Women make up less than a quarter of engineering students in New Zealand, and only 14% of engineers in the New Zealand workforce are women.

But that hasn’t stopped Harshi Sharma, an engineer based on our Auckland Airport contract in our Energy Networks & Renewables business unit. And she isn’t afraid of bringing her energy to shake up the status quo.

With a Bachelor of Engineering, and a Masters in Engineering Project Management, Harshi says that she has always sought to learn and apply her knowledge and experience where she can.

Six months into her career at Ventia, she says her passion is only growing.

“I’m just a little engineer with not so little dreams!” says Harshi.

“My passion lies in tackling the STEM gender gap prevalent in the construction industry world over, especially in leadership roles.”

Outside of work, Harshi also volunteers at Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a not-for-profit organisation with a purpose to harness the potential of engineering to create an equitable reality for the planet and its people.

“What I love about EWB is its mission. It’s all about bringing the practice of engineering as an enabler for sustainable development. It really connects to me and my own passions."