Following a dream across generations: Meet Roshi 

It was Roshi’s grandmother who inspired her to become an engineer.

Her grandmother had always wanted to study engineering. But back then women were expected to get married and have children – pursuing a career simply wasn’t an option. 

“She's my biggest inspiration and I wanted to be like her, so I decided to take up engineering and I’m really glad I did.” 

Roshi chose to follow the dream her grandmother couldn’t, and today she’s a Process Engineer at Greater Western Water helping to run the Southern Recycled Water Plants.  

Her role focuses on monitoring plant performance, improving operations and making sure the community has safe, reliable sanitation services every day. 

Like many women in STEM careers, Roshi works in a field that’s still largely male-dominated. For her, that experience has been a powerful learning – not just professionally, but personally. 

“Something I’ve learnt – and am still learning – about myself in a male-dominated industry, is how to speak up. I’m naturally a quieter person, but I'm proud to be myself here. Being around people who confidently share their ideas has helped me find my own voice.” 

Roshi wearing her GWW uniform in front of a recycled water plant.

Support from other women in engineering has played a big role in her journey. From her first mentor as a graduate engineer to her current team leader, Roshi says seeing women lead in operations has been inspiring. 

“I’ve had the honour to work with and learn from some amazing women in the engineering field. Seeing the way they shine and lead inspires me – they show real courage while leading with compassion.” 

Learning from her mentors has given Roshi the confidence to lead innovative projects of her own. One highlight is a nanobubbles pilot trial at the Bacchus Marsh Recycled Water Plant, where Greater Western Water became the first water corporation in Australia to trial this cutting-edge technology. 

“This trial provided great exposure and experience to kickstart my career."

Roshi’s advice to young women considering a career in STEM is simple: go for it.

“Who cares if there aren't many people like you in the field. As a woman of colour, I don’t see many people like me. But even with our differences, we share the same goals and passion for the work. Those similarities and differences help us grow both personally and as a team.” 

By stepping into spaces where women have historically been underrepresented, Roshi’s not only building a meaningful career, but also carrying forward a dream that began generations ago.