Empowering Growth Through Networks of Support

Associate, Manager, Architecture, Gaby Harris , has extensive experience in Transit Architecture, playing a key role in the?NTA Tel Aviv Red Line project . Recently, she successfully guided the interface coordination between the Systems and Fit Out Contractors, driving forward solutions and fostering a collaborative approach across the board.?

As our seventh spotlight of?#WomenofIBI in honour of International Women’s Day and Women’s History month, Gaby Harris recounts how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on gender inclusion have helped cultivate her professional career while breaking barriers for women. She touches on how the shifting perspectives of women in the industry have shaped her experience balancing her career, while supporting her family as a mother.

Our Global Women’s Network (GWN) is an ERG dedicated to elevating the voices of women by cultivating a space for career development, recognizing women’s achievements within the firm, and building community among the women of IBI Group. As an active member of the GWN, Gaby describes the insights she has gained from her involvement.?

“The GWN specifically has been a source of support and confidence building in two ways. Monthly meetings provide a platform for exploration of meaningful topics, allowing members to identify, relate, vent, and generally discuss collective challenges.”

“The network aspect has gained traction in developing a support system; company-wide connections are being made regardless of status, location, and profession. Boundaries have been broken and we are building our professional village.”

Gaby further expresses how being a part of an organization that values gender inclusivity, where she can join networks to empower herself and others facing similar obstacles, has empowered her. She recognized that due to the inclusive space she was developing in, her successes were her own, without any external factors deterring her experience.

“The fact that IBI supports gender inclusivity means that my gender hasn’t been a factor in my professional growth – either positively or negatively – which is how it should be. I have been able to grow as a professional, full stop.”

As a working mother, Gaby describes how the pressures of parenthood while developing a career is often overwhelming, but rewarding. She expresses that watching her three children, Oz, Aya and Sol, grow while witnessing her ten-year project come to life has been a fulfilling experience.

“Although this journey is veiled in the perpetual exhaustion borne of the mental load, it is crucial to take a moment to celebrate small victories, to take pride in your achievements and enjoy the heightened sense of accomplishment that comes with sharing the results of your work with your children."

“This is the pendulum of the working parent. Some days you will feel triumphant and others, overwhelmed. But to be able to stand back and know that we, as part of IBI, have been instrumental in changing the face of the urban fabric, which our children will ultimately use and benefit from, is immensely fulfilling.”

During her professional journey, Gaby has identified three positive practices that have helped women break gender biases within their careers. Through the rejection of entrenched stereotypes and expectations women often face, women are building their own professional principles based on their own core values and beliefs. With positive projection, women are rewriting their stories by creating the change they want to see. By calling out biased behaviour when it does manifest, we are taking an active role towards creating and sustaining more welcoming environments.?

We are proud to create a fulfilling environment for our staff that goes beyond their satisfaction with their work. Through building empowering networks of support, we are designing a future that supports all paths of life.