Last Friday, after a short delay due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we were proud to host our annual International Women’s Day celebration – and it was nothing short of inspiring.
This year, we celebrated in style at our brand-new Therefor Group head office, bringing together our incredible staff, valued clients, and respected industry peers for an afternoon filled with empowerment, meaningful connection, and vibrant celebrations. Under the global theme of #AccelerateAction, we focused on driving meaningful change and amplifying the voices of women who are making a difference.
A Panel of Powerhouses
We were honoured to host a panel of exceptional women from our network:
- Amy Marsden – Director of Planning at Therefor Group and a passionate advocate for social and affordable housing.
- Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo – Chief Economist at PRD Real Estate, championing multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusion.
- Emma Clements – Principal Engineer at Inertia Engineering and a strong voice for mentorship and guiding the next generation.
- Steph Kline – Assistant Planner at Therefor Group and a rising leader with bold ideas and a bright future.
Their stories sparked laughter, reflection, and even a few tears. A heartfelt thank you to Chelsea Evans, our thoughtful panel moderator, and Olivia Hayward, our vibrant MC, for guiding the conversation and keeping the energy high.
What We Learned
This year’s panel left us speechless – in the best way. Their openness, vulnerability, and wisdom created a space for deep reflection and meaningful connection. Here are just a few of the powerful lessons we took away:
- Accelerating action starts with courage. Whether it’s challenging outdated mindsets or pushing for equity in the workplace, our panelists reminded us that progress begins when we speak up and take initiative.
- Women bring unique skills and perspectives to our industry – empathy, resilience, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community impact.
- Our paths are shaped by pivotal experiences. Each panelist shared defining moments that led them to where they are today, offering a glimpse into the personal journeys behind their professional success.
- Mindsets can be changed. Through persistence and powerful conversations, our panelists have challenged norms and helped others see things differently.
- Obstacles are part of the journey. From navigating bias to balancing responsibilities, they offered practical tips for breaking through barriers and staying the course.
- Advice for the next generation? Be bold. Ask questions. Back yourself. And never underestimate the power of your voice.
We’re so grateful to have been in the room with these incredible women. Their stories reminded us that while the path isn’t always easy, it’s always worth walking – and even more powerful when we walk it together.
Walking the Talk
At Therefor Group, we’re proud to say that 50% of our workforce is female, with women represented across all levels, age groups, and ethnicities. Our leadership team also reflects this balance, with 50% female representation across disciplines. These numbers aren’t just statistics – they’re a reflection of our values and our commitment to building an equitable workplace.
While percentages may fluctuate, our culture of inclusion remains strong. We’ve built a framework that supports equity and empowers women, and we’re committed to growing it every day.
Looking Ahead
To everyone who joined us – whether in person or in spirit – thank you. Your support is what makes this event so special year after year. We’re already looking forward to making IWD 2026 even bigger and better.
We’re always looking for new and inspiring ways to connect our ThereforHER Network, drive change, and celebrate inclusion. If you have an idea or initiative we can collaborate on, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s continue to #AccelerateAction – together.
