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With both male and female engineers in her family, the idea of a career in engineering was never unfamiliar. But like many students, it wasn’t until university that Monique found her niche. At Western Sydney University, she trialled a range of disciplines before gravitating toward civil and structural engineering, especially timber design. She later completed a master’s degree at UNSW.

A Career Built from the Ground Up

Monique has worn many hats throughout her career, from Project Manager (PM) to Development Manager (DM). Most recently, she worked at CSR where she was responsible for redeveloping large scale pots of land that were previously used for brick making and other factory activities. As a DM, Monique was responsible for the rehabilitation of the land, master planning and ultimately redeveloping the whole area for new use.

But it was one project that stands out: the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal. Monique spent the better part of a decade helping to transform the former defence site, once used for ammunition testing, into a major logistics hub. She led demolition, remediation, rail integration, and warehouse development.

“It was incredible to see it evolve from old defence barracks to an operational terminal. Every time we drive past, I point it out to my husband,” she laughs. “And he’s like, yes, I know you worked on that project.”

Empathy as a Strength, Not a Soft Spot

Throughout her career, Monique has often been one of the few - or only - women in the room. And while that came with its challenges, she credits the support of mentors for helping her grow into leadership.



She highlights her first female manager, the Major Projects Manager as a pivotal influence in her growth. Describing her as “iconic”, Monique says, “She taught me that it’s OK to lead with empathy and still deliver strong outcomes.”

It’s a lesson Monique carries forward, one echoed by other women in this series, that authentic leadership isn’t just valid, it’s essential.

Still a Long Way to Go

While Monique sees encouraging signs of progress, such as more women entering the profession, and more visible female leaders, she’s clear that we’re not there yet.

“Am I still the only woman in the room most days? Yes. But that’s starting to slightly shift. And not just in terms of gender - we’re seeing more diversity overall. Different backgrounds, different experiences. That’s just as important.”

Redefining the Space
 

Monique believes part of the reason women hesitate to pursue engineering is a misunderstanding of what the profession truly involves. It's often perceived as a "boys' game", highly technical, rigid, and exclusive. But in her experience, women bring a different mindset, one the industry increasingly needs: collaborative thinking, empathy, and a new way of approaching complex challenges.

She emphasises the importance of recognising that these differences aren’t limitations, they are strengths. And for women considering a future in engineering, it’s a powerful reminder: you belong, and you bring value simply by bringing a new perspective into the room.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what she would say to a young woman considering a career in engineering, Monique gives the advice her father gave her:

“Just do it. If that’s what you want to do, go for it — and do it well.  Your voice and your perspective are needed. You’ll add value.”

She adds: “Don’t ever let statistics dictate how you make decisions. There’s always space for you.”

Monique Elbarbary’s story is a fitting close to this year’s series, a reminder that engineering isn’t just about technical precision. It’s about purpose, leadership, and building a future where more women can lead, build, and thrive on their own terms.

We hope you have enjoyed this series. Thank you so much to the incredible women, Amber, Meghan, Kellie, and Monique for generously sharing their stories, insights, and experiences. Let this not be something we recognise once a year, but a constant reminder of the importance of visibility, inclusion, and diverse voices in engineering, every day.