2026 Women in Industry Awards Finalists revealed 

Bringing together industry leaders, accomplished women and organisations driving meaningful change across industrial sectors, the Women in Industry Awards has announced its official finalist list for 2026.

More than a celebration of achievement, the gala dinner held at Doltone House Darling Island Wharf, Sydney on June 18 offers a unique opportunity for connection, uniting industry professionals, senior leaders, and emerging talent in a dynamic and engaging setting where the usual barriers drop away. The event will create rare opportunities for conversations you would not get in day-to-day business, turning introductions into real connections over the course of the evening.

“This year’s finalists represent the strength, innovation and leadership driving Australia’s industrial sectors forward,” said Molly Hancock, Head of Events Marketing.

“The Women in Industry Awards not only recognise these outstanding achievements but also create a space where leaders at every stage of their career can come together, share ideas, and build connections that have a lasting impact on both individuals and the industry as a whole.”

The 2026 Women in Industry Awards Finalists:

Excellence in Energy

• Louise Bishop – Zinfra
• Ilaria Giovannetti – Rohlig Australia
• Shamime Hussein – Liion Energy
• Sunny Rutherford – Potentia Energy
• Stephanie Salinas – Yarra Valley Water
• Jessica Schmidt – EnSol Environmental Solutions
• Sheeza Shakeel – DXC Technology

Excellence in Engineering

• Andrea Edney – Systra ANZ
• Hoda Ehsani – Fortescue
• Neyra Hackett – BOC Limited
• Ameneh Jalali – Yokogawa Australia
• Elika Karbassi – InfraBuild
• Alexandra Kelly – SMEC
• Olga Mikhaylova – CPB Contractors
• Olivia Mirza – Western Sydney University
• Tamsyn Parker – BOC Limited
• Marjan Torshizi – Argon & Co

Tradeswoman of the Year

• Shanica Banham – Acorp Construction
• Olivia Entwistle – Newmont
• Elijha Fortescue – Essential Energy
• Ana Gamero – Acciona
• Samantha Hall – Drake Trailers
• Shannen Jeffery – Newmont
• Clarisse Orchard – Callidus Group
• Felicity Pettiford – Sydney Builder Chick
• Jennifer Revell – Master Electricians Australia
• Jasmyn Smith, Logan Barnett – The GO Company

Business Development Success of the Year

• Pansy Khurana – Aussie Home Loans Berwick
• Michelle Knott – Brooklyn Quarry
• Zureka Loubser – Argon & Co
• Sienna Tamati – Resourceful Women
• Kate Tsorvas – Jakarli Group
• Jenny Valentino – New Era Group
• Marissa Verberne – Bajwa EnvrioConsult (BEC)
• Yuan Yuan – Sykes Group
• Karlie Zec – Tiny Tins

Industry Advocacy Award

• Tatiana Delendik – Grundfos
• Lauren Fahey – NexGen
• Becky Felstead – The Resource
• Haura Hussaini – Chevron Australia
• Julie Jupp – University of Technology Sydney
• Narissa Kinghorne – Newmont
• Vicky Pellowe – The FIFO Family Project
• Julia Szymanski – Yokogawa Australia
• Jessica Tuck-lee – Mudgee Cranes
• Karlie Zec – Tiny Tins

Excellence in Construction

• Michelle Gillies – Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC)
• Georgia Hartin – EME Rooming Houses
• Caitlyn Hayes – Komatsu Australia
• Puja Khanna – Ellipse Property
• Jacqueline Madsen – Australian Antarctic Division
• Divya Mehta – Decode Group
• Alysse Reedy – Fulton Hogan
• Jessica Rippon – Construction Legal

Marketer of the Year

• Maria Astakhova – Rohlig Logistics
• Liz Bingham – Metso
• Maria Deferia – Grundfos
• Lauren Hamilton – Smart Commercial Energy
• Renata Hjelmstrom – Lincom Group
• Melissa Johnson – Primary Comms Group
• Edie Lada – Croire
• Caroline Luczynski – SMEC
• Louise Tilley – SAGE Group, A Tetra Tech Company
• Anastasia Zimsen – Weir

