GENERAL MANAGER’S FOREWORD

THE NAWIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHRISTINA YIAKKOUPIS

National Chairperson

Christina is a contracts administrator at Pro Concrete Group, based in Brisbane. With more than 10 years’ experience in the construction industry, Christina has spent the majority of her career based on site and coordinating with trades and builders on major construction projects around south east Queensland including the Gold Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, 111 Mary Street and the New Performing Arts Venue. Christina has been actively involved with the QLD Chapter of NAWIC since finishing university in 2011, a member of the National Board of Directors since 2017 and became Chair of the Board of Directors in 2022. Christina is passionate about encouraging women to share their story and also working with industry and businesses to create more inclusive work environments for everyone.

SAMANTHA WOODWARD

Vice Chairperson

Samantha is the Founder and Managing Director of THINK SAVVY - an organisation that provides services and high-tech solutions in the governance, risk, safety and compliance spaces. THINK SAVVY collaborates with medium and large enterprises nationally and internationally. Samantha has twenty plus years of experience in non-traditional working environments, including the mining and resources sector and the construction industry. As a woman in STEM, Samantha also has a passion for software technology and effectively bridges the divide between operational priorities and technology solutions, through demystifying technology. Prior to joining the NAWIC Board, Samantha held various roles in the NAWIC VIC Chapter including President and Sponsorship Chair. In her Director role, Samantha is an active voice for increased engagement of women and girls in the construction industry. She aligns herself with the priorities of celebrating women and encouraging them to be bold and brave while also advocating for industry change.

JENNIFER GILLETT

Director

Jennifer is the current State General Manager with Essence Project Management and has 20 years’ experience in property & construction. Her experience has crossed industry, states and countries delivering major projects for a diverse range of organisations. Jennifer has been able to adapt and work in multiple industries for the past 20 years working across commercial property, air, rail, banking, health, government and retail in different cultures and countries.

Jennifer has been committed to encouraging diversity & career development within the property and construction industry. She has held roles with the Property Council of Australia (PCA) , the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) and most recently with National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) as immediate past State President and Current Director on National Board (including Advocacy Committee) driving cultural change for all, awareness and increased female participation in the construction industry.

LOREN HICKEY

Director

As the Precontracts Manager for John Holland’s Infrastructure and Major Projects Division, Loren leads the team that fuels the overall sustainability of the business, through the development and delivery of successful work winning outcomes. With degrees in Civil Engineering, Marketing and Public Relations, Loren has close to 15 years’ experience in the construction industry. She is an active member of the industry currently undertaking the role of Deputy Chair of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland (IAQ), has been an active Member of the National Association of Women in Construction since 2015, and has previously held board roles for Queensland Rugby League and a government funded Community and Social Housing organisation. In August 2022, Loren was appointed as a member of the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland and has recently commenced her Master of Construction Law at the University of Melbourne.