In the realm of Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work, where long hours and remote locations present unique challenges, we celebrate the inspiring journey of women like Evelyn Auce. From her beginnings as a casual housekeeping staff member to her current role as the village manager at Hope Downs 1, Evelyn's story embodies resilience, dedication, and exceptional leadership.

Her leadership philosophy prioritises a supportive and inclusive culture, which is crucial for empowering women in the workplace. Evelyn’s nurturing leadership style embodies the belief that successful teams thrive in environments that encourage support and belonging. "There is no such thing as a silly question. We learn together, and I always tell my team, 'You don’t need to know everything right away.' It’s crucial for us to ask the right questions at the right time and allow ourselves the patience to grow into our roles."

Through her empowering attitude, Evelyn cultivates a space where everyone, especially women, feels confident to innovate, ask questions, and share their ideas. "I’ve witnessed firsthand how creating a positive environment can lead to remarkable outcomes," she affirms. Evelyn's story exemplifies the power of women's leadership and the impact of supportive mentorship in creating a thriving workplace.

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Evelyn says, "This path has been overwhelming but incredibly rewarding. I’ve faced many learning challenges, but the support from my colleagues has been invaluable. It’s essential to have a team that believes in you." 

Championing Women in the Workplace

In a predominantly male industry, Evelyn embodies the spirit of resilience and empowerment that celebrates women in leadership. She acknowledges the shared experiences many women face, stating, "Sometimes, being a woman in leadership, especially at a young age, can make you feel like you need to prove yourself repeatedly. There were moments when I felt I had to work twice as hard to achieve the same respect as my male colleagues. But this very challenge ignited a fire within me. I learned that my worth is not defined by others' perceptions; it's about the value I contribute through my actions."

Evelyn's journey is not just about her own ambitions; it is deeply rooted in uplifting and supporting her fellow women in the workplace. "It's all about being true to yourself. I remind myself constantly of the skills I bring to the table and the values I stand for. At the end of the day, it's not about how one looks; it's about what one does." This commitment reflects her belief in the power of women banding together to assert their worth.

Inspirational Role Models and Mentoring

Evelyn strongly emphasises the influential role women have played in her life, especially her mother, who has been a beacon of strength and determination. "My mum is my biggest role model. She taught me the value of working hard for what you want in life. Watching her thrive in male-dominated fields inspired me to push my boundaries," she shares proudly.

Evelyn also appreciates the invaluable support she has received from women during her professional journey at Sodexo. Mentors like Merissa Armstrong, Irene Boxall, and Alison Rowe have been crucial to her development. Each of these women has provided not only guidance but also a sense of camaraderie that has fuelled Evelyn's ambition.

"Merissa was the first regional manager I had. She supported my learning experience while challenging me to reach new heights," Evelyn explains. "At times, I felt overwhelmed