Emma Porter: Pioneering Gender Equality in Rail & Construction

Bridges of Progress: Emma Porter, MD, of Story Construction stands tall—her vision a beacon for those who follow. As the sun sets on gender stereotypes, she lays the tracks for a more equitable and vibrant rail industry.

As the sun rises over the steel tracks of the railway, Emma Porter, MD, stands at the intersection of progress and tradition. Her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and fostering an inclusive working environment has transformed the rail and construction industries. Let us delve into the remarkable journey of this trailblazer.

Listen to Emma's Journey and helpful tips on the podcast below

The Rise of Emma Porter

Emma’s story begins with a passion for infrastructure. Armed with determination and a degree in civil engineering, she embarked on a career that would defy norms. Her early days were marked by challenges—often the only woman in boardrooms and construction sites—but Emma’s resilience fueled her ascent.

Emma’s influence hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was recently named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Engineering—a well-earned recognition that highlights her drive to make the industry more inclusive. And she’s not just talking about change; she’s making it happen. From tackling unconscious bias in hiring practices to questioning long-standing workplace norms (like unnecessarily early start times that make life harder for working parents), she’s committed to breaking down barriers.

One of Emma’s biggest messages? Diversity isn’t just good for women—it’s good for everyone. She’s a firm believer that inclusive teams aren’t about ticking boxes; they’re about better business, better problem-solving, and stronger industries. That’s why she founded the Women in Story working group and has driven Story Contracting’s award-winning approach to investing in people.

The construction and rail sectors have long been seen as ‘not for women,’ but Emma Porter is proving otherwise. With an aging workforce and growing demand for skilled workers, she’s pushing for more young people—men and women alike—to consider careers in engineering, construction, and plant hire. And she’s not just calling for change from the sidelines; she’s rolling up her sleeves and making it happen.

Women in Rail: A Movement Gains Momentum

Emma’s pivotal role in the Women in Rail initiative exemplifies her commitment to change. As the Construction Director at Story Contracting, she spearheaded the creation of a group advocating for gender equality within the company. Emma’s vision transcends mere numbers; it’s about recognizing talent, irrespective of gender or background. She believes that diverse and inclusive workplaces benefit everyone, not just women. >Women in Rail<

The EDI Charter for Rail: A Collaborative Commitment

Emma’s influence extends beyond Story Contracting. She partnered with the Railway Industry Association (RIA) to launch the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Charter for Rail. This groundbreaking initiative unites over 200 organisations across the UK rail industry. The Charter’s core commitments include:

1. EDI Champions: Emma champions the appointment of senior leaders as EDI advocates.

2. Action Plans and Progress Monitoring: Organisations commit to transparently track their progress.

3. Training and Education: Opportunities for employees to learn and grow.

4. Inclusive Culture: Creating safe spaces for open dialogue.

5. Accessible Recruitment and Progression: Attracting and retaining diverse talent.

Striving for Balance: Emma’s Legacy

Emma’s legacy lies in her unwavering pursuit of balance. She envisions a rail industry where women thrive, where merit triumphs over bias. Her mantra—“It’s not about saying women are better than men; it’s about fairness”—resonates across boardrooms and construction sites alike. Emma’s leadership ensures that Story Contracting’s future is female-friendly, and her impact reverberates throughout the sector.

“Making Bridges for Progress”

Emma’s legacy is etched in the very foundations of our infrastructure, reminding us that progress knows no gender boundaries. Emma's her journey continues, inspiring generations to come. >Story Construction<

Note from the Editor: Emma’s dedication to advocating for women’s equality is truly inspiring and deserves recognition. As beneficiaries of her work, let’s come together to nominate her for an OBE—her impact speaks for itself! >> CLICK HERE<<

Helpful Resources for Women in Construction & Engineering

Breaking into the construction and engineering industries as a woman can feel daunting, but the good news is there are fantastic organizations, networks, and training programs designed to support and guide you. Whether you're looking for mentorship, apprenticeships, funding, or just a community of like-minded women, these resources can help you take the next step in your career. From scholarships to job boards and networking groups, here are some of the best places to start your journey:

Where to Find Support & Opportunities

🔹 Women into Construction – A UK-based organization providing training, mentoring, and job placements for women in the industry. women-into-construction.org

🔹 National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) – A global network offering education, career support, and networking opportunities. nawic.org

🔹 The Female Lead: Women in Engineering & Construction – A platform sharing inspiring stories and advice from successful women in the field. thefemalelead.com

🔹 STEM Women – A career network connecting women with employers in STEM fields, including engineering and construction. stemwomen.co.uk

🔹 Equate Scotland – A dedicated organization supporting women in STEM through workshops, mentorships, and job opportunities. equatescotland.org.uk

🔹 Go Construct – A UK-wide initiative offering career advice, apprenticeship information, and industry insights. goconstruct.org

These resources can help you gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in construction and engineering. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, there’s a strong community ready to support you! 🚀👷‍♀️

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