< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com 50 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With over 13 years of experience, Arshana Fathima has established herself as a leader in electrical engineering, combining technical expertise with a commitment to mentorship and diversity. As a Lead Electrical Design Engineer at 9E Global, she has played a key role in projects like the Innovative Learning Centre at Al Safa Park, Desert College in Abu Dhabi, and Yas World Redevelopment. “One of my proudest achievements has been aligning my career with my passion for design. Starting as a site design engineer and transitioning into a consultancy role was a signifi cant milestone, allowing me to make a broader impact. I take great pride in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered,” she says. Fathima acknowledges progress in diversity within the UAE’s engineering sector but emphasises the need for continued eff orts. “Over the past year, there has been noticeable progress in diversity and inclusion. However, gender representation at senior levels still requires improvement.” For young women entering the fi eld, she off ers this advice: “Never be afraid to take up space—your voice is valuable. Embrace every learning opportunity, even when challenges feel overwhelming, because those moments will shape you into a stronger, more capable professional. Surround yourself with a strong network, stay curious, and don’t fear failure—it’s often just another step towards growth. Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. There’s a community of women ready to off er their wisdom and support.” ARSHANA FATHIMA LEAD ELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER 9E GLOBAL “Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, bold ideas, and having the courage to challenge the status quo” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5008/03/2025 15:20www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 51 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Shiney Jacob is the Area Sales Director for the Gulf, Iraq, and Pakistan at Grundfos, a leading player in the pump and pumping system sector. With 30 years of experience, including 17 years leading teams, she has driven signifi cant market expansion and growth, achieving a 15% CAGR over the past four years. Jacob has also played a crucial role in pioneering innovations in pumping technology, contributing to iconic projects such as Burj Khalifa, Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah, Expo 2020, and more. Her leadership in energy-effi cient district energy systems has set new standards for operational excellence in the Gulf region, while her eff orts in empowering women and supporting community initiatives, such as the “Water to Life” project, demonstrates her commitment to social responsibility. Jacob believes in fostering a gender-balanced workplace, and at Grundfos, she has advocated for programs that encourage diversity and inclusion. She believes that policies that encourage open communications, enforce zero tolerances for any kind of discrimination can go a long way in ensuring true inclusion for women. Paid maternity and paternity leave, childcare support, and robust return-to-work programs help women feel valued and supported in their careers. Her advice to the next generation: “Be the best in your profession, stay positive and motivated, and be the change that brings value to others.” She continues: “Be passionate, committed with the highest level of integrity, and you will soon fi nd that you are unbeatable and unstoppable.” SHINEY JACOB AREA SALES DIRECTOR –COMMERCIAL BUILDING SERVICES GRUNDFOS “The greatest enemy is your inner self and not the world. Believe in yourself and you will be able to overcome any challenges that come your way” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5108/03/2025 15:21www.mepmiddleeast.com 52 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With 33 years of experience in building electrical system design, Sheeba Benny is recognised for her contributions to complex, large-scale projects including substations, healthcare facilities, and mixed-use developments. She was honoured with the “Engineer of the Year” Award at the Construction Week Middle East Awards 2024. She is a strong advocate for sustainability and smart building integration, holding multiple certifi cations such as LEED AP, WELL AP, and PMP. Benny is committed to continuous learning, currently pursuing Chartered Engineer registration through the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Benny has observed an increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the industry, though challenges still remain, particularly in leadership roles. Resilient in overcoming biases, Benny emphasises the importance of mentorship, confi dence, and perseverance. She advocates for companies to implement policies that ensure true belonging for women, such as mentorship programs and pay equity. Her advice to the new generation of women is to embrace their uniqueness and challenge the status quo, trusting that bold and authentic paths often lead to the most fulfi lling careers. She says: “Seek mentorship early on, embrace challenging projects, and stay curious and open to learning.” As a pioneering fi gure in the MEP sector, Benny remains dedicated to shaping the future of sustainable, high-performance buildings. SHEEBA BENNY PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER STANTEC “Confidence in my abilities, coupled with a positive mindset, has helped me overcome biases and challenges throughout my career” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5208/03/2025 15:21www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 53 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With over 30 years of expertise in MEP Design, Sybille Sajeet has successfully led several major projects across the Middle East and India. These include the Emirates Palace Hotel, Lusail Commercial Boulevard, and multiple buildings at Hamad International Airport. She has