Three talented NGNU professionals have been accepted into the prestigious Property Council Australia’s 500 Women in Property program, reinforcing our commitment to championing female leadership in the construction and property sectors.
The 500 Women in Property initiative is a groundbreaking program designed to accelerate high-potential women into senior leadership roles across Australia’s property industry. We’re proud to announce that Michelle Messner, Andrea Chalupkova, and Rachel Mardini have all been selected to participate in this transformative professional development opportunity.
Championing Mature Women in Property: Michelle Messner
Michelle Messner, NGNU’s experienced Project Director, brings over 20 years of expertise across commercial, retail, and education sectors to the program. Her selection reflects her exceptional track record of delivering complex projects for blue-chip clients while consistently exceeding expectations in challenging environments.
“I am seeking to achieve representation for mature women in the property industry who at times seem to go unnoticed,” Michelle explains. “I am passionate about championing mature women in the industry and ensuring our experience and leadership are recognised and valued.”
At NGNU, Michelle has been instrumental in mentoring our Infrastructure Cadetship Program participants, particularly female cadets, encouraging them to pursue leadership positions. Her commitment to developing the next generation of property professionals aligns perfectly with the 500 Women in Property program’s objectives.
Michelle’s expertise in overseeing multidisciplinary teams and driving projects from inception to completion – while maintaining time, cost, and quality targets – makes her an ideal candidate for this prestigious program.
Technical Excellence Meets Leadership Vision: Andrea Chalupkova
Andrea Chalupkova brings two decades of building services construction experience to the 500 Women in Property program. Her impressive portfolio includes high-profile projects such as the Sydney Metro Martin Place Station development, ICC Darling Harbour theatre services, and Western Sydney Stadium redevelopment.
“I aim to deepen my understanding of the property industry while expanding my professional network with like-minded women who are equally passionate about driving positive change,” Andrea shares about her program goals.
Andrea’s extensive qualifications include an MBA (Technology), Master of Engineering (Production), and Graduate Certificate in Facilities Management, complemented by certifications in Prince2 and specialist technical areas. Her proficiency with industry-leading tools like Revit, ArchiCAD, and BMCS enhances her project delivery capabilities.
As an active member of Engineers Australia, APESMA, AIHRA, and the Facility Managers Association, Andrea stays at the forefront of industry best practices, making her perfectly positioned to benefit from the program’s networking and mentoring opportunities.
Rising Leadership in Action: Rachel Mardini
Rachel Mardini represents the emerging generation of property professionals, bringing six years of diverse industry experience and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. Her selection recognizes both her outstanding performance on complex assignments and her dedication to supporting underrepresented groups in the industry.
“I want to learn from other women who are thriving in the field, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges we face together,” Rachel explains. Her vision extends beyond personal development—she aims to serve as a role model for young women entering the property sector.
Rachel’s responsibilities at NGNU span site coordination, stakeholder liaison, and technical problem-solving. Her proactive approach to continuous learning and her current role in mentoring cadets from underrepresented backgrounds demonstrate her natural leadership capabilities.
NGNU’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
These nominations reflect NGNU’s broader commitment to supporting women in the property and construction industries. Our Infrastructure Cadetship Program has been designed with diversity and inclusion at its core, providing pathways for underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in the sector.
The 500 Women in Property program offers participants:
- Mentoring opportunities with established industry leaders
- Professional networking with like-minded professionals
- Leadership development through workshops and strategic sessions
- Career acceleration through enhanced visibility and connections
Building an Inclusive Future
NGNU recognizes that diverse teams deliver better outcomes for our clients and communities. By investing in the professional development of our female staff members, we’re not only supporting individual career growth but also contributing to positive change across the entire property sector.
The success of Michelle, Andrea, and Rachel in securing places in this competitive program demonstrates the calibre of talent within our organization and our commitment to fostering an environment where all professionals can reach their full potential.
Looking Forward
As these three exceptional professionals embark on their 500 Women in Property journey, we expect their enhanced skills, expanded networks, and fresh perspectives to benefit not only their own careers but also NGNU’s broader team and client outcomes.
Their participation reinforces our position as an industry leader committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence. We look forward to supporting their development and seeing how their experiences contribute to shaping the future of Australia’s property sector.
Congratulations to Michelle, Andrea, and Rachel on this outstanding achievement. We’re proud to have such talented advocates for women in property as part of the NGNU team.