Marching forward to accelerate action this International Women's Day
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate some of the inspiring women who aren’t just talking about change—they’re making it happen.
From engineering and innovation to communications and heavy vehicle driving, these women have forged their own paths, challenged expectations, and pushed boundaries in their industries.
Each of them bring a unique perspective, but they share a common drive: to create more inclusive workplaces, uplift those around them, and take action—not just for themselves, but for future generations.
Nazanin Rafati – Head of Innovation Portfolio Management
My family immigrated to New Zealand from Iran when I was seven. I arrived without knowing a word of English. Growing up in Tauranga, I was lucky to have great friends and experienced a typical Kiwi upbringing but with traditional Middle Eastern parents who instilled in me a deep value for education.
During my final year studying Biotechnology at The University of Auckland, I led the Challenges Committee for the university’s entrepreneurial organization, which led me to Fonterra’s Graduate Programme and eventually a role as an Ice Cream Scientist.
My career then took me to Shanghai, where I worked with major quick-service restaurant customers like McDonald’s to develop innovative products. After nearly four years abroad, I returned to New Zealand to deepen my understanding of business operations and enhance visibility around end-to-end innovation at Fonterra.
At the core of my journey is a passion for transforming scientific knowledge into business value and understanding the ecosystem that drives successful innovation.
I advocate for women in the workplace by sharing ideas, creating inclusive spaces, and pushing for flexible work arrangements—something that has been essential in helping me thrive as both a professional and a mum. My advice to new mothers: build a strong support network, ask for help, and remember that balancing both worlds is possible.
I advocate for women in the workplace by sharing ideas, creating inclusive spaces, and pushing for flexible work arrangements—something that has been essential in helping me thrive as both a professional and a mum.
Being a mother has influenced my approach to work and leadership, though my core values remain unchanged. It’s taught me the importance of patience and the value of focusing on long-term goals, recognising that building a successful career is a marathon, not a sprint.
To me, moving forward means saying yes without guilt. As you progress in life and your career, responsibilities increase, and the perfect time may never come. So, don't be afraid to seize opportunities as they arise, because second chances are rare.
International Women’s Day is a wonderful reminder to reflect on and appreciate all the women in my life who support me in their unique ways. Whether it's my mum, who is the mother I aspire to be, my older sister, who’s always been my guardian and a role model of professional success and work ethic, friends who are chasing their dreams from traveling the world to being full-time mums, or colleagues who make work so much more than just a 9-5 job.
Anna Wei - Energy Engineer
I began my career as a Graduate Energy Engineer through the EECA and Fonterra partnership programme, joining the Energy and Climate team. When the programme ended in 2023, I transitioned into my current role as an Energy Engineer at Fonterra.
Exploring more of Aotearoa New Zealand has deepened my appreciation for our natural resources and the importance of preserving them. That’s why I’m so passionate about sustainability and the future of our planet in the face of climate change. Knowing that my work contributes to a more sustainable world is what motivates me every day.
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who taught me resilience, confidence, and how to navigate the workplace as a young professional.
For women considering a career in engineering, my advice is simple—don’t be intimidated. Many people, regardless of gender, are willing to support and share their knowledge with you.
It’s been great to see progress in workplace inclusivity, but there’s still work to do. True equality means not holding back from opportunities because of gender. Creating an inclusive environment is a shared responsibility—we all have a role to play.
Creating an inclusive environment is a shared responsibility—we all have a role to play.
Reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, I want to push myself further by embracing change, stepping out of my comfort zone, and actively seeking new opportunities that challenge me.
Heather Doudle – L5b Tanker Operator
I was a stay-at-home mum for 20 years, but when I decided to re-enter the workforce, I took on the challenge of earning my Class 5 Truck Licence. From there, I looked for driving roles that balanced work and family life, eventually gaining the skills needed to become a tanker operator at Fonterra.
Being a mum to my large family is my greatest achievement. My family is my world, so making the most of my time with them is always a priority.
To me, International Women’s Day means one thing—Go the Girls! I have four daughters, and my hope is to make them proud and inspire them to chase any dream they set their minds to.
My advice to women wanting to march forward? Don’t be afraid to go after what you want! Take every opportunity that comes your way, give it a shot, and don’t let fear hold you back. It’s always better to try and fail than to never try at all.
Every day, more women are stepping into heavy vehicle driving roles, and in the next five years, I hope to see even more using their skills and knowledge to move into leadership positions.
Renu Nair – Head of Communications – South East Asia
Like my parents, I was born and raised in Singapore where meritocracy means hard work opens doors, and opportunities are there for those willing to reach for them. Our roots trace back to Kerala, India where historically matrilineal traditions probably gave women more quiet influence than in many other regions.
I didn’t plan on a career in communications; I found my way here by following opportunities, like Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road. I love the strategy, the storytelling, and the power of an authentic, thoughtfully crafted message to shift perceptions, move people, and sometimes, change the game entirely.
From left to right: Sarah Counsell, GM Communications, Global Markets and Renu Nair
I’ve been lucky to have leaders who’ve shown me that great communication isn’t just about speaking - it’s about listening. The best mentors don’t hand you answers, they help you dig deep, ask better questions.
The real shift we need is systemic change - fewer ‘women in leadership’ panels and more women in leadership, period. Not just those who fit the traditional mould of what a leader looks like. Real progress isn’t about the optics or the right words, it’s about challenging the system so we don’t have to keep having the same conversations.
To me, marching forward means no more waiting for the ‘right’ time. Whether it’s speaking up, making decisions, or quietly chipping away at change, momentum doesn’t build itself - it’s made in the small, intentional steps we take every day.
I advocate for myself and other women in the workplace by making space. As a communicator, that means amplifying voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard and ensuring that confidence isn’t mistaken for competence. Sometimes this means taking up space myself, something I still struggle with. Too often, we second-guess, hold ourselves back, or wait for the right moment and more often than not, the biggest barrier isn’t the system, it’s us standing in our own way.
To me, marching forward means no more waiting for the ‘right’ time. Whether it’s speaking up, making decisions, or quietly chipping away at change, momentum doesn’t build itself - it’s made in the small, intentional steps we take every day.