Meet Emma, Waste Operations Manager

Why do you think it is important to support International Women’s Day?

I’m very grateful to live in the UK and have equal rights whether male or female. This hasn’t always been the case in the UK and sadly there is still a number of countries/regions across the world. Hence, I think it’s important to support International Women’s Day and encourage everyone in the UK and abroad that no matter your gender, we’re all human and deserve equal rights and opportunities.

Why should more women and girls choose careers in the waste and energy industry?

It’s a fascinating place the waste and energy industry and affects us all, female or male, old or young. Every day I learn something new about the industry and it challenges me to think about not just work, but how I live/we live, the environment and how we could improve it for the future.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I enjoy the variety of my job, but in particular working with different team members to support their goals and ambitions.

What women inspire you, and why?

My mum inspires me because she stayed at home looking after my brothers and I throughout most of my early childhood whilst my Dad worked away in the armed forces. I think too often, stay-at-home mums aren’t recognised for the job they do. I say job because it is a job and frankly, I know where I’d rather be if given the choice between going to work and looking after three small children!

I’d also really like to learn more about Angela Merkel as I believe she is an extremely clever and influential lady. Her strength, diplomacy and clarity have led Germany very well for the last 16 years and if she hadn’t chosen to step down, I think she’d still be their chancellor today.