Shortlist announced for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction 2025
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) today announces the shortlist for the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards 2025.
Returning for the fourth year, the awards continue to highlight the significant contributions of women from across the construction industry and showcase women in the sector in order to make role models more visible and accessible.
The shortlist features women across 17 categories, with the final Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction being unveiled at the Awards ceremony in September. The award ceremony and Top 100 shortlist celebrate the women that work at every level within the sector and their phenomenal achievements, while also highlighting how the industry supports and values equality.
In 2018-19, 1,450 women started a construction apprenticeship, but this has jumped to 2,420 to in 2023-24. While the numbers remain small, the rise in women starting construction apprenticeships suggests the industry is making headway towards a future with greater gender diversity.
Deborah Madden, Executive Director, Nations Engagement at CITB, said:
“It’s vital we foster an inclusive and welcoming space that recognises and celebrates the achievements of women in the construction industry, acknowledging the diverse experiences, contributions, and leadership that shape our sector. That is exactly what the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction awards are all about.
“We’d like to share our congratulations to those that have made the shortlist for this year’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction. We have the same goal of celebrating and bringing together amazing women – and their allies – that are doing fantastic things across the industry. We hope that these awards, along with our programme of allies’ workshops, will encourage more women to consider a career in construction.”
The winners will be revealed at the official Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction awards ceremony on Thursday 18th September 2025 at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester. Those that are shortlisted and those whose nomination results in a shortlisted place will be entitled to a complimentary ticket to attend the awards night in September.
The Top 100 categories and shortlisted candidates are:
Local hero
This category celebrates women making a significant impact at a local or regional level. Whether through community projects, SME growth, or advocacy, these individuals are shaping the industry from the ground up.
East of England
- Kerry Murphy
- Louise Tingley
- Hannah Squires
Midlands
- Nadine Hammond
- Molly Shaw
- Helen Lewis
North East
- Leanne Land
- Katy Robinson
- Freya De Lisle
North West
- Rachael Gilbert
- Jennie Harrison
- Fiona Hull
South East
- Georgie Gaynor
- Lisa-Jayne Cook
- Taylor Corr
South West
- Nettie Taylor
- Fallon Hart
- Nicola Bird
- Jenna Smith
Scotland
- Amy Dougan
- Rachel O'Donnell
- Astrid Prado
Northern Ireland
- Sarah Primrose
- Ciara Doherty
Wales
- Nicola Simmons
- Amanda Lawson
- Tesni James
- Lesley Hughes
One to watch
A rising star demonstrating exceptional potential, leadership, and innovation early in their career. They need to have been in the industry for three years or under.
- Katie Doyle
- Morgan O'Sullivan
- Molly Shaw
- Dawn Georgeson
- Marina Strotz
Woman on the tools
Celebrating excellence among tradeswomen, recognising skill, leadership, and contribution to the industry.
- Amy Barratt Singh
- Katie Quinlivan
- Megan Ellicott
Most influential ally group
Recognising a group (rather than an individual) actively championing and supporting women in construction. This category is open to women and men.
- KH Training
- Construction for Women
- Operator Skills Hub Team
Most influential contractor leader
Recognising leadership in the contracting sector, from major contractors to specialist trades.
- Emma Fletcher
- Evette Devine
- Pemely Rowe
Most influential designer
Celebrating leadership in architecture, engineering, or design disciplines.
- Adeline McCartney
- Lucy Wildsmith
- Harriet Webb
Most influential client
Recognising a woman on the client side who has driven transformational change in construction.
- Setareh Neshati
- Claire Michelle Evans
- Christine Dryden
Most influential educator in construction
Celebrating those shaping the next generation through education, training, or mentoring.
- Vickie Mather
- Julia Stevens
- Teresa Swift
Most influential SME/trade leader
Recognising women leading small to medium enterprises, specialist trades, or independent businesses.
- Sophie Horgan
- Liz Gilligan
- Jane Potter
- Maria Coulter
- Julie White