Mai Kawashima | Vice President | Trinity Investments
As a trilingual professional fluent in Japanese, English, and German, born in Japan and raised in Germany, I've always been a global citizen My career has been driven by a desire to immerse myself in challenging, competitive, and international environments where I can learn and develop my professional skill set alongside talented and driven individuals from around the world.
This passion led me to join Trinity Investments as Vice President of Acquisitions in 2023, transitioning from the hotel investment advisory business, where I had spent the previous decade building my career. I became the second employee in Trinity's London office, working alongside my Managing Partner to establish the firm's European business. In my role, I am responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and executing European hotel transactions, with the mission of contributing to Trinity's growth as the most sophisticated hotel investment firm in the world. Before joining Trinity, I worked as a hotel broker at Savills Hotel Capital Markets and JLL's Hotel & Hospitality Group in both London and Tokyo, advising on complex cross-border hotel transactions totaling approximately €2 billion across Europe and Japan. Earlier in my career, I started as a graduate analyst in the Derivatives desk at Merrill Lynch Japan Securities. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a mother to a three-year-old daughter, which has further fueled my ambition to empower women in the real estate industry. I actively support career development initiatives through organizations such as Women in Hospitality and Ladies in Real Estate.
Kevina Kakembo | Senior Quantity Surveyor | AECOM
Kevina is a dedicated senior chartered quantity surveyor, passionate about making a meaningful impact in the built environment.
Since entering the industry in 2018, she has worked across South Africa, East Africa, Italy, and the UK, delivering flagship projects for a variety of clients in diverse settings. She began her career as a Candidate Quantity Surveyor in South Africa, gaining hands-on experience that shaped her adaptability and global perspective. After moving to the UK, she successfully transitioned her SACQSP chartership to RICS, quickly adapting to the UK market and earning a promotion to Senior Quantity Surveyor. Kevina is currently focused on building her expertise and preparing for the next stage of her career, actively seeking opportunities to expand her skill set. Kevina has been recognised for her contributions to the construction industry, receiving a Highly Commended award as Young Professional of the Year at the CFCI Design and Construction Awards 2024. A committed advocate for diversity and inclusion (EDI), she has served in various ambassadorial roles, contributing to initiatives that support greater representation in the sector. Most recently, contributing to an important discussion on the RICS podcast about the retention of women in surveying. Mentoring and reverse mentoring have been integral parts of Kevina's career. She has supported early-career professionals while gaining valuable insights from senior leaders. Kevina is also passionate about inspiring the next generation of professionals. As a Form the Future Young Ambassador and a CFCI Next Gen, working to bridge connections between young talent and career opportunities.
Holly Gerrard | Heritage Consultant | ID Planning
After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in History at the University of Alberta in Canada, I returned to the UK to complete my Master of Arts in Heritage Studies at the University of Manchester.
My passion for heritage extends far beyond my educational background, and my love for buildings has allowed me to work on projects throughout the country championing the sustainable and sensitive reuse of our existing building stock. I joined ID Planning in 2023, and I am the sole lead of our heritage services. In just two years I have been apart of numerous projects throughout the North which have promoted valuable social and economic prosperity through the reuse of listed buildings. My role is highly variable, and I am involved on projects that range from the earliest of feasibility studies, to the opening of buildings I have successfully campaigned for reuse. I work both client and project side, managing the composition of detailed Heritage Statements to accompany applications, while also aiding in the coordination of project teams and design details. Finally, I have recently been involved with assessing and mitigating the heritage impact of numerous housing projects which will foster growth in communities and contribute to the Labour Government's pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes across the country.
Vicky Shepherd | Surveyor | Knight Frank
Vicky worked as a paralegal, before joining Knight Frank 13 years ago as an Executive Assistant.
After returning from having her second child and a promotion to Office Manager, she embarked on a higher education journey retraining as a chartered surveyor. Vicky is a wife and mother to two children, who at the time were aged 6 and 11. She hadn't previously completed A-Levels or attended university; however, she took the courageous step of enrolling onto an access course and progressed to the degree. She successfully completed both remotely, via the University College of Estate Management, becoming the first in her family to gain a degree. This was followed by a two-year Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), before Vicky became fully qualified as a surveyor last year.
Megan Mirchandani | Surveyor, Capital Markets-Operational Long Income | Knight Frank
Megan is a surveyor in Knight Frank's fast-paced Operational Long Income (OLI) Capital Markets team which focuses on the disposal and acquisition of long-let operational assets including hotels, student accommodation, healthcare facilities and gyms, on behalf of institutional and private investors.
She joined Knight Frank in 2021, joining their graduate scheme after a successful internship while studying History at Edinburgh University. During the graduate program, she completed a Master's in Real Estate with Distinction, demonstrating a strong commitment to her professional development.
Imogen Pilkington | Senior Structural Technician | WSP
After completing my A Levels in 2018, I started at WSP as a Civil engineering apprentice in the building structures team in September 2018.
