Equipson

Celebrating Women in Entertainment Technology & Live Events for International Women’s Day

How did you get into the AV/Entertainment technology and live events industry? Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey?

I joined PLASA in 2002. Before that, my career path was quite diverse — I studied and worked for many years in the pharmaceutical industry. After having my children, I made a complete career change and moved into interior design, which brought me closer to the architectural field, and I also spent some time working in education. Eventually, I found my way to PLASA, and I fell in love with the industry.

If there’s a common thread throughout my career, it’s the development of people, projects, and initiatives. My first role at PLASA was to support our members with their training and development needs. In 2003, the Rigging community approached me, and together we developed the National Rigging Certificate, which is still recognized today as the industry benchmark for competency in live events rigging. This certification has now expanded across Europe, and we are currently adapting the model to create a new certification for Temporary Event Power.

Today, my role is much broader as PLASA’s Association Director, working across all areas of the association.

What inspires or motivates you every day in your work?

Contributing to the people and the industry we work in.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say developing the NRC and being part of the steering group for the We Make Events movement, which was initiated by PLASA. Both projects involved working collaboratively with industry professionals to co-create something meaningful and impactful, with real lasting value.

What advice would you give to a young woman looking to start a career in the technical or audiovisual sector?

Believe in yourself, view mistakes as learning opportunities, and be clear about what you’re passionate about — because that’s what will keep you going. When you do what you love, it won’t feel like work; and then, just go for it.

How can associations like PLASA help make the industry more diverse and inclusive?

Associations can make an impact by ensuring leadership levels are diverse where possible, reviewing the language and imagery we use in communications, actively promoting the commercial and cultural value of a diverse workforce, and providing education around these topics. As PLASA, we have a steering group that meets and we know we have more things to do, and we have started.

Personally, I believe in equality based on merit: roles should be earned through capability and not to fulfill quotas. However, for that meritocracy to work fairly, the real challenge for our industry is to ensure everyone has equal access to the same opportunities to develop and progress.

What skills or qualities do you think are essential to stand out in such a technical and specialized environment?

For anyone, I’d say: a solutions-focused mindset, flexibility, resilience to keep trying, the ability to respect differences (whether in opinions, techniques, or departmental pressures), and, of course, passion and motivation for the work and industry.

Which women have inspired you throughout your career and why?

The women who inspire me are those who achieve their goals with authenticity, collaboration, and compassion. Their success often comes from great leadership — investing in themselves, their teams, and their peers, and celebrating achievements collectively rather than individually.