COX Women Connect in Melbourne
COX Director, Eliza Suffren
A family is an extension of life, not a new one. You shouldn’t have to choose between work and family but be supported to find a balance and I’ve had that at COX.
Architecture continues to be swept up in a wave of change, driven by new generations demanding greater inclusion, work/life balance, gender equity, pay parity and opportunities to realise their full potential.
COX Women Connect is a Melbourne studio initiative designed to encourage open conversations about these very topics while fostering relationships and celebrating the team. Bringing together 1:1 and group mentoring, external speakers, social events and leadership learnings, the initiative is fast gathering momentum led by architectural graduates Amelia Cooper and Marta Parra Vázquez with Associate Elizabeth Stonehouse.
Recently, the COX Melbourne women gathered to hear from Directors’ Christina Prodromou and Eliza Suffren. They shared insights into their respective career journeys and tips for balancing work, life, family and wellbeing (while freely admitting they’re not always perfect!)
Some of the other topics discussed included their pathways towards leadership roles, the many mentors who supported them through guidance and finessing of skills, and overcoming barriers and historical gender norms.
A warm thank you to Christina and Eliza for sharing these leadership insights. For more info on gender equity in the profession, see the Parlour Guides to Equitable Practice and Champions of Change Architecture.