Each year the Woman of the Year in HVACR category showcases an abundance of talent from all sections of the industry.
Once again the women came out in force to compete for this award, which is once again sponsored by Daikin.
Despite the record number of entries, judges were able to keep the number of finalists down to a total of six.
Finalists include Aurecon ESD engineer, Jessica Bennett, a specialist in the integration of sustainability and occupant wellbeing in the built environment.
Bennett has worked on a number of notable projects including the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music which has a 6 Star rating and One Malop Street, Geelong. She wants to be part of a built environment that creates healthier spaces for occupants.
The second finalist is Airmaster management systems coordinator, Irene Winter, who has been working in the HVACR industry for a total of 19 years.
She began her career at a HVAC controls company before working for Siemens Building Technologies and joining Airmaster.
The focus of her current role is on quality, environmental management, certification and safety.
The next finalist is Precision Mechanical Services service manager, Pam Rogers, a HVAC technician with a Cert IV in OH&S.
Prior to joining Precision Mechanical Services in 2013, she was employed by Airepair Air Conditioning.
Another 2017 finalist is the estimator and sales engineer at Leading Edge Automation (Oberix Group), Lilly Wood. Leading Edge Automation is a leader in building control and management systems.
Wood joined the company in 2009 and the focus of her work is on using innovative technologies to create intelligent automated buildings that are more cost effective, operationally efficient and manageable for building owners.
Next up is the manager of the tender and estimation team at Grosvenor Engineering Group, Caroline Grimmeisen. As well as working in Australia, Grimmeisen spent four years in the Middle East working for Dalkia.
An engineer with a masters in mathematics, Grimmeisen joined Grosvenor in 2012.
Airmaster commercial manager (national JLL and ANZ), Kelli McDonald, has spent 17 years in the HVACR industry. She began in an entry level service position at Airmaster back in the year 2000 and quickly moved into various roles building up a real understanding of the business.
Her progression through the company into a management role demonstrates a high level of commitment especially as a mother, returning to work two months after giving birth to her daughter.