mastered diverse aspects of MEP systems, spanning Electrical, Telecommunication, ELV, Integrated Building Management, and AV systems, while ensuring adherence to both regional and international codes and standards. Her leadership in complex MEP designs has earned her a reputation as a seasoned professional with deep technical profi ciency. Sajeet is profi cient in design and simulation software and is exploring the integration of AI into design processes for future adaptability and effi ciency. Sybille is an active member of BICSI and ASIS USA and organised Qatar’s fi rst BICSI conference in 2024, advancing telecommunication infrastructure awareness in the region. She shares, “Younger women, especially mothers, frequently encounter biases questioning their ability to meet deadlines and commit extra hours.” Despite these challenges, Sajeet has remained resilient by continuously upskilling and seeking mentorship from leaders. Her advice to young women in the MEP industry is to be fearless in pursuing leadership roles, develop both technical and soft skills, and stay informed about technological advancements to stay competitive. Sajeet also believes that visibility—through attending events, or publishing articles, will help women establish thought leadership and contributes to an inclusive industry. SYBILLE SAJEET MEP TECHNICAL MANAGER KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS “Confidence is built through continuous learning, hands-on experience, and embracing challenges” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5308/03/2025 15:21www.mepmiddleeast.com 54 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Bushra Siddiqua Oosman is an Electrical Engineer at RED, where she contributes to impactful engineering projects while simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree in engineering management. In addition to her full-time work, she serves as the Vice Chair of the CIBSE Young Engineers Network in the UAE, a role she was elected to just one year after joining the organisation. Through this platform, Oosman advocates for women in STEM and helps create opportunities for young engineers to thrive. Throughout her career, Bushra has been recognised for her achievements, including being shortlisted for prestigious regional awards such as Young Engineer of the Year and Rising Star of the Year. Her rapid progression in the industry, especially in her early years, has allowed her to take on leadership roles that push for greater diversity and representation in engineering. While she acknowledges the progress made in diversity and inclusion, Oosman believes there is still work to be done. She speaks candidly about the subtle challenges women face in the industry, such as biases and limited access to opportunities. However, her advice is clear: focus on quality work, continuous learning, and creating supportive networks. She says, “I’d say don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions. It’s easy to think you need to have all the answers, but the truth is, learning never stops.” She encourages the next generation of women engineers to confi dently voice their ideas and embrace the unconventional paths that often lead to the most rewarding opportunities. BUSHRA SIDDIQUA OOSMAN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER RED ENGINEERING DESIGN “Don’t be afraid to take up space and confidently share your ideas. Embrace your voice and trust your instincts, even if they feel different from the norm” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5408/03/2025 15:21www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 55 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Marisol Tobias Villanueva’s journey in engineering is one of resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Philippines at 21, she began her career as a Junior MEP Engineer at the National Power Corporation. Seeking greater challenges, she moved to the UAE, where she transitioned into MEP estimation, adapting swiftly to the construction industry’s fast-paced demands. As the fi rst female member of ALEMCO’s estimating team, Tobias played a crucial role in securing major contracts, streamlining procurement, and contributing to high-profi le projects. Beyond technical expertise, she excels in project management, negotiations, and fostering effi cient workfl ows. Tobias believes that engineering is for anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact on society and improve lives through technology and science. She believes that an open mind, even without extensive experience, can be a valuable asset and actively mentors young female engineers. Having faced biases like being frequently excluded from site visits based on the assumption that women lack the physical capability to handle fi eldwork, she continuously works on improving her technical skills and staying up to date with the latest technology. To create true belonging for women, Tobias believes that companies should include women beyond paperwork and expose them to on-site projects, weekly progress meetings with clients and contractors, so that they can take on diff erent tasks. MARISOL TOBIAS VILLANUEVA ELECTRICAL ESTIMATION ENGINEER ALEMCO “Never let anyone limit what you can achieve. Stay optimistic, keep exploring, and one day, you could become a role model for women in engineering” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5508/03/2025 15:22www.mepmiddleeast.com 56 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Marina Kindelan, the Façades Director at AESG, boasts over a decade of global experience in façade design and consultancy. With a master’s degree in Architecture specialising in Sustainable Façades, Kindelan has contributed to groundbreaking projects like MC2 in Masdar, CIEL Tower, and Misk City. Her expertise spans not just architecture, but also the integration of façade design with MEP systems to enhance sustainability and building performance. She highlights her career milestone as the collective journey rather than a single event: “The ability to contribute