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Meet Jo Withford from Regional and Outer Metropolitan
We spoke to Jo to get to know her a little better.
What do you do at Transport?
I manage the road maintenance council contracts with the City of Newcastle and Maitland City Council, as well as managing the development and construction of various safety and infrastructure services projects. I am also very active in encouraging women in STEM where I promote Transport and engineering by speaking at various primary schools, high schools and universities. I am Digital Leader of Transport’s WiSE Network, as well as being on Engineers Australia’s sub-education committee. I also represent Transport as an Ambassador for Sydney Build 2020. 
What are your proudest moments?
Being awarded Fellow status with Engineers Australia in 2018 was a proud moment as it was nice to be recognised by my fellow engineers for contributing positively to the field of engineering. I was also proud to be awarded Transport’s Regional Maintenance Female Employee of the Year for 2019. Finally, this week I was selected as a STEM ambassador for Science and Technology Australia !
On a personal note, I am proud of the fact that with the help of my husband, I have been able to raise three happy and successful daughters while still maintaining a successful and fulfilling engineering career. And that I have been working for Transport for 20 years.
What advice do you have for other women who are looking to progress their careers in Transport?
It is important for us to always be true to ourselves, do what feels right, always be authentic and have confidence in our own ability. Have your ‘non–negotiables’, be brave and step out of your comfort zone at times because when you do, numerous opportunities may present themselves.
How do you ensure a good work/life balance?
Achieving a good work/life balance is one of my priorities in life. Having three active daughters and a husband that works away from home for half of every week means that I have to be extremely organised, efficient and at the top of my game. I achieve a good work/life balance by working at Transport on a part time basis (2 days in the office and two days at home). I try to do 20 minutes of exercise every day, eat really well and get lots of sleep. Having flexible working conditions is wonderful and allows me to work around family commitments, while still fulfilling my role with Transport.
Tell us something that people may not know about you?
When I was 15 years old I was a Rotary Exchange Student for 12 months in Canada. At the time, I was the youngest Australian to go on a 12 month exchange and it really changed my life. It was in Canada where I was introduced to engineering. The lady that I babysat for was an electrical engineer and I can remember being really interested and intrigued about her job.
