The People Behind The Brand

At the heart of Women in Construction Anglia is a team united by a shared mission, to open doors, challenge stereotypes, and champion diversity across the construction sector.

They include award winning allies and industry professionals, including place-shaping experts, we bring together a wealth of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences. Together, we are committed to breaking down barriers, inspiring future talent, and creating a construction industry where everyone feels they belong and can lead.

Our Directors

Clare Friel

Multi-award-winning MD of rapidly growing PR and marketing agency | Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction | Building better construction brands through marketing and business development

Clare Friel is a multi-award-winning marketing and business development specialist with more than a decade’s experience in the construction sector.
She launched Women in Construction Anglia in late 2024 as part of her long-standing mission to address the gender imbalance in the industry and encourage more women to join the flourishing sector.

Since then, Women in Construction Anglia has already supported more than 300 students looking to take their first steps into the industry – with exciting plans ahead for the future.

Siu Mun-Li

Award-Winning Civil Engineer | Industry Leader | Advocate for Inclusive Construction | Most Influential Woman in Construction 2023/24

Siu is a multi-award-winning civil engineer with over 20 years of experience delivering some of the UK’s most iconic and complex construction projects. Recognised as the Most Influential Woman in Construction in 2023, she has played a key role in shaping the nation’s built environment, from major rail and infrastructure works to high-profile skyscrapers redefining the London skyline, including One Nine Elms, 22 Bishopsgate, DAMAC Tower, and 100 Bishopsgate.

A seasoned leader, Siu has led construction engineering across the European arm of a global construction firm, with major contributions to transformative projects such as HS1 (formerly CTRL), Stratford Olympic Park Bridges, and Crossrail.

Beyond project delivery, Siu is a passionate industry advocate. She serves as a Director of the UK’s Temporary Works Forum (a specialist knowledge society of the Institution of Civil Engineers) and sits on the IOSH Construction Group committee, contributing her expertise to drive safety, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the sector.

Today, through her consultancy, Constructing Siu-lutions, Siu provides specialist construction and engineering advice while championing cultural change in the industry. Her mission is clear: to build not just better structures, but a more inclusive, forward-thinking construction sector for future generations.

Sophie Alexander

Place Shaping Practitioner | Strategic Leader | Youth in Place Advocate | Digital Champion

Sophie Alexander is a strategic leader and place practitioner with over 17 years of experience working nationally across the built environment, placemaking, and economic development sectors. With a proven track record in Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), place marketing, and regeneration, she has delivered over 60 BID ballots and supported more than 50 towns and cities across the UK.

Known for her collaborative approach and political acumen, Sophie has built a career focused on creating vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities. She is passionate about the future workforce and the role of young people in shaping the places they live, work, and thrive.

Sophie joined Women in Construction Anglia to support its mission of removing barriers and creating space for women and underrepresented groups within the construction and placemaking sectors. She brings strategic insight, lived leadership experience, and a strong cross-sector network to support WiCA’s outreach, partnerships, and student engagement.

As a Digital Champion and advocate for inclusive leadership, Sophie is committed to driving real change – ensuring the built environment reflects the diverse voices and needs of the communities it serves.

Shell Smith

People and Finance Director

Shell is People and Finance Director at Women in Construction Anglia, a role she also holds at Friel and Construction Anglia. With experience spanning people management and finance within the construction sector, Shell brings a well-rounded operational perspective to WiCA’s mission of supporting women in the industry.

Karina Wood

Project Manager

Karina has joined Women in Construction Anglia (WiCA) as its first official employee, marking an exciting milestone for the organisation. She brings years of experience in project and events management across the charity and hospitality sectors, with a strong passion for building relationships, creating opportunities and bringing people together. Karina is now supporting WiCA’s growth and its mission to inspire and connect the next generation with careers in construction, engineering and infrastructure.