Our people

Life as a Project Manager, Capital Projects

Read her story

Interviewer:  Do you feel that SAHA is an inclusive workplace?

Sharon: "Absolutely, without a doubt. I am encouraged to be my own best self, but at the same time be part of some fantastic teams where everyone has varied skills that create spectacular outcomes when joined together. Although I am technically a disabled woman in a non-traditional role, at no point do I feel singled out, nor do I feel like I am a number on a quota. I feel respected for my contribution and the work that I perform by all levels of the organisation. I also have two teenagers that are neurodiverse and this is the kind of workplace where I believe they could flourish."

Interviewer:  What kind of opportunities have you had to make meaningful connection in your role to the community?

Sharon: "My role is more about creating opportunities for the community rather than face to face connections. There are a lot of little things like creating beautiful green spaces that also reduce the flood risk to a community, removing driveways next to a school crossing to improve safety for primary school students and creating land developments that are accessible, well serviced, economical and that will suit a variety of housing products. All of these combined are what gives me that connection."

Interviewer:  How do you feel your role impacts other people’s lives?

Sharon:  "One of the things that I love the most about my role is how we can transform neighbourhoods. Many of the areas that my team are working in had a high concentration of public housing that was constructed over 70 years ago that was becoming very difficult and expensive to maintain. By redeveloping these areas, we get to create new public housing that is more energy efficient, resulting in lower utility bills for our tenants, and with liveability and accessibility elements that meet the needs of the majority of our tenants and allow for ageing in place. The urban renewal developments also allow for the provision of Affordable Housing options and also for other community members to buy land to build their dream home in areas where there was previously very little vacant land available.

One of my favourite sayings is “every day is a new adventure” and that is definitely the case with my role. Each day presents new wins and challenges alike and it is a constant learning curve – there is no prospect of being bored!"