Speakers

Cathryn is an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) leader, lawyer and qualified director with nearly two decades of experience working with organisations and industries across ESG and regulatory arenas and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Her background includes working within industry, accountability bodies, leading professional and industry membership associations, working with underrepresented groups, and advising and representing organisations across commercial, ESG and equal opportunity law, compliance and strategy as an in-house legal counsel and former court advocate. 

Cathryn currently leads the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), a national, for-purpose organisation with chapters covering all states and territories of Australia, and serving as part of a global network of NAWICs committed to improving attraction, retention and advancement of women and more equitable and inclusive workplaces for everyone.

Immediately prior to joining NAWIC in November 2024, Cathryn was leading a programme focused on both organisational diversity and inclusion, and the sector-wide behavioural and cultural change required to positively impact the outcomes of the UK construction and built environment sector and the communities it serves. In this capacity, she advised and worked directly with a range of businesses in residential and commercial construction, infrastructure, transport, materials and energy, along with government bodies, to shift stubborn attitudes, address underrepresentation and attract, develop and promote talent. 

Cathryn brings tertiary qualifications in construction, law, public policy, international relations and governance.