Meet the Women Behind the Network
Women in Construction North Wales is led by a group of women who share a passion for creating stronger connections, greater opportunities and a more supportive construction community across North Wales.
Together, we bring different experiences, perspectives and expertise, united by one ambition: to help women connect, develop and succeed.
Paula Hanks-Jones
Paula is a construction professional with extensive experience across the built environment and a longstanding passion for creating opportunities for women within the industry. Based in North Wales and originally from Anglesey, she is particularly passionate about ensuring that the major investment and growth coming into the region creates meaningful opportunities for local people.
Alongside her professional career, Paula has spent many years actively supporting and encouraging others into construction. She has been a CITB Ambassador since 2015, helping young people understand the breadth of careers available within the sector, and has also been involved with Women in Social Housing North Wales. Mentoring and supporting women in construction has been a particular interest throughout her career.
Paula is one of the driving forces behind Women in Construction North Wales, working alongside the founding team to create a local network where women can connect, share experiences, support one another and help shape a stronger and more inclusive construction industry across the region.
For Paula, the network is also about the future. With significant development planned across North Wales, she wants women at every stage of their careers to be visible, connected and able to access the opportunities being created on their doorstep.
Helen Williams
Helen is a Chartered construction professional with 15 years’ experience in social housing, bringing extensive experience in project management and the delivery of homes and communities across North Wales. She currently works with ClwydAlyn and is passionate about the role construction and housing can play in creating positive outcomes for local communities.
A graduate of Liverpool John Moores University, Helen achieved first-class honours and was recognised by the CIOB for her academic achievement. She has continued to build her career within the North Wales housing and construction sector and understands first-hand the importance of strong professional networks and opportunities for development.
Helen is particularly passionate about supporting women within construction, creating opportunities to connect and encouraging greater representation across the industry. She has previously been involved with Women in Social Housing North Wales and recognises the value that supportive professional networks can bring.
As one of the original driving forces behind Women in Construction North Wales, Helen is helping to create a welcoming network where women can share experiences, build relationships, access opportunities and support one another, while helping to shape a stronger and more inclusive construction industry across North Wales.
Beatrice Holt
Beatrice is a health, safety, environment and quality professional working within the construction and civil engineering sector in North Wales. Her role gives her first-hand experience of the opportunities, challenges and changing demands facing people working across the industry.
She is passionate about encouraging more women to consider careers in construction and helping create an industry where women feel supported, connected and able to progress. Beatrice has also been recognised as one of CITB’s Top 100 Women in Construction as a One to Watch, reflecting her growing contribution to the sector.
Alongside her professional career, Beatrice has been involved in initiatives focused on skills, development and improving opportunities for women, including volunteering with the Young Women’s Trust and supporting regional construction training activity.
As part of Women in Construction North Wales, Beatrice is helping to create a practical and welcoming network where women can build connections, share experiences, access support and development, and help strengthen the future of construction across the region.
Genna Rourke
Genna is a senior construction and commercial professional with extensive experience across quantity surveying, commercial management, contract management and major infrastructure. Having progressed from Quantity Surveyor through to Sector Commercial Director, she has spent much of her career working with and leading teams responsible for the commercial delivery of complex construction and infrastructure projects.
She is currently Senior Vice President and Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). She is also a Chartered Civil Engineering Surveyor, a member of RICS and a Chartered Quality Professional.
Alongside her professional career, Genna is passionate about improving opportunities for women in construction and supporting people to develop and progress within the industry. She has been closely involved in the CICES Women’s Network and wider equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, with a particular focus on removing barriers that can prevent women from entering, remaining and progressing within construction.
As one of the founding team behind Women in Construction North Wales, Genna wants to help create something practical for women in the region: a network where women at every stage of their careers can make connections, find mentors and role models, share experiences, access development opportunities and support one another.
For Genna, the network is also about making sure women are part of the exciting future being created across North Wales. By bringing together women, employers, education providers and the wider construction community, she hopes the network can help more women see the opportunities available to them and give those already working in the industry a stronger platform to connect, develop and succeed.
