WSP joins journey to advance women’s careers in transport

The 2024 Women in Transport Mentoring Program includes networking opportunities, professional development sessions, training and resources.

“We’re delighted to participate in the Women in Transport Mentoring Program,” says Doug Williamson, Regional Executive for Rail in Victoria and Chair of WSP’s Gender Balance Employee Group, “because we’re passionate about the future of the sector and creating safe, available transport networks that cater for a diverse and inclusive society.

“Having participated as a mentor previously, I can attest that a program such as this benefits mentees and mentors alike, and it’s another way we can contribute to developing the capacity, inclusivity and vitality of the transport sector across Victoria, Australia and beyond.”

In the 2023 program, WSP Client Director Diane Riley was paired with mentee Elise, a Digital Advisor at Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP). Diane focused on helping Elise realise her leadership potential by dismantling imposter syndrome, building self-worth and confidence, and setting weekly goals.

“We have a responsibility to lead the conversation about diversity,” says Diane. “Programs such as this can have very real and long-lasting benefits not just for individual women, but also to creating a supportive culture and, over time, greater representation of women and other underrepresented groups in senior and leadership positions across the sector.”

Civil Engineer and WSP Technical Executive Steve Burrows mentored Kate, a Finance Business Partner, who was new to the transport industry and public sector at the time of the 2023 program. Steve helped Kate build her confidence and refine her career goals, aligning them with her strengths and passions.

“I’m so pleased that the program’s support and connections motivated Kate to stay in the transport industry and pursue her own career growth,” he said.

Raj Chotai, WSP’s Senior Principal Systems and Assurance, is also a mentor in the 2024 program, and Anita Khandare, a Structural Engineer participated as a mentee.

“As a mentee, my ongoing mentorship journey has been rewarding.” Anita says. “My mentor has been instrumental in identifying my strengths and areas for improvement, boosting my confidence, and resilience. Our regular discussions have given me fresh insights into industry trends, enhancing my commercial awareness.

WSP has played pivotal roles in many major transport initiatives in Victoria, such as Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop and as part of the Southern Program Alliance supporting the Level Crossing Removal Project, which is removing 110 rail level crossings in the largest rail infrastructure project in the state’s history.

WSP was recently named an Employer of Choice for gender equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). 

Read more about Inclusion and belonging at WSP.