JLL project director Esti Cogger has taken out the top award at the National Association of Women in Construction awards, held in Sydney last Thursday.
Ms Cogger took out the Lendlease Crystal Vision Award for Advancing the Interests of Women in the Construction Industry for her “depth and breadth” of influence.
“By conducting extensive focus groups and working closely with the JLL leadership across regions, Esti has made great inroads into the retention and promotion of women in her organisation,” NAWIC NSW chapter president Sarah Hogan said.
“The real-world results are exceptional – and include 100 per cent of women returning to work after maternity leave over the last two years, a 38 per cent increase in female promotions in JLL’s project development services business over the last six years, and remuneration parity for senior staff.
“Esti’s achievements set a high benchmark for other organisations looking to implement organisation and cultural change.”
The awards, held by NAWIC’s NSW chapter, celebrate female leaders in the property and construction industry, as well as rising stars and supportive companies.
Women leading the sustainability charge were also recognised with the Acoustic Logic Award for Contribution to Sustainability.
This year’s award went to Lendlease sustainability manager Jo-Ann Gamble.
“As sustainability manager with Lendlease, Jo-Ann has demonstrated a single-minded dedication to exemplary sustainability outcomes at the Darling Harbour Regeneration project,” Ms Hogan said.
“Jo-Ann has proven her ability to engage a wider group of people in an innovative community funded solar array scheme which is delivering social, economic and environmental sustainability.”
Sharon Gray from John Holland Group was given a merit award for sustainability.
“As national aboriginal engagement manager at John Holland Group, Sharon has rolled out numerous indigenous community development initiatives across her organisation,” Ms Hogan said.
“Sharon’s cultural competency initiative has the potential to drive long lasting, positive social change while also delivering commercial benefits to her organisation.”
The HASSELL Award for Business Woman of the Year went to Downer Group’s Juliette Economo.
“As national commercial and risk manager, Juliette is a well-respected and highly-influential member of her organisation with a broad range of achievements to her credit,” Ms Hogan said.
“Juliette demonstrates sound business skills, alongside an enduring commitment to her colleagues and the broader community. This is evident in her work as a mentor and the projects she undertakes.”
This year’s awards attracted 61 entries across 11 categories.
“Each year, the awards celebrate practical and positive changes occurring across the industry, and the number of award submissions grows as our female talent pool does,” Ms Hogan said.
“More and more company leaders in our industry now see gender equity as a driver of productivity, innovation and enhanced financial performance. The rewards are great – as the individuals and companies acknowledged can confirm.”
Other winners included:
PROBUILD Tradesperson Scholarship
Winner: Tamara Currey, John Holland Group
Procore Scholarship for Future Leader Award
Winner: Ali Blanch, CPB Contractors
Merit: Ruth Hoog Antik, Lendlease
CPB Contractors Award for Innovation in Design
Winner: Teenie Lee, Mirvac Design
CBRE University Scholarship
Winner: Alayna Topolovec, UTS, Bachelor of Construction Project Management
Roberts Pizzarotti for Contribution to a Project’s Development
Winner: Vicki Rushton, Hansen Yuncken, for Macquarie Rapid Build Prison
MPA Award for Achievement in Construction, Refurbishment and Fit Out
Winner: Amanda Hackett, Shape Group
John Holland Award for Team Innovation
Winner: International House Sydney project team, Lendlease
Merit: Mirvac Design team, Brighton Lakes
Master Builders Association of NSW & Clinton Recruitment Project Manager Award
Merit: Kirsten Evans of CPB Contractors