Winners: Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards 2026

The winners of this year’s Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards (IWCEA) were announced last night (16 September). Held at London’s Hilton hotel, the event was hosted by NCE, Ground Engineering and Construction News and showcased the incredible role models working across the sectors, while also highlighting how organisations are striving to improve diversity and empower women in the industry. Earlier in the day, the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Conference brought together women and allies from across the engineering and construction sectors for a unique day of learning, networking and inspiration. The aim of the conference was not only to support women in progressing their careers, but also to encourage more organisations to champion gender equality across the wide range of roles in construction and engineering. The winners of the Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards winners were: - Allyship Champion of the Year – Terri Hudson, Turner & Townsend - Contribution to Gender Diversity – Melania Santoro, Arcadis - Contribution to a Project – Helena Stolle, NG Ventures - Inspirational Leader (Consultant) – Hannah Wooller, Matter of Place Architects - Inspirational Leader (Contractor) – Catherine Brookes, McCann - Inspirational Leader (Client) – Alexis Field, Defence Infrastructure Organisation - Inspirational Leader (Supplier) – Collette Want, Façade Access Solutions (UK) - Rising Star (Contribution to a Project) – Lily Robbins, Willmott Dixon Construction - Rising Star (Contribution to Gender Diversity) – Jessica Percy, Multiplex Construction - Rising Star (Technical Excellence) – Ee Hooi Lee, Arup - Stem Champion – Phebe Mann, Loughborough University - Technical Excellence – May Elsamman, Mott MacDonald - Unsung Hero – Sophie Howe, H &MV Engineering - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year – Morgan Sindall Infrastructure Nuclear. Diversity & Inclusion Steering Group (Place initiative) - Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing – Staticus. Speak up. We’ll handle it with care - Excellence in Outreach – Construction Futures. Building the future, one classroom at a time - Excellence in Recruitment and Retention – Façade Access Solutions - Excellence in Senior Leadership – Galliford Try. Engineering’s senior leadership hub - Inspiring Women (Company of the Year) – Matter of Place Architects - Next Generation Employer of the Year – Spencer Group - Women’s Network of the Year – Institution of Civil Engineers. ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship ICE director of regions Jenny Green said: “When we started the ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship programme, we wanted it to have an impact, but its success has surpassed our ambition. “We know that women remain underrepresented at the most senior leadership levels across the built environment sector and to see this initiative making a difference, increasing representation and women’s confidence is fantastic.” She added: “We need to keep making progress but are so pleased to have our efforts so far recognised with this award.” Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.