Jo was introduced to Karinya House when she was asked to construct the Strathnairn Charity House with Hands Across Canberra and Master Builders ACT.

Following the successful auction and donation of funds, Jo has become a regular face at Karinya House, attending committee meetings, the Women for Women circle and coordinating maintenance and trades activities when needed.

Jo has spent 30 years in the construction industry and runs her own consulting and advisory company, as well as being the founder of registered charity Build Like A Girl and Chair for the ACT chapter of Housing All Australians.

Jo advocates strongly for women in construction and partners with other organisations and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver employment pathway programs, mentoring and training to encourage more women to become tradies.

She has been Nationally recognised for her work, receiving the Australian Institute of Building Professional Excellence award in 2025, as well as the ACT Australian of the Year and ACT Woman of the year in 2024. Most recently Jo has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, to implement targeted strategies for women in construction management undergraduate and Master’s studies.