Meet Samiha Najem | Inspiring Women in Engineering

1. Tell us what you do at Transport

I am currently the A/Associate Director System Integrity within Engineering Maintenance Directorate at Sydney Trains. I lead a team in providing assurance on the asset condition and system integrity resulting from the maintenance activities across Sydney Trains. We do this through audits, asset inspections, reporting, engineering documentation and adherence to compliance to standards. It is an operations environment so there is never a dull day working in the team J.

2. What's your proudest moment?

My proudest moment, was a small project I ran a few years ago – it was delivering break room facilities for bus drivers. At the completion of the project, I received direct comments from bus drivers on how it made a difference to their daily work commute. I have delivered larger projects since but I often refer to that moment in driving the value for what I want to achieve, meeting a community need and improving the way of life of customers whether internal or external.

3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

A career in engineering is incredibly diverse, it is challenging and rewarding. My advice would be to pursue your passion and believe in your capabilities every step of the way.

4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

There are embedded society constructs that contribute to behaviours entrenched in the way individuals speak, think and act. We need to educate and reflect on behaviours that contribute to impacting the acceleration and retention of women in engineering. I have always believed, this education needs to start early on with young girls and boys at schools, providing equal opportunities and exposure to pursuing a career in in engineering. Industry and the workplace can play a key role in advocating for this change in schools and transforming the future of women in engineering.

5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

I am an indoor rock climbing enthusiast - my next challenge is to master outdoor - it is a great challenge.