to meaningful, high-performance buildings in diverse climates and contexts continues to inspire me every day,” she shares. Kindelan’s leadership style focuses on adaptability, strategic thinking, and mentorship, encouraging her team to grow and innovate. As a result, AESG’s diverse team consistently exceeds international standards, particularly in energy effi ciency and occupant comfort. Having faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated fi eld, Kindelan emphasises the importance of trust and competence over gender. “Creating an environment where talent is recognised beyond gender is key,” she explains, stressing the importance of supporting the next generation of women. Kindelan also actively mentors through panels at universities, encouraging young women to break into construction and lead with confi dence. Kindelan’s leadership and commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration continues to make her a powerful advocate for diversity in the construction industry. MARINA KINDELAN FAÇADES DIRECTOR - MIDDLE EAST AESG “The ability to contribute to meaningful, high-performance buildings in diverse climates and contexts continues to inspire me every day” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5608/03/2025 15:22www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 57 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Serena Golsalves is the Head of Marketing at GF Corys, a leading player with 40 years of experience in the MEP sector. With over a decade of experience, she has driven GF Corys’ marketing strategies, enhancing customer experience and brand visibility. Gonsalves’ leadership has fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity, making her a key player in advocating for gender diversity. Among her proudest achievements is leading a successful rebranding campaign for GF Corys and launching the UltraFlow solution, completing the region’s most comprehensive drainage solution portfolio. Gonsalves also spearheaded a digital transformation initiative, setting up the Digital Customer Experience function at her previous company. At GF Corys, she has implemented initiatives such as the ‘Women of GF Corys’ program, mentoring and supporting women to thrive in leadership roles. She believes that companies need to go beyond surface-level diversity eff orts and implement real structural changes for women to feel included. This includes equal growth opportunities and bias training to create a more inclusive environment. Her advice to women entering the fi eld: “Don’t be afraid to take up space and be heard. Also, embrace your unique perspectives and do not feel pressured to conform to traditional norms.” She makes another valid point: “Remember that self-care is essential; taking time for yourself can help maintain your resilience and creativity.” Sulfath Shihab brings a wealth of experience in Supply Chain Management, and is recognised as a powerful negotiator and expert in optimising supply chain processes across the GCC. With a strong track record of securing large-scale projects and driving cost savings, Shihab plays a vital role in managing inventories, coordinating procurement schedules, and ensuring seamless operations. Her leadership in project management and contract negotiations has been crucial in delivering on-time, cost-eff ective solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality. She strongly believes: “Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Question existing processes and look for ways to improve them. Your willingness to think outside the box can lead to signifi cant advancements and innovations.” While she believes that there is still room to grow, she sees a clearer commitment from leadership to ensure that diversity is not just a checkbox but an integral part of the company culture. She says, “We are starting to see more women in leadership positions and a greater emphasis on inclusivity in hiring and talent development.” A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Shihab acknowledges the subtle biases women face in the industry but remains resilient by focusing on the impact of her work and relying on a strong support system. Her advice to young women emphasises resilience, adaptability, and challenging the status quo. SERENA GOLSALVES HEAD OF MARKETING GF CORYS SULFATH SHIHAB PLANNING MANAGER GF CORYS “There are plenty of us who have broken glass ceilings, who can help you navigate your career without cutting yourselves on the shards!” “The path won’t always be smooth, but resilience and adaptability are key. Learn from setbacks and use them as stepping stones to grow stronger” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5708/03/2025 15:22www.mepmiddleeast.com 58 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With 25 years in the construction industry, Sujata Gupta has played a pivotal role in several landmark projects across Dubai, such as Madinat Jumeirah, Bluewaters, and the 90-Story Tower. Her contributions have been crucial in shaping the city’s development, blending innovation with technical expertise. In addition to her professional journey, Gupta is also proud of her personal achievements, particularly balancing a demanding career while raising a family, seeing her children thrive as professionals. She acknowledges that the industry landscape is evolving and more women are stepping into the industry bringing fresh perspectives. While this is encouraging, women also have to juggle careers and personal responsibilities in this fi eld where workplace culture favours men for certain tasks. A strong advocate for adopting a resilient mindset, Gupta is committed to initiatives that foster women’s growth in construction. She believes that by supporting women in leadership, challenging outdated assumptions, and promoting work-life balance, we can create a more equitable professional environment for all. She encourages young women to embrace confi dence, develop technical expertise, and build a supportive network. Gupta also believes in the power of continuous