The building sector’s Woman of the Year revealed, amid praise for her exceptional leadership and skills

JWH boss Alicia Kelly has been recognised as the building sector’s Woman of the Year in its inaugural awards on Friday. Ms Kelly, the joint general manager and company secretary of the family business JWH Group was recognised for her outstanding talent and leadership. She was among a selection of exceptional women recognised in the inaugural HIA-Jason Windows Building Women Awards for their huge contribution to the residential building industry. Ms Kelly was also recognised with the executive leadership award, partly for her exceptional organisational management skills - which she balances with motherhood. HIA WA executive director Michael McGowan said Ms Kelly was a leading and highly respected figure in the industry. Her skills were evident in shaping the structure, strength, and resilience of JWH Group, which is one of the biggest residential building groups in the State, leading the business through the challenges of the pandemic and establishing a structure for future growth and success. Judges said she was driven by doing the right thing as well as developing and empowering her colleagues, championing the role of women in the sector and advocating for equity and equality. “Alicia is dedicated to the continual improvement of the home building industry, is actively involved in various industry committees and international leadership networks, and is committed to sharing knowledge for the benefit of others. We are immensely proud to recognise Alicia as the first HIA Western Australian Building Woman of the Year,” said Mr McGowan. Mr McGowan said the sector would not be able to function without the many smart, hardworking women in the industry. This includes Jessica Berry, managing director of Pique Mod Pty Ltd, who was recognised for three awards including achievement in manufacturing and supply, industry contribution, and professional business woman. Judges said Ms Berry is revolutionising the modular housing landscape in WA, and has been instrumental in changing the perception of modular builds, as well as being involved in better financing models, and increasing the supply of the housing variety. Ms Berry was also recognised for fostering diversity and inclusion by empowering female talent within the construction sector. Tradeswoman of the Year was won by carpenter Ashleigh Hiemstra, director of Merge Building, who was a trailblazer when she began as an apprentice 13 years ago. Now registered builder and running her own successful home building business, she is a role model for women in trades. Judges said the recipient of the Young Achiever and Trailblazer award, Hannah Martin, project manager at South West Building Company, is an expert at bridging the gap between office, site, client, and business administration, among other skills. Deanne McConkey from Glass Co Metro was recognised for being a business leader and mentor, through her strong advocacy for female empowerment and inclusivity. Progen Homes was awarded Inclusion and advancement of women, after championing the empowerment and support of females, addressing gender-based wage gaps and ensuring fair compensation practices. Other outstanding winners include Jo-Ann Mendoza from Independent Timber Supplies, was recognised as an outstanding administration executive. Katherine Weston from Fox Modular was recognised with the business development professional award and Whitley Gilbert of Homes by Nature was recognised as an innovation and change leader.