Meet Ava Morgan, An Engineering and Construction Technical Director

Q: What does Empowering Women mean to you?

Ava: Empowering women, to me, begins with the courage to tell an authentic story one that reflects the realities of a woman’s lived experience without dilution, apology, or fear of judgment. It is about speaking openly about the chapters of life many women navigate in silence, often because they lack safe platforms or feel constrained by societal expectations and scrutiny.

True empowerment occurs when one woman chooses to voice her truth and, in doing so, gives language to experiences others may be living through quietly. That single act of honesty has the power to dismantle shame, challenge judgment, and replace isolation with solidarity.

When women see themselves reflected in another’s journey not in perfection, but in resilience it creates a powerful shift in belief. It reinforces the understanding that if one woman can navigate her circumstances, define her own narrative, and succeed on her own terms, then others can do the same, and often even more.

Empowerment is therefore not only about being heard, but about the ripple effect that follows. One voice, whether listened to intentionally or encountered unexpectedly, can ignite a sense of possibility that sparks a collective movement. That momentum built through words, actions, and shared courage is what transforms individual stories into lasting empowerment.

Q: How did you get started working in your field?

Ava: I began working in my field at the age of 18, deliberately choosing to study and work simultaneously in order to build both technical knowledge and practical competence from the outset. I understood early on that credibility in construction and engineering is earned through hands-on experience, and I wanted to establish myself through action rather than theory alone.

My interest in the industry started at a young age. Growing up around an uncle who was a diesel mechanic, I spent time on construction sites and in workshops where I was exposed to heavy machinery, operations, and the energy of working environments that immediately resonated with me. I may not have fully understood my career path at the time, but I knew I just wanted to wear a pair of cool safety boots to work every single day.

Entering a male-dominated field as a young woman, I was aware that the traditional route of studying full-time and then seeking experience would likely be challenging. Instead of focusing on proving myself to others, I chose to focus on becoming exceptionally competent for my own standards. I started from the ground up, working hands-on on site while studying, absorbing as much practical and technical knowledge as possible often balancing long days of work with late nights of studying.

That foundation shaped my career. Over time, I obtained qualifications in Architectural Technology, Construction Management, Mechatronics Engineering, and Projects and Operations Management. At the age of 24, I became self-employed, and today I serve as a Technical Director within an engineering and construction company delivering heavy engineering work for power stations, while also acting as the Managing Director of a technical construction company I founded in 2020.

I have no regrets about the path I chose. Starting early, learning from the bottom up, and committing fully to both discipline and growth has been instrumental in shaping the leader I am today.

Q: What do you love most about your job? / What are you most proud of?

Ava: What I love most about my job is navigating an industry that still carries invisible barriers and unspoken resistance, particularly for women. There is a quiet intensity in choosing to step beyond those limits and commit fully to spaces that were never intentionally designed to accommodate you. From industry politics to the realities of demanding working conditions, each challenge strengthens my resolve rather than diminishes it. What may appear unconventional or even unreasonable from the outside is deeply fulfilling from within. It is never just about a pay cheque. It is the confirmation that I had the courage and capability to build, lead, and sustain something meaningful in a complex environment.

What I am most proud of is my ability to persist through personal and professional setbacks while continuing to honour both my ambition and my responsibilities. Choosing to become a mother at a time when my career was still evolving forced me to confront limitations that women in technical industries, particularly single mothers, are often expected to accept. I refused the narrative that I had to choose between being technically competent and being a present and nurturing parent. Instead, I chose to create the freedom I needed by building my own structure and path forward.

I am proud that I challenged that expectation and reshaped it for myself. I know that one day my daughter will recognize the strength behind those choices, just as I recognize and honour the resilience my own late single mother showed in creating space for possibility. That legacy of determination and self belief continues to guide how I lead, work, and live today.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?

Ava: Anyone considering this line of work should understand that the foundation you enter may already be shaped by traditional expectations that underestimate your ability to perform at the same level as your male counterparts. There will be unspoken barriers and opportunities you are not immediately granted, and progress often requires working harder, longer, and with unwavering integrity. Very little will be handed to you. You must be willing to earn your place through competence and consistency.

Success in construction, mining, or engineering does not come from doing the bare minimum or relying solely on academic achievement. Qualifications matter, but they carry little weight if you cannot put on a hard hat and safety boots, step onto site, and understand the practical realities of the work. Knowing why a specific component is used, how it should be installed, and what happens when it is done incorrectly is what builds credibility.

Respect in this industry is not immediate. It is earned over time through reliability, accountability, and the standard you set for yourself. You ultimately shape how you are perceived by the work you deliver and the discipline you maintain.

One of the lesser spoken truths about technical industries is that resilience developed through personal challenges often becomes a quiet advantage. The depth of experience you bring, both professionally and personally, sharpens your judgment and strengthens your leadership, often before you even realize it.

There is space at the table for many, but how you are seated is a choice. You can wait to be accommodated, or you can build a reputation that places you there without needing to ask. The responsibility and the opportunity are both yours.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

Ava: I’d love the opportunity to speak at Empowering Women in Industry. This event brings together strong, capable women who are leading in their fields, and I believe my message would really resonate. One of the talks I give is called “When Trauma Comes to Work: A Safety & Culture Wake-Up Call.” It explores how domestic abuse impacts the workplace, and how we can create supportive environments that prioritize both safety and leadership. I’d be honored to be part of this community of powerful women.

Connect with Ava on LinkedIn.