learning and pushing boundaries—qualities that have shaped her successful career. Currently focused on adapting the industry to a digital future, Gupta continues to drive positive change while empowering the next generation of women in construction. Reshma Bhaskaran, Co-Founder of Cornerstone Middle East, has successfully led the company to a regional leader in holistic testing and inspection within the MEP and infrastructure sectors. With a deep commitment to customer-fi rst solutions, she has positioned Cornerstone ME as a trusted partner across building façade, MEP, and infrastructure testing, tailoring solutions to ensure quality, compliance, and performance. Under Bhaskaran’s leadership, Cornerstone ME has grown its market share and is also spearheading the integration of AI-driven solutions to revolutionise testing and inspection systems. By leading the development of AI-powered pipeline and infrastructure inspection solutions, she is driving transformation in the sector. “Delivering results and letting my work speak for itself is the best way to challenge outdated perceptions,” Bhaskaran shares, refl ecting on the challenge of being a woman in MEP. Her approach to success has been rooted in resilience and confi dence in her technical expertise, which has helped her overcome biases and prove her worth in both technical and leadership roles. She advocates for a workplace where women have equal access to opportunities for growth, mentorship, and leadership development, emphasising the importance of equity over equality. Bhaskaran’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion extends beyond her organisation and her infl uence continues to shape the industry’s sustainability and innovation standards. For future generations of women in the industry, Bhaskaran advises: “Develop deep technical expertise, but don’t stop there—cultivate a wide perspective that allows you to eff ectively communicate and deliver that expertise with impact.” SUJATA GUPTA ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR BLACK & WHITE ENGINEERING RESHMA BHASKARAN CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL MANAGER CORNERSTONE MIDDLE EAST “Success in this industry isn’t just about skill—it’s about confidence, perseverance, and continuous learning” “Delivering results and letting my work speak for itself is the best way to challenge outdated perceptions” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5808/03/2025 15:23www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 59 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Sarah Hussain Zahidi, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the MEP industry, is passionate about the data centre industry and advocating for women and fresh graduates to pursue careers in this evolving sector. Her work in delivering high-impact projects has been recognised with numerous industry awards over the past few years. Zahidi takes pride in her recognition by peers, especially in a sector where showcasing achievements can be challenging due to strict NDAs. Zahidi emphasises the need for DEI initiatives to evolve beyond checkboxes and merit-based recruitment policies to truly elevate talent. “Make room for yourself, even if it makes other people uncomfortable,” she advises, refl ecting her approach to overcoming the gender disparity in a male-dominated industry. Despite the increasing conversations around diversity, she stresses that women, especially Muslim women, still face signifi cant challenges due to pervasive biases and societal pressures. For Zahidi, fostering inclusion means not just equitable representation but also creating policies that support work-life balance and empower women in caregiving roles. She believes that the industry’s future lies in mentorship and the inclusion of diverse voices at all levels. For the new generation, Zahidi encourages them to “stand on the shoulders of the women who came before you and reach even higher.” Farah Obeid, the visionary Principal Engineer and Infrastructure Team Leader at Ramboll, is leading eff orts in creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure across the Middle East. With a keen focus on energy-effi cient systems, water conservation, renewable energy integration, and sustainable materials, Obeid plays a pivotal role in driving projects that pave the way for a greener future. Her use of advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling and automation ensures design accuracy and enhances operational effi ciency, elevating the impact of her team’s contributions to the region’s infrastructure. Among her many achievements, Obeid is particularly proud of leading complex utility projects that integrated wet and dry utilities, completing them ahead of schedule while meeting all safety and regulatory standards. Her leadership extends to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where mentorship programs and diverse talent recruitment have seen signifi cant improvements. Obeid is passionate about supporting women’s leadership in the industry and navigating challenges such as overcoming bias. By remaining confi dent in her abilities and addressing subtle biases diplomatically, she ensures her contributions are respected. She advises young women entering the fi eld to embrace their uniqueness, take on challenges that push them out of their comfort zones, and learn from both successes and setbacks. She says: “Building strong relationships and learning from others’ successes and mistakes will accelerate your growth.” SARAH HUSSAIN ZAHIDI PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER RED ENGINEERING DESIGN FARAH OBEID PRINCIPAL ENGINEER – INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM LEADER RAMBOLL “Make room for yourself, even if it makes other people uncomfortable. You’ve earned the right to dive into an industry you’re passionate about and to make a splash” “Take risks, focus on teamwork, learn from those with more experience, and be open to feedback” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 5908/03/2025 15:23Next >