As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we would like to take a moment to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing female team members we have working within Emergent Group.
Lilly Großstück, Senior Structural/Civil Engineer, Advitech
Lilly has forged a successful engineering career, drawing from her experiences in both Germany and Australia. She acknowledges the challenges of working in a male-dominated field, recalling instances in her past where she faced scepticism including questions like “Why did you decide to become an engineer being a woman?” and being introduced as the “female engineer”. Despite this, Lilly has had a positive experience in engineering overall and views occasions like International Women’s Day is a “great opportunity to celebrate the progress made globally in women’s rights.” She emphasises the importance of recognising achievements and continuing to advocate for equality in all sectors.
Sarah Boutchard, Product Engineer, Advitech
Since joining as an intern in late 2023, Sarah has quickly adapted to the engineering world. She initially couldn’t help but feel a sense of imposter syndrome, working with engineers of 20+ years’ experience, but found support from her colleagues, which has been pivotal in her development. “Everyone at Advitech has been extremely understanding and are always supportive of my ideas.”
Sarah’s mentor, Simon Bull, has significantly shaped her perspective: “He has taught me there is so much more to engineering than just making something work; it’s about understanding the people behind the problem.” She urges young women to believe in themselves, “I would say never doubt your abilities, even when faced with challenges or stereotypes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes — they’re just steps toward becoming better at what you do.”
Aponi Bruin, Graphic Designer, Emergent Group
Aponi began her journey at Emergent through a university placement and has found a supportive environment that fosters her growth. “Warrick Glynn, my supervisor, has helped me be more confident in myself and in my ability as a designer,” she shares.
Her advice to aspiring designers: “You only get what you ask for; put yourself out there and face the uncomfortable.” Aponi’s journey showcases the importance of mentorship and having the courage to step outside of your comfort zone.
Patricia Lane, an Asset Management Coordinator, Novecom
With over 11 years at Emergent Group, Patricia values a positive work-life balance, enjoying spending time with family, friends and playing tennis. Her scientific background and experience as an Industrial Chemist have been instrumental in her successful career at Emergent Group.
Patricia encourages women to embrace confidence and open communication. “It is OK to speak your mind, this is actually how you gain respect from others and how people get to know you.” Patricia also emphasises the importance of resilience, urging young women to ” go looking for opportunities, they don’t always come to you. And above all be tenacious, if you find a roadblock, don’t give up, try another way to achieve your goals.”
Sarah King, Shared Services Manager, Emergent Group
With a career spanning over two decades with Emergent Group, Sarah has grown from a Technical Assistant to Shared Services Manager. Reflecting on her journey, Sarah speaks of how far she has come from her Science Degree, but also how her career still revolves around scientific processes – systematic thinking, research and experimentation. She shares, “I hope that seeing other women succeed – particularly in male-dominated professions – inspires future generations.”
Sarah values work-life balance and the flexibility offered by Emergent, highlighting the importance of shared responsibilities at home “Equality begins in the home! With two kids in the mix, our shared family calendar is mission critical”.
Abby Yates, Principal – Sustainability & Environmental Management, Advitech
Abby’s passion for the environment led her to a career in Environmental Sustainability. One of her key achievements is the creation of a Sustainable Workplace Program for a multinational organisation, which aimed to motivate employees to find more sustainable ways to carry out their everyday tasks “The project spanned across multiple countries and offices, focusing on energy, waste, water, transport, social, governance and general sustainability awareness.”
For Abby, International Women’s Day is a celebration of the progress women have made in various fields. She believes it is crucial to acknowledge the contributions of women in sustainability, as diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions for environmental challenges. “Women have unique insights that can drive change, and it’s important we continue to support one another in our journeys,” she said.
Happy International Women’s Day
Today, we honour the women at Emergent Group and reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Happy International Women’s Day! Visit the International Women’s Day 2025 website to learn more.
