Meet the wonderful women working at EIW:

Hello Shin!

Role at EIW – Architect

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

Amy Cuddy. Her ted talk about “power posing” is empowering.

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

I will continue speaking positive language to all women in my life including myself.

Hello Chloe!

Role at EIW – Studio Leader / Architect

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

I’ve been very fortunate to meet women who inspire me, I feel I have a collection:

The one who raised me on her own, and fought like hell to survive,

Ones who break the bias of what it’s like to be a female leader,

Ones that get back up after falling,

One that works for the United Nations to make the world a safer place for all,

Working with change makers, and women who enable change for the future generations,

Within our office, those that are kind and gracious, and support one another,

Ones battling to save the lives of others, sick family members, all whilst keeping afloat,

My sister, raising a powerhouse little daughter…,

The ones working in communities to help break the bias

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

I will break the bias by celebrating and acknowledging women’s achievements, be supportive and help empower them as individuals to keep on doing what they are doing, whilst also acknowledging the men who are also helping break the bias, by celebrating and acknowledging the achievements of women.

Hello Kate!

Role at EIW – Studio Manager

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

I can’t pinpoint one woman or girl. The following women and girls collectively inspire and amaze me for their strength mentally and physically:

Activists dedicating and risking their lives (particularly in countries where disparities in the treatment of women and girls is widespread)

The single mother battling to pay the bills

The domestic/sexual violence victim who somehow picks herself up and continues for her children

The women that work in industries where the vast majority of their colleagues and leaders are men

That one girl or woman that speaks up and sparks others to come forward and thus creating change

The woman who has climbed the corporate ladder and reached her goal

And sooooooo many more….

You all inspire me.

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

I have a young daughter and another on the way. I will forever teach them to speak up and that they can be whatever they want to be. I will teach them to be brave not perfect. I will teach them that all humans are equal and to always seek happiness and help others find theirs.

I will acknowledge men who speak up, create change and actively support the equality of women.

[photo by Yusron El Jihan]

Hello Kathryn!

Role at EIW – Architect

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

Cathy Freeman, because of the courage it took for her to stand up for Aboriginal rights on an international stage.

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

I try to call out gender stereotypes, discrimination, and bias.

Hello Meg!

Role at EIW – Studio Designer

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

Fanny Mendelssohn (sister of Felix). Her desire to be a composer was “tolerated” rather than supported by her father, of which he said “”Music will perhaps become his [i.e. Felix’s] profession, while for you it can and must be only an ornament.” Despite this, and even having to publish some early works under her brother’s name, she still went on to pursue her passion for her art and produced beautiful and enduring works of music.

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

I will do my best to lead my young daughter by example and support her as my own mother supported me in choosing my own path in life and work, emphasising that fulfillment comes from within and not from trying to satisfy the expectations that others project on to you.

Hello Lesly!

Role at EIW – Graduate of Architecture

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

All the women who give a voice to the voiceless.

All the women who walked before me so I could run.

All the women who set themselves on fire to give me warmth.

All the women whose actions allow me to dream.

My Mum, who left everything she knew, moved to a foreign country to give me the opportunity to be where I am today.

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

To speak up against gender stereotypes. To celebrate everyone’s achievements no matter the size.

Hello Tanya!

// A woman/girl that inspires you and why?

All women and girls who selflessly support, care for and love those around them. Women who rise above the challenges and obstacles in society to achieve a better future for the ones following.

// How will you show support and encourage others to help forge women’s equality?

I will always support and encourage gender equality and acknowledge those men who support this too.