements with the Top 100 Women in Construction honours not only their hard work but also inspires others and future generations.
Together, we’re showcasing what’s possible for women in construction today and encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in this field.
The Women in Construction awards highlight those leading our industry and those actively supporting a more diverse sector through their dedication and advocacy."
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive Officer at National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:
"This is the third year of these Awards and our first collaboration with CITB, which has led to a surge in nominations. The independent judges have worked tirelessly to create this competitive shortlist. Many of our previous winners highlight the significant impact these awards have had on their careers, emphasising their importance. It's crucial that we continue to see them grow from strength to strength.
This year's awards promise to be bigger and better than ever, bringing together an impressive line-up of past winners and future leaders in construction to share the stage and accolades."
The categories
In this category we are looking for exceptional women in your local region who are currently working at an operational or site level role in construction.
We want to recognise 'that person' local to you, who is making a real impact within your community - this could be you or someone you know!
From hosting an event, implementing a positive change, to creating and running an initiative or even creating a community, we want to hear from nominees who have/are doing great things with EDI and deserve the recognition.
An Allie is someone within the industry, acting as a key influencer in supporting inclusion and change.
There will be no 'individual' winner for this category, instead, from the list of nominations we receive, we will create a 'list of allies' made up of 10 x individuals who will play a role in our 'Allie Programme'. This is open to all, however only the women will be eligible for inclusion in the Top 100 Most Influential Women in construction list.
Who to nominate as an Allie?
- We're looking for males who are active in their support for women in construction.
- As well as women who are working to support others in construction, but that are not directly employed within the industry.
This category will be broken down into 3 x sub-categories, all receiving recognition in their own right.
We want to recognise someone that has made a real impact within an organisation or wider industry.
From founding an event, implementing positive changes, to creating and running an initiative or even creating a community, we want to hear from nominees who have/are doing great things on a national/large scale with EDI and deserve the recognition.
- Client influencer - for women that are leading the industry whilst working for a client organisation
- Designer influencer - for women that are leading the industry whilst working for a designer organisation
- Contractor Influencer - for women that are leading the industry whilst working for a contractor
In this category we are looking for someone who is relatively new to the industry, (3-years and under).
Maybe you've transferred to the industry later in life or you're just starting out as an apprentice or graduate?
We're looking for that shining star who is leading the way in championing equality, diversity, inclusion and equity within the construction industry.
This category is for any woman that works within a specific trade, within the industry.
Are you or your nominee an aspiring groundworker or an esteemed carpenter? Woman on the tools equates to only 1% of the women in the industry, hence why we are so keen to really shine a spotlight on these special individuals.
We're looking for an exceptional candidate that has/is striving to inspire the next generation of construction workers.
The Judging
These awards are judged by an independent panel of experts, the process will consist of:
- A shortlisting round, where all the judges will score entries, identifying a shortlist for each category.
- A second round, where all the judges will review the shortlisted entries to determine the winners for each category. Those on the shortlist will be given the opportunity to provide further information or supporting evidence to their nomination.
- During the second round, the judges will also determine the list of the Top 100 most influential women in construction and the winner of the most influential overall.
All winners will receive a bespoke award and winners’ certificate.
The top 100 will receive a bespoke pin badge and award programme.
Those shortlisted will receive a complimentary ticket to the awards.
If your nomination results in someone being shortlisted, you will also receive a complimentary ticket to the gala dinner.
Cathryn Greville - Sustainability School
Roni Savage - Jomas Associates
Maria Coulter - Construction Coach
Richard Beresford - NFB
Sandi Rhys-Jones - CIOB
Siu Mun Li
Helen Hewitt - BWF
Paul Gaze - HAE
Ruth Devine - SJD Associates Ltd
Jenny Herdman - HBF
Barbara Akinkunmi - Girls under construction
Paul Porter - Being Human
Kat Parsons - Centrica
Faye Allen - J.S. Held
Jo Britton - Pace Development
Zoe Brooke - Save Construction Initiative
Sam Downie - Mates in Mind
Nicola Hodkinson - Seddon Construction
Ele George - EleVate
Amanda Newman - Accenture
Lynda Thwaite - SRM
Colin Marrs - Construction News
Kari Sprostranova - Mace Group
Naz Lewis-Humphrey
If you have any more questions around nominations, please email Lucy on lucy.bradley@citb.co.uk.
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