Education: Bachelor’s of Science from University of Texas
Job Overview: I am a project manager, mostly supporting my design teams to deliver our scope (nothing more and nothing less) for each job. I also spend a lot of my time facilitating team discussions with each other and with the client to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Other bits include managing resources, schedule, finances, recordkeeping, and our quality control systems.
How I ended up at MWH: I worked as a project manager for General Contractors in the US for 5 years before moving to Australia. Once here, I realized construction teams worked weekends and flipped to the design side. I liked the idea of working for a company who produced clean water around the world.
What is on my desk right now: Laptop, extra monitor, a couple of phones, two notebooks, a handful of coloured pens (to help me keep the jobs straight in my notes), a water bottle, a picture of my family, and an old tender document I’m using for reference.
Free time activities: I am a mother of a 1yr old and 3 yr old and am quite busy with them on my days off (I work part-time at the moment.) I also run a non-profit called Portrait Equality where we loan out instant cameras to photographers travelling in developing nations so they can give out family portraits to those who would otherwise have none.
Best career advice I’ve ever received: “Listen to what is not being said”. Invaluable advice for when you are dealing with clients and with your team members. Both from previous mentors at different stages of my career.
Experiences at MWH: I am currently project managing a Detailed Design project. Our Sydney office’s work with this client has been ongoing for more than 7 years. We are helping a developer create an entire township with an ultimate population of 20,000 residents by 2030. We are using integrated water cycle management to create a sustainable community that will leave a legacy for the rest of my lifetime. I love seeing our designs built, and we will be working directly with the Constructor to make this happen. I have also enjoyed working with a client we have developed such an open and trusting relationship with, meaning we can work together for mutual success of all parties and the project.
