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Arshin Zaman

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program perfectly aligns with Arshin’s passion of working towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering industry.

Arshin Zaman, Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program participant

Arshin is a chartered engineer with extensive experience in structural design, multidisciplinary coordination and design management across major transport projects including the North East Link and Suburban Rail Loop. Arshin works as a Senior Civil Structures Engineer at a large international engineering consultancy. As an engineer she deals with technical challenges, lots of number crunching and Excel spreadsheets. As a team lead, her focus is to motivate her team to achieve their highest potential by setting goals, forming meaningful relationships and supporting their career growth. Beyond her work on major projects, Arshin is passionate about improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering industry.

What inspired you to apply?

I have never come across a leadership program designed specifically for someone like me – a Woman of Colour. Being a Woman of Colour in engineering, especially in transport infrastructure, can be quite an isolating experience. As a result, I’ve always strived for leadership positions so I can support, nourish, and empower those that don’t have ‘typical’ engineering experience. This program seemed like the perfect opportunity to develop my skills as an authentic leader and further my work in the diversity and inclusion space in the engineering industry.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

My diversity is an asset, not a liability. It has been challenging to flip the script, and I am still working on celebrating my differences. It’s not about learning the skills to become my perception of what a leader is and should be, it’s about being authentically me.

How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?

I find myself using skills I’ve learnt through the program almost every day. Little things like drawing boundaries, communicating directly, and having an adaptive mindset is almost second nature to me now. I’ve definitely evolved as a leader since starting the program in the way I approach challenges.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

Elizabeth Reynolds

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program closely aligns with Elizabeth’s career goals and redefined her approach to leadership, making inclusivity and diversity central to her professional ethos.

Equality

Devika Kumar

With the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Devika rediscovered and embraced her authentic self at work, in her leadership style and in her daily life.

Equality

Lama Tiavo

Lama is the first Pacific woman to complete the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program and is using the skills she learned to advance her career and uplift other Women of Colour alongside her.

Equality

Sana Aziz

The insights that Sana gained through the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program have empowered her to effectively advocate for herself in the workplace.

Equality

Stella Loong

Since completing the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Stella now feels she is part of a sisterhood with her fellow participants and has a lifelong support network around her.

Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program

This program is designed for Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who currently hold or aspire to hold senior leadership roles in their workplaces.

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Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

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