Networking organisation Women in Property has appointed Gleeds senior project manager Nicola Jones as its next national chair.
Jones, who is also a former South Wales branch chair based in Cardiff, will take up the role on 1 March for a year. She replaces Stride Treglown director Rachel Bell.
Jones has worked on various projects in the healthcare sector, including the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Cardiff Royal Infirmary, the All Wales Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Nevill Hall Hospital Satellite Radiotherapy Unit, relocation of Rookwood Hospital, and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Wales.
During the pandemic, Jones also helped deliver Covid wards at the University Hospital of Wales.
Her term will end on 28 February 2023, when she will be succeeded by incoming national vice chair Chithra Marsh, who is an associate director at Buttress Architects in Manchester.
Marsh represents the North West on the organisation’s inclusion committee. She is also a former branch chair for the region.
Jones said: “Over the past few years, the conversation has evolved and is now more about inclusion instead of just gender. I want to explore the meaning of prejudice, the preconceived ideas that still make it difficult for many people to break through the barriers, whether it’s gender, race, disability or social mobility.
“I am very fortunate that, in my sector, I have always experienced respect and support, but there is still a long way to go to break down the little prejudices that creep into every working day. I have a mission to encourage this in the industry, irrespective of background.”
Graham Harle, chief executive of Gleeds Worldwide, said: “Our industry is working hard to become more inclusive and champions like Nicola play a vital part in ensuring that we all consider issues of equality by creating a healthier, happier, more sustainable working and social environment.”
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