Excellence in Transport

• Alexandra Bosnjak – Argon & Co
• Ilaria Giovannetti – Rohlig Australia
• Ronda Irvine – Asahi Beverages
• Jing Liang – Yokogawa Australia
• Jacqueline Madsen – Transport for NSW
• Orlane Mortimer – Wollongong Crane Trucks
• Priya Perera – V/Line Corporation
• Kattie Risk – Billirrawarra Trucking & Training
• True Ross – Ross Transport
• Sarah Singh – Elite Transport Solutions

Mentor of the Year

• Laura Canning – Komatsu
• Tracy Clark – City of Gold Coast
• Lisa Dimitrijevic – Fulton Hogan
• Naomi Elliott – Concept Labs
• Annabelle Lynch – Mudgee Cranes
• Allison Metcalfe – Newmont
• Kym Sammut – Red Rock
• Martina Storgato – Mills Oakley
• Shannon Tutin – RoadAid
• Nina Zundel – Aurecon

Excellence in Manufacturing

• Latinka Cubitt – Catten Industries and LaTink
• Naomi Elliott – Concept Labs
• Hayley Erasmus – Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)
• Melanie Hignett – Asahi Beverages
• Joanne Howarth – Planet Protector
• Elika Karbassi – InfraBuild
• Derelle Mitchell – Health Focus Manufacturers
• Jane Oppenheim – Ego Pharmaceuticals
• Sheila Payad – Asahi Beverages
• Charline Siccardi – Argon & Co

Women in Leadership Award

• Belinda Battaglia – MEDLOG
• Laura Canning – Komatsu
• Samantha Cleaver – Potentia Energy
• Sandra Kemp – Evolution Mining and Civil
• Judith Ong – Elevate Dental
• Dr Priya Subramanian – Dulux Australia
• Cassia Sutton – earth gear
• Rachel Thomas – Grace Insurance
• Karlie Zec – Tiny Tins

Excellence in Health and Medicine

• Alineh Agon – Closer Care
• Bec Bennett – National Acoustic Laboratories
• Dr Sarah Crowe – OOXii
• Ameneh Jalali – Yokogawa Australia
• Katherine Millar-Shannon – Terpeze Holdings
• Judith Ong – Elevate Dental
• Dr Signe Steers – The Audiology Place
• Shaina Zheng – S & J Optical / Eyecare Plus Mermaid Beach Optometrists

Rising Star of the Year – 30 years and under

• Caitlin Barlow – JATEC Transport
• Alex Callinan – Grundfos Pumps
• Courtney Dobson – Newmont
• Alesha Henare – Select Logistics and Transport
• Sophie Jackson – Argon & Co
• Angela Julianto – Fulton Hogan
• Jasmine Obermuller – SMEC
• Jasmine Palmer – Fire+Rescue NSW and Polymetals
• Aya Salih – Bajwa EnviroConsult (BEC)
• Servarna Waterman – Asahi Beverages

Excellence in Mining

• Brooke Adamson – Newmont
• Erin Bell – Co Connect App
• Joanne Bergamin – WISER (Women in Sustainable Energy & Resources) Inc.
• Briony Coleman – Newmont
• Maria Davoren – Davoren Environmental Pty Ltd
• Caitlyn Hayes – Komatsu Australia
• Sandra Lam – FIFO Focus
• Allison Metcalfe – Newmont
• Guilia Vallone – Rema Tip Top Industrie Australia

Safety Advocacy Award

• Sarah Barnbrook – Away from Keyboard Inc.
• Madalyn Cheetham – BOC Limited
• Sarah Henry – Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater)
• Alicia Neville – Action OHS Consulting
• Kate Quinlan – Complete HSEQ Solutions
• Alysse Reedy – Fulton Hogan
• Sandra Reid – CDC NSW
• Peta Ritchie – Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP)
• Priya Sanyal – Asahi Beverages
• Shannon Tutin – CCL Specialised Pty Ltd

Businesses from across Australia are invited to attend the awards gala for an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible.

Massive thank you to our sponsors this year for continuing to support these amazing women! Atlas Copco Group, Australian Power Equipment, Kenter International Logistics, Grundfos Pumps and Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA).

Click here to visit the website and purchase tickets.