Senior women across the Data Centre industry sharing insights and inspiring change
“Believe in your ability to adapt. Find common ground with the people around you.” This was the advice given by one of the expert panellists as we celebrated International Women in Engineering Day (IWED).
The event hosted by PM Group’s Women’s Network, brought together data centre clients including:
- Juliana Conroy-Hoey, EMEA Engineering Execution Manager, Data Centre Design,
- Elaine MacMahon, Global Director, Building, Site & Sustainability Engineering, Data Centres,
- Sara Devitt, EMEA Northern EMEA DM Lead, Data Centre Engineering, Microsoft
- Jo Ann Garbutt, Director, Sustainability & Government Engagement, Digital Realty
- Isabelle Quinn, Data Centre Project Controller, PM Group
In an open discussion, the panel shared real experiences, valuable insights and explored challenges for women in engineering.
Highlighting the value of diverse thinking, the group discussed how bringing together different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences can deliver better outcomes for clients.
Here’s just some of the panellists’ advice to attendees:
- Believe in your ability to adapt. Find common ground with the people around you and build meaningful connections.
- When opportunities come your way, assess them and take the risk. Be bold, be courageous, lean in, and seize every chance. Never put a limit on your potential.
- Build your competence and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Develop a competitive mindset and embrace challenges.
- Gain site experience whenever you can. There is so much to learn by seeing your designs come to life.
- Have grit, don't be afraid to push back when needed.
- Commit to lifelong learning in both technical and people skills.
- Build your credibility by consistently delivering on your commitments.
The discussion was moderated by PM Group's Erin Becker, PMC Director - Data Centres, and Priyanka Srivastava, Structural Engineer.
Anthony O’Rourke and Susanne Jeffery also participated. Together, the participants shared valuable insights and practical advice, leaving attendees inspired to challenge convention, embrace opportunity and help shape the future of engineering.
Watch the video to experience the energy, collaboration and atmosphere from the day.
