Georgina Abou Hamed isn’t your average industrial property student.
She’s one of only a handful of women in her course – a sharp reminder that gender equity in our sector is still a work in progress.
But change is here. And Georgina is part of it.
As the first recipient of the WIN Scholarship for Women, launched in partnership with Western Sydney University (WSU), she’s ready to help shape the future of industrial.
Here’s what inspires her – and what she hopes to achieve next.
Finding her path – and owning it
Georgina didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in industrial property.
Like many students, she left high school without a clear plan.
‘I spent years feeling confused about where I was going,’ she admits. ‘Everyone else seemed to have it figured out – I didn’t.’
Fortunately, Georgina knew her strengths: numbers and a strong work ethic. This made a business degree the logical next step. So she enrolled in the Bachelor of Business at WSU – and discovered the option to major in property.
‘The variety drew me in,’ she says. ‘There are so many directions you can take with this degree. And for someone like me – who was still figuring things out – it made sense.’
Then came WIN’s scholarship for women, which awards recipients $22,500 over three years. Georgina applied. Got it. And things just started falling into place.
‘It felt like a sign that I was on the right track,’ she recalls. ‘And I felt committed to this career path.’
Now in her second year, she’s never felt more certain about her future.
Playing the long game
At WSU, Georgina is exploring everything from valuation to feasibility.
She’s learning the mechanics behind how properties are planned, costed and brought to life.
And while she hasn’t stepped into the industrial property world just yet, she’s already sharpening transferable skills in her current banking role.
That exposure, paired with her studies, has helped Georgina zero in on what she really wants.
‘I love looking at bigger pictures – understanding how a project comes together, how decisions are made and how value is created over time,’ she explains. ‘And one day, I’d like to run my own firm and create spaces that influence how people work and live.’
It’s a big goal. But with the support of the scholarship behind her, Georgina’s got the confidence to chase it.
Making space for women to thrive
Today, female agents comprise less than 4% of total industrial property agents Australia-wide. And while more women are studying property, the numbers still aren’t where they should be – as Georgina can attest.
‘It’s very male-dominated, and that can be taxing at times,’ she admits. ‘I would love to see more women in my course, but that’s not the reality right now.’
At WIN, we’re working to change that.
Through mentorship, education and initiatives like the WIN Scholarship for Women, we’re breaking down the barriers that have historically made industrial feel out of reach for women.
Because we see the value women bring to the sector. And Georgina agrees.
‘We bring different perspectives and ways of thinking,’ she explains. ‘I think women naturally approach problem-solving differently, and that’s so important in an industry like this.’
Georgina hopes that, as more women enter the sector, the culture will continue to shift.
‘I want to see a future where women don’t have to be the only one in their course or their workplace,’ she says. ‘We deserve to take up space.’
Empowering the next generation
As part of our mission to shift the narrative on female representation in industrial, we’re increasing efforts to:
- Engage with high school students to raise awareness about industrial early
- Partner with universities to support women studying industrial property
- Make industrial careers more visible and accessible
For Georgina, our impact has been immediate. ‘Aside from cementing my decision to pursue this path, the financial support from WIN and WSU has eased some pressure,’ she says.
Her advice to other young women considering a career in industrial?
Don’t hesitate – and don’t let the male-dominated landscape scare you off.
‘Being female makes you different,’ she stresses. ‘So use it to your advantage. Bring a new perspective and show them you’ve got what it takes.’
Georgina knows how easy it is to question your place and second-guess your voice. But she’s also learned to back herself and trust her skills.
‘Show them why you’re important – and that you’re capable and ready to do the work,’ she says. ‘Being a woman shouldn’t define how you’re seen.’
It’s time to remove barriers and create space for women to thrive in industrial. And Georgina is proud to be part of that change.
‘We need more women in the room,’ she says. ‘And I’m ready to take up that space.’
Looking to kickstart your career in industrial? Follow WIN on LinkedIn to hear about opportunities at your school or university.
