Engineering a Better Future
Today we proudly celebrate International Women in Engineering Day as a testament to the invaluable contributions of women within our engineering teams.
This day honours the achievements and expertise of women engineers and those who play pivotal roles in driving innovation and sustainability across our Co-op.
Georgia Couper - Technical Assistant
Georgia began her career at Fonterra as a Technical Graduate with a Mechanical Engineering degree, progressing to roles such as Process Technologist and leading the commissioning of a 30MW Biomass Boiler at Waitoa. Currently, as Technical Assistant to the Technical Excellence Director, she has exposure to various functions including engineering, water, energy, product management, capital projects, and automation, broadening her commercial knowledge and understanding of the co-operative.
"I really enjoy getting a big picture view of what is going on at Fonterra. Embracing challenging roles and unexpected opportunities, supported by mentors, has been key to my career advancement."
"Working at Fonterra has surprised me with its variety of career opportunities and diverse workforce. I am passionate about learning and maximizing my role at work, and outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and maintaining a healthy lifestyle since recently moving to Auckland."
In my current role, I enjoy guiding our Co-op towards achieving strategic goals in sustainability, renewables, and decarbonisation, providing analysis to support business case development for asset investment and material procurement.
Melody Taylor - General Manager, Integrated Operations Centre
Melody is the General Manager of the Integrated Operations Centre at Fonterra, leading a talented team in the realms of Data and AI. Her career in technology and digital began as a consultant, where she learned to focus on business needs and improvement. Working on large scale projects exposed her to the complexities of large organisations and sparked her passion for solving problems using data and digital solutions.
“What I love most about my job is working with my team and the dynamic, exciting nature of digital technology. I prioritised work that I enjoyed and found interesting, which led to incredible opportunities worldwide and the chance to work with amazing people."
"Key decisions that advanced my career included saying yes to challenging roles and moving overseas, which pushed me out of my comfort zone and fostered growth.”
“I am most proud of the people I've led and seeing them thrive in their careers. Returning to work as a new mother was a significant challenge, requiring a balance of confidence and work-life integration. Also, Navigating a field that has historically lacked diversity has taught me resilience and the importance of mentorship and varied perspectives.
Ruella Singh-Ferreira -Senior Business Analyst, COO Asset & Value Chain
Ruella is a Senior Business Analyst within Fonterra’s COO Asset and Value Chain Team. Previously, she served as the Utilities and Facilities Manager at Maungaturoto. With a Chemical Engineering degree and 16 years of experience in the Utilities, Energy, Oil, Gas, and Chemicals industries, she is a Professional Engineer passionate about identifying opportunities, implementing projects, troubleshooting and optimisation.
"In my current role, I enjoy guiding our Co-op towards achieving strategic goals in sustainability, renewables, and decarbonisation, providing analysis to support business case development for asset investment and material procurement."
"My initial career goals involved gaining a broad understanding of various fields, which evolved as I discovered my passions and positioned myself accordingly."
"I’m proud of solving long-standing technical problems and being shaped by great leaders. I’m currently studying towards a Carbon Management qualification and aim to support a sustainable future and help Fonterra achieve its decarbonisation goals."