Women in Construction Awards 2026

Real Talk - Women Thriving in Construction

Thursday 11 June 2026

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry

Overview

This panel discussion brings together senior leaders and influential voices from across the Construction sector to explore key challenges, opportunities and future trends shaping the industry today.

Through an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, our panellists will share insights drawn from their professional experiences, offering practical perspectives and strategic thinking for those navigating leadership, innovation and change within Construction.

Overview

Real Talk - Women Thriving in Construction

The discussion will focus on lessons from the field on leadership, retention and progress. Examining its relevance in today's evolving Construction landscape. Panellists will consider how organisations and individuals can respond effectively to emerging demands, shifting expectations and long-term transformation across the sector.

Moderator

Fiona Buckley

Award Winning International Keynote Speaker, MC and Coach

She is a Programme Director for the Women in Leadership programme in the Irish Management Institute (IMI) and CEO & Founder of the She Speaks Agency- Irelands first female speaker agency. She is also an Irish Times best-selling author of her debut book “ The Courage to Be you in the workplace.

Fiona Buckley

Panellist

Emma Maye

Emma Maye

CEO | Ardale and Core Building Providers

Emma Maye, the 2024 IMAGE PwC Business Woman of the Year, is the CEO of CORE Building Providers and Ardale Property. Her career began in IT, leading to a role as EMEA Head of Sales for Salesforce, before a turning point in 2008 when her father, developer Liam Maye, passed away suddenly. Navigating his vast estate during the global financial crisis prompted Emma to leave Salesforce and manage his legacy full-time. Afterward, she and her husband launched Ardale Property, followed by CORE, which has grown from one branch to six, alongside the creation of Ardale Construction and an upcoming self-storage business. As a proud dyslexic woman, Emma leverages her prominent media platform to champion neurodiversity, empathetic leadership, and women in the construction industry.

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Susána Ramjit

Susána Ramjit

Head of Engineering Excellence & Development | John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd

Susána Ramjit is a Chartered Engineer and a double Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institute of Building. She leads the Engineering Function for John Sisk & Son’s Ireland South, West, and North Business Unit, overseeing a €400m portfolio of complex projects. With an MBA specializing in Operations and Finance, Susána expertly balances technical judgment and commercial strategy to mitigate risk and protect public safety. Her 15-year career spans design consultancy and project management across the Caribbean, South America, and Ireland, with deep expertise in structural, geotechnical, façade, and temporary works engineering. A passionate advocate for the profession, she is deeply invested in mentoring and professional development. Susána has spearheaded key initiatives like the National Civil Engineering Apprenticeship Programme and actively supports diverse industry mentorship programs to foster inclusive, merit-based career progression for the next generation.

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Sinead Gaines

Sinead Gaines

EHS Regional Manager | PJ Hegarty

Sinead is a highly accomplished Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professional with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, including her leadership role at PJ Hegarty since 2016. She actively advances sectoral safety standards through her involvement in prominent organizations like the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC) and the CIF Safety Committee. Specializing in psychological and behavioral safety, Sinead champions positive site cultures to drive excellence in health and safety performance while boosting workforce engagement. Beyond her technical expertise, she is a dedicated mentor and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a member of her company’s DEI steering committee—which earned a Gold Award from the Irish Centre of Diversity—she actively supports initiatives that empower women in construction and cultivate the next generation of industry professionals.

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Session Details

Time: 19.30-20.00

Duration: 30 minutes

Format: Moderated panel discussion

Key Talking Points

The panel will explore:

  • Lessons from the field on leadership, retention and progress

What You’ll Gain

Attendees can expect to:

  • Gain insights from experienced leaders across the finance sector
  • Hear diverse perspectives on current and emerging industry issues
  • Take away practical guidance to inform career and leadership decisions
  • Engage with thought leadership from award-winning professionals

Attend the Panel

Book now to attend this panel discussion as part of the Women in Construction Awards 2026 programme, or explore the full event agenda to discover more conversations celebrating leadership, innovation and impact in finance.

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