Process Engineer secures position on IChemE International Congress

Gabriela Campos Balzat, a Process Engineer in our Auckland Water Team has secured a position on the IChemE International Congress.

IChemE is the international professional body for Chemical Engineers, with Chartered Memberships valid anywhere in the world. For the past year, Gabriela has been the IChemE Auckland Committee Chair and represented Auckland on the New Zealand IChemE Board, after having been involved as a committee member since 2019. In recognition of her outstanding contribution in these positions over the last few years, she was nominated by the IChemE NZ for the Early Career Representative seat at the International Congress.

After a month of campaigning, Gabriela was elected by her Chemical Engineer peers. In the new role, she hopes to bring a new perspective, one that is representative of Oceania, women, and immigrants.

“Joining the International Congress is an amazing opportunity for me to help make a difference on a global scale, allowing me to help shape the future of IChemE. I will use this opportunity to promote the female voice from an immigrant's perspective whilst representing the interests of New Zealand and the APAC region at an international level.”

The International Congress is a member advisory board comprising up to 40 volunteer members all around the world. The role includes reviewing and advising on changes to the governance and operation of IChemE, as well as providing a member’s view to the institution on strategic initiatives.

Gabriela was initially interested in joining IChemE because of the focus on specialist interest areas, including Water and Wastewater, “I wanted to be involved in a professional network, full of people with similar passions, in which I knew I’d be able to valuably contribute. It’s been a great opportunity to learn an extraordinary amount from other chemical engineers, to meet people, and to share my expertise.”

Nick Caulton, Business Group Leader – Northern Water, commented, “To see how far Gabriela has progressed with the Institution of Chemical Engineers is an extremely proud moment for myself and the team, and reflective of Gabriela's determination, commitment and passion for bringing a voice to women and migrants. To see our people progress and thrive in their areas of interest is a testament to the supportive kaupapa that our teams strive for and the brilliance of our Water Wāhine Toa.”

For further information contact:

Nick Caulton
Water Engineer
Business Group Leader – Northern Water
+64 2 7207 1271
Nick.Caulton@ghd.com