On 8 March 2025, we celebrate International Women’s Day with a bold message: “Accelerate Action” This isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to action.

Women remain underrepresented in many industries, especially construction and facilities management, where they make up just 15% of the workforce and less than 5% of those on the tools (NAWIC, 2024).

At CBC Group, we refuse to accept these numbers as the norm. We are actively working to change the game, to break down barriers, and to create a workplace where women don’t just participate—they thrive.

This International Women’s Day, we shine a light on the powerful voices of CBC Group’s women. Their experiences challenge bias, push for equity and pave the way for the future.

Diversity Drives Innovation

Companies with diverse teams outperform their competitors (McKinsey, 2023). Diversity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business imperative.

Q: As a leader, how do you stay mindful of who’s at the table and who’s missing?

"The best decisions come from diverse perspectives and I’m intentional about ensuring the right voices are in the room. That means making space for emerging talent, new ideas and different experiences. At CBC, we focus on inclusion not just as a checkbox but as a driver of innovation and performance."

Kristen Magagnino | Managing Director

Q: What are the benefits to having women in leadership?

"Better decision-making and overall success can be achieved through the presence of diverse leadership teams. Women's unique perspectives and experiences contribute to pushing boundaries and driving innovation."

Shirley Dellapina | Operations Executive

Smashing Bias and Challenging Resistance

Bias still lingers in many industries, but real change happens when we challenge outdated thinking and take action to create inclusive environments.

Q: Can you share an instance where you had to challenge gender biases in your career?

"My personal experience has been finding out that male colleagues were being paid more money than the women and/or getting promoted quicker."

Courtney Crawford | Contract Administrator

Q: Can you share an instance where you had to challenge gender biases in your career?

“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Starting in fashion, a predominantly female-driven industry, then transitioning to professional services, and now in construction, both recruitment and construction are male-dominated industries, and I’ve often found myself facing gender bias.

One particular experience from my time in recruitment stands out: I had clients who didn’t want to hire females of childbearing age, fearing they would leave to start a family. It was a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained biases can affect decision-making. Instead of accepting such limitations, I advocated for the value women bring to the workforce, emphasising their skill, commitment, and potential. If I can play even a small role in improving this, I would be extremely proud”

Bridget Bolton | Senior People and Culture Business Partner. 

Q: What barriers still exist for women in your field, and how can they be addressed?

"Women in Maintenance – it is often assumed that we don’t have a broad knowledge of building/maintenance requirements or terminology. Having been on the sidelines of the industry for 30+ years, I feel like I have had some interaction with almost every aspect of FM & the issues that occur & some clients or providers can be taken aback when that knowledge is shared."

Melissa Hitchcock | Help Desk Manager

Q: Why do you think there aren’t more female leaders?

"The biggest hurdle I feel is work-life balance. Caregiving responsibilities to children & elderly family members can be demanding, making it harder to pursue roles with high demand, long hours & possible travel commitments. This is just not achievable without support at home so expectations can be met at work."

Sam Cox | Fire Service Coordinator

Q: Do you experience resistance when you are leading men? How do you deal with it?

"Resistance can come from different places—sometimes from bias, but often from change itself. At CBC Group, I have the privilege of leading teams that are welcoming and supportive. We challenge each other, push for better solutions and work as equals. It’s a testament to the culture here at CBC Group that leadership is seen for what it truly is: a responsibility to drive success, not a matter of gender."

Kristen Magagnino | Managing Director

Building a Workplace That Works for Women

The future of work must be flexible, inclusive, and empowering. Gender equality isn’t just about hiring—it’s about retention, support and opportunity.

Q: How has gender equality in the workplace changed from when you started out in your career to now?

"There has been a significant improvement in gender equality in the workplace since the beginning of my career. The increase in women taking on leadership roles has led to a greater awareness of gender pay gaps. Although there are still barriers to full equality, I believe that full equality will be achieved with time." Shirley Dellapina | Operations Executive

Q: Have you witnessed changes in gender equality within your industry over the years?

"Over the years, a woman’s role in the workplace has become much more valued. Flexibility is now built into many roles, allowing women to work part-time or remotely while still contributing to business growth. Women are now business owners, CEOs, tradespeople, and everything in between. Elisa Trucido | Onboarding Coordinator

Q: What unique perspectives do women bring to the workplace, especially in leadership roles?

“Studies show that women bring new ideas, promote teamwork, and lead with care. Their approach helps create inclusive, supportive, and innovative workplaces, leading to positive results for the organisation.” Vanessa Puebla | Contract Administrator

Q: How do you personally contribute to empowering other women within CBC Group?

“I make a conscious effort to encourage women to share their ideas and perspectives openly. In professional settings, I’ve noticed that women sometimes hold back from being direct, and I believe it’s important to create space for confident and candid discussions. I find myself in many open discussions with my female colleagues at CBC Group, especially when we face a challenging task, open dialogue and mutual support is important”. Charli Morelli | Business Development Administrator

Driving Change: What’s Next?

Q: How can organisations create more inclusive and diverse workplaces for women?

“Creating an inclusive workplace starts from the hiring stage. Ensuring job roles are advertised well and in an inclusive manner that ensures the role is projected to all possible candidates and doesn’t come across as limiting or restrictive. Workplaces can show that they are putting in the effort to create and build upon policies and practices to ensure their staff feel valued, included, respected and equal within the organisation. Providing tools, training, amenities and support along with recognition of women’s contributions and achievements will help women to reach their full potential in the workplace”. Kristen Timms | Contract Administrator

Q: What are your hopes for the future of women in leadership and business?

“Women's leadership is defined as the participation of women in positions of power and decision-making in companies. My hope is that continued education, training and mentorship will be key drivers to understanding and breaking bias of all kinds (gender identity, age, race, religion, sexual preference, disability) because ultimately, real diversity leads to a stronger customer relationship and a better business”.  Vidya Jadhav | Contract Administrator

Q: Have you ever felt the imposter syndrome, and if so how did you navigate your way through it?

“Absolutely! High-performance environments push you to step outside your comfort zone.

I’ve learned to see those moments as opportunities for growth. I focus on surrounding myself with great people, staying open to learning and reminding myself that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and empowering the team to succeed”.

Kristen Magagnino | Managing Director

Q: Can you tell us about your journey at CBC Group and what inspired you to pursue your current role?

“My journey with CBC began in 2010 when I was hired as an Administration Assistant. Over the years, I had filled various roles within the business before settling in as the Office Manager until 2022 when the two main contracts I was working on came to an end. After a 2 year hiatus, I returned to CBC last year as the Senior Contract Administrator. I have returned to a part time role which has allowed me to also balance my family with work, which is really important to me at this point in time”.

Caroline Tsaganas | Senior Contract Administrator

Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally and professionally?

"As a woman in a leadership position here at CBC, I see International Women’s Day as a day to celebrate the achievements of women both past and present. It’s a moment that sees the wider community celebrating our strength and resilience with a focus on the importance of future empowerment to women in overcoming gender inequality." Leanne Mangoulias | Head of Finance

The Future is Ours to Shape

At CBC Group, we’re serious about gender diversity. If you’re looking for opportunities in construction or facilities management, we want to hear from you. Let’s make real change happen—together.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not just the women who lead, but the allies who support and amplify their voices. The road ahead is clear: more equity, more innovation, and more opportunities Now.

Sources:

• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), 2024
• McKinsey & Company, 2023: "Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matter