At Wood, engineering is more than a profession – it's a purpose. On International Women in Engineering Day 2025, we were proud to celebrate the women of Wood who lead with purpose, skill and vision.
We’re shining a light on those who exemplify this year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer - a powerful reminder that progress is always stronger when it’s built on inclusion and collaboration.
Whether they're solving challenges on the front lines of energy transition, delivering excellence in engineering design, or inspiring the next generation of talent, they are making an impact every day. This moment is about recognising their contributions and inspiring the next generation of engineers who will follow their path.
Meet Josie Armin
Growing up in Middlesbrough, UK as the daughter of a first-generation immigrant, I developed a love for maths early on and was inspired by my sister to pursue higher education. Earning a first-class master’s in mechanical engineering, I was drawn to the field by my passion for solving real-world problems and making a tangible impact.
Now a Graduate Piping Engineer at Wood, I balance office-based design work with site visits and project collaboration, no two days are the same. A highlight so far has been my role on the Renew ELP construction site, where I learned so much about teamwork, safety and applying my knowledge in a practical setting, it really boosted my confidence early in my career.
As Chair of Wood’s Northern UK Early Careers Network, I help create opportunities for others starting their journey. My advice to young women? Believe in yourself and never be afraid to ask questions, it’s okay not to know everything, what matters is a willingness to learn and grow. There is a place for you in engineering and your voice matters!
Meet Larissa Markewich
I’ve always been pretty competitive, so when my brother went into engineering, I saw it as a challenge. But more than that, I genuinely loved maths and science, and I knew an engineering degree could open the door to a world of opportunity.
Now, I’m a Renewable Energy Consultant at Wood, working in project management for wind, solar and battery energy storage projects. I spend my days collaborating with clients and teams, overseeing engineering progress and making sure our deliverables are on track.
One of my proudest milestones was earning my professional engineering designation. It took years of practical experience, technical documentation and an ethics exam but it was worth every step. Earlier in my career, I also had the chance to develop an integrity management plan for a decommissioned pulp mill—over 4,000 assets! I spent five weeks onsite navigating some big challenges, and it taught me so much about persistence and adaptability.
If there’s one mindset that’s carried me through, it’s the belief in relentless forward motion. No matter what, keep going. Trust yourself.
As we celebrate #TogetherWeEngineer for INWED 2025, I’d encourage young women to surround themselves with people who lift them up and importantly to be that person for others. Support is everything.
Meet Maria Gafaro
I graduated as a civil engineer in 2001, right when Colombia was facing economic and security challenges. Jobs were scarce, but I managed to land one at a local infrastructure company before finishing university. I wasn’t even thinking of moving on, until a friend told me to send my CV to Wood. That single decision changed everything. I joined Wood in 2003, not knowing how deeply the journey would shape me.
Since then, I’ve worked in multiple countries and roles, from structural engineering to launching Wood’s WorkShare program in Colombia. Today, I lead Technical and Assurance for Latin America and serve as Regional Engineering Centre Director, supporting global teams and driving quality across more than 950 professionals.
My proudest achievement? Earning the autonomy to shape my career and helping my team do the same. I lead with empathy, practicality and purpose, and I believe in creating space for people to thrive.
For any young woman wondering if she belongs in engineering I want to shout, ‘you do!’. Don’t shrink yourself to fit in. Speak up, push back, be excellent. And one day, we’ll be so far past the gender conversation that we’ll only be talking about impact.
Meet Mariana Lima
I’ve always been a curious person, fascinated by how things work so science felt right, and I eventually landed in materials engineering. I fell in love with it—especially the idea that microscopic changes could impact performance on a larger scale. It was like unlocking a hidden universe.
I grew up on an island heavily affected by industrial pollution, so I made it my mission to focus on asset integrity within oil & gas. I wanted the industry to be safer, cleaner and more responsible.
Now, I lead Asset Integrity Management at Wood Brazil. My day is a mix of technical and people-focused work, from proposal writing and project coordination to supporting my team through change. Honestly, my proudest moment hasn’t been a technical milestone, it’s hearing my team say they feel respected, safe, and genuinely heard. We’ve built a space where people want to stay and grow.
One standout project was a decommissioning study for Shell, where I served as both Integrity Engineer and Project Manager. Our aim was to secure full asset recovery from the seabed, guided by safety and environmental impact. It was pioneering work and it made me proud to be part of something that truly considered long-term environmental responsibility.
The traits that have carried me through my career? Empathy, respect, curiosity, resilience and the courage to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” In a male dominant industry, softer skills often get overlooked, but they’re essential to real progress.
I believe there’s a place for everyone in engineering. If you’re curious about how things work and want to help build better, safer and more sustainable solutions this field is for you. Be bold, stay curious and don’t be afraid to take up space. The industry needs your voice and your perspective.
Meet Renee Hickey
My introduction to engineering came from my dad and three uncles—all engineers. I was always into science and math, and as I got older, I thought it’d be amazing to point to a building and say, “I designed that.”
Today, I’m a Structural Engineer based in Wood’s St John’s office, working in the oil and gas sector. Since 2017, I’ve supported the Cenovus West White Rose project in various roles and now serve as Structural Lead as we near one of its final milestones, moving the platform offshore to be mated with the concrete gravity base. It’s been a long journey, and I’ve spent recent years providing site support in Ingleside, Texas.
I’ve been fortunate to have a rewarding career to date and my one piece of advice to women considering engineering is to find a mentor. Whether it’s someone in your organisation or in the wider industry, having that guidance makes a difference. They’ll help you navigate challenges and encourage you to achieve your goals.
