This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” is a reminder that real progress doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when people are given the opportunity, trust, and space to grow. In industries like construction and technology, where women are still often underrepresented, those opportunities can be transformative.
Author
Scenario
Vanessa’s journey, from working hands‑on in male‑dominated construction environments to her recent promotion as Regional Manager at Scenario, reflects what’s possible when courage is given room, voices are heard, and growth is supported not just for individuals, but for the teams and industries around them.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
Sure — I’m Vanessa. I come from a very hands on Construction and Engineering background. My first job after graduating was as an aircraft maintenance craftsman — literally standing on top of airplanes with a hammer and a torque wrench, fixing things on the spot. I loved that job because it felt like assembling a giant LEGO set — just on an aircraft. It taught me teamwork, discipline, and how to think quickly under pressure.
After that, I moved into the Construction world and worked closely with QA, QS, Design, and Site teams as a Document Controller. And now, I’m the Regional Manager for Scenario here in Hong Kong. I mainly work with major Developers and Contractors, helping them onboard smoothly and making sure they get real value from the system. I enjoy understanding what clients are struggling with and turning that into simple, practical solutions. I’m someone who likes clarity, logic, and making things work better.
2. What does the IWD 2026 Theme “Give to Gain” mean to you?
My mind first goes to the old stereotype that women are expected to give endlessly and expect nothing in return — whether in motherhood, or simply the roles society has assigned us for generations. But here, ‘give’ means something very different. It means giving women more opportunities, more space, and more support. And in return, we all gain — because growth accelerates when women are empowered to succeed. And that’s a huge shift, for all industries.
3. Looking back on your own career, from document controller to regional manager, what is something you gave (your time, support, knowledge, or courage) that ended up becoming a turning point in your growth?
I think it’s courage. The opportunity to move into the Construction world came completely out of the blue. At the time, I was working toward my aircraft engineering credentials. I was already a few years into my career — the job was familiar, stable, and if I stayed, I would’ve likely been promoted soon. It was the safe, comfortable path. But something in me said I could be more — that I could learn more, grow more, and achieve more. So, I took the leap.
4. As someone who progressed into leadership, how do you aim to ‘give back’ to other women in Construction and Technology who may be earlier in their career journeys??
I listen. No matter how early someone is in their career, I want to hear what they have to say — there’s no such thing as a stupid idea. I learned this from my own mentors: they listened, and as long as my ideas weren’t completely wild, they’d say, ‘Go ahead, try it.’ They watched from a distance, gave me space, and allowed me to grow into my own management style.
So now, I aim to create that same environment for younger women in Construction and technology. I make sure they feel heard, supported, and trusted. I believe women should lift women — especially in industries that have been male dominated for so long. If we don’t support each other, who will?
Sometimes giving back simply means sharing knowledge or giving someone the confidence to speak up. Small things can make a big difference when you’re just starting out. I believe that.
5. For women who may hesitate to speak up or step forward in challenging environments, what would you encourage them to ‘give’ themselves permission to do, and what do you believe they will gain from it??
First of all, if you’re truly worried or not ready to speak up — you don’t have to. Not until you are ready. And if you feel like you may never be ready, that’s okay too. There is no timeline for courage.
But if one day the stars align and you suddenly feel that spark — that tiny moment of bravery — my advice is: leap. And leap high. Give yourself permission to take up space, to ask questions, to try. We’re conditioned to be careful, be small, be quiet, but growth doesn’t happen in silence. When you allow yourself that leap, what you gain is Confidence — the kind that comes from proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
So, give yourself permission to be seen in a room full of executives. Permission to Speak up in meetings. Take that seat at the table. Because your courage today could be the spark for every woman watching, wondering if she can do it too.
Lastly, sharing this – “ Never be so kind that you forget to be clever — but never be so clever that you forget to be kind”. Happy International Women’s Day!