During the course of my apprenticeship I studied a BTEC Level 3 in civil engineering part time achieving a Distinction*Distinction*. I then completed my apprenticeship in 2021 by completing my end point assessment and becoming an EngTech member of the ICE. After completing my apprenticeship I then got promoted to Junior Technician in the building structures team. In September 2021 I then started a HNC in Civil Engineering part time whilst I was working at WSP to increase my knowledge and understanding of civil engineering. Upon completing this in 2023 I attained a Distinction grade and then got promoted to Structural Technician. In 2022 an apprentice joined the team and I became their mentor, as their mentor I have shown them how to produce work to standards and how to use various software's along with guiding them through their apprenticeship. In August 2024 we had another apprentice join our team and I was also made their mentor so I know mentor two apprentices and manage the work we all complete. In January 2025 I was then made Senior Technician which is my role currently.
Dr Catalina Ionita | Senior Architect | Chapman Taylor
Dr Catalina Ionita (BA(Hons) MArch ARB RIBA AFHEA) Architect, UK Catalina, an Architect at Chapman Taylor's Manchester studio since 2021, excels in residential and mixed-use projects, dedicated to crafting vibrant and successful spaces.
Her portfolio includes large-scale developments, masterplans, and restorations. As a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, she combines her practice with academia, focusing on the role of art in placemaking through her PhD research. Recognised for her contribution, Catalina was a 2023 'I Love Manchester' Awards finalist and a 2020 'RIBA Rising Stars' shortlist, highlighting her commitment to ethical and sustainable architecture. Active in Women in Property North West as an Inclusion Champion, she advocates for diversity, shaping the industry's future with her expertise and vision.
Ashleigh Foreman | Site Manager | Barratt London (Barratt Redrow)
My love for buildings and development came after a short work experience and Telfords.
I saw a gap in the industry where women should be and knew I had the skills to bring to the table. I started my career with Barratt London as a trainee site manager in 2021. Since then I have had 2 promotions - To assisted and now to Site manager. At the busiest time I was managing a program of over 100 apartments with a site of around 300 operatives a day. Since beginning my career I have sought every opportunity to upskill, develop my portfolio and broaden my experiences and cv. I have attended training of structural works and engineering insights and improved my computer skills using systems such as Asta and asite to maximise my knowledge and management style. My career - Although focused around health and safety management, mitigating risk to our program and delivering top quality homes to customers, has many more sides to it. I have put myself forwards for the junior board within the East London region, promoting engagement, leading charity events fund raisers, team building and outreach. I have also found so many positives to being a woman in this field - Putting myself forwards as a mental health first aider has been incredible. Together on site and within my company, we are combating mental health stigma and promote and open to talk environment for all directly employed staff and contractors.
Marzia Bolpagni | Associate Director | Mace
Marzia is Civil Engineer specialised in digital technologies.
She is a champion in service excellence and innovation where she supports clients on digital strategy and applications. She does not just deliver excellence in her company: her work has an impact at international level. Lead author of the international standard BSENISO7817-1:2024 on the use of digital engineering to define digital requirements: the only standard in this field lead by such a young woman. Thanks to the popularity of the work, other two parts are now under adoption at international level under her guidance. She is the youngest leader of a 30+experts from 16 countries at CENTC442 and ISO. She coordinates 150+international volunteers in translating complex STEM concepts. She is the youngest ambassador of Nima, promoting the adoption of technologies in the UK Construction. She is Honorary Associate Professor at UCL, Visiting Professor at Northumbria University. She co-authored a relevant UK BIM Framework national guidance. Marzia is Founder of Italians in Digital Transformations UK, a community of 800+ Italian professionals working in the UK. She gave lectures to 28 international universities so far, supervises dissertations and she mentors 20+ a year students to inspire the new generation on STEM career. She is keynote speaker in 250+events in 28 countries, author of 25+scientific articles, a book, included in magazines/journals, podcasts and videos.
Sinead Danquah | Customer Experience Manager | Barratt Redrow PLC
My journey in this field has been marked by dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
As a Customer Experience Manager, I have consistently strived to bridge the gap between technical execution and client satisfaction. By prioritizing clear communication, tailored solutions, and an empathetic approach, I have ensured that each project not only meets but exceeds expectations. This role has sharpened my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, foster strong relationships, and navigate complex challenges—all crucial skills in the construction industry.
A highlight of my professional growth has been my role as a member of the junior board of directors. This position allowed me to contribute to the strategic direction of my organization, work closely with peers and leaders, and further develop my leadership and decision-making skills. One of my proudest achievements during this time was organizing a charity gala that raised just under £200,000, reflecting my commitment to making a positive difference both within and beyond my professional sphere.
Beyond my professional endeavours, I have always believed in the importance of giving back to the community and in my spare time I work as a listening volunteer for a LGBTQ+ charity, a farm hand at a local farm and volunteer at my local cemetery.
My combined experiences as a Customer Experience Manager, construction professional and volunteer have shaped me into a well-rounded individual who is passionate about creating tangible, positive impacts in the built environment and the lives of others.