Celebrating International Women’s Day

Observed globally every March 8, International Women’s Day is both a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder of the work still needed to advance equality. The 2026 theme, Give to Gain, emphasizes that when we offer support, knowledge, or opportunity, the collective impact multiplies far beyond the initial act. Today, Hatch women reflect on how they uplift one another and build spaces where all women can succeed.

	Noqobo Bongoza, Senior Technologist, Project Management Johannesburg, South Africa “I believe that as human beings, we are called to lift one another up so that the world we share becomes a more hopeful place. Education is one of the most powerful forces for transformation, capable of changing lives, families, and entire communities. Guided by this conviction, I have invested in my rural hometown by sponsoring a Grade 10 class in 2024 through a dedicated math and science initiative. My dream is to equip these learners with the skills and confidence they need and to see a 100% matric pass rate in 2026.”
	Paige Greenhough, Global Marketing Manager, Energy and Climate Change Calgary, Canada “Creating space for other women is a commitment that guides how I show up every day. As a mentor with the BMO program at the University of Calgary, I have seen how confidence grows when women feel seen, supported, and advocated for. I build sustainable processes that empower others long after I’ve left the room because I believe in being a force multiplier—someone who helps unlock the potential of many. Championing women in STEM, and as an athlete, championing women in sport as well, is my way of ensuring that talent, ambition, and opportunity rise together. Lifting others up is meaningful to me; it is both a responsibility and a privilege I’m proud to carry.”
	Brittany MacKinnon, Process Engineer, CORE Mississauga, Canada “Mentorship is at the heart of how I support women in engineering, and I’m committed to creating spaces where they feel encouraged, capable, and empowered to grow. Through my leadership with the Queen’s Young Engineering Alumni (QYEA), I’ve had the privilege of helping young professionals build confidence, develop their leadership skills, and access the networks they need to thrive in their careers. My own STEM journey began as a high school robotics student on Team 1334, where I was mentored through the FIRST Robotics program, an experience that shaped my confidence and curiosity. Reflecting on the impact of that early support, I know how transformative strong mentorship, advocacy, and genuine belief in one’s potential can be, and I strive to pay that forward by mentoring the next generation of women in engineering.”
	Isadora Martins, Engineer, Climate Change Belo Horizonte, Brazil “Making space for women has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey at Hatch. As a young leader in the Climate Change practice, I’ve learned that vulnerability can be a powerful catalyst for connection and growth. Being mentored through the Women in Mining Mentoring Program showed me firsthand how transformative it is when women intentionally support one another. It inspired me to cultivate environments where women feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and lead with authenticity.”
	Philadelphia Lala, Chief Legal Officer Mississauga, Canada “Give to Gain resonates deeply with me because I am a product of women who supported, guided, and believed in me. Through mentorship and creating safe spaces inside and outside Hatch, I strive to pay that forward so other women feel safe to ask questions. Safe to challenge respectfully. Safe to make mistakes and learn. Safe to grow into leadership without apology. What we give to one woman never stops with her, it carries forward, because when women thrive, we all rise.”

For more information, please contact:

Lindsay Janca
Global Director, Public Relations
Tel: +1 905 403 4199
Email: media@hatch.com

About Hatch

Hatch is a global engineering, project delivery, and professional services firm. Whatever our clients envision, our teams can design and build. With over seven decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient, and innovative. We draw upon our 10,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve.

Find out more on www.hatch.com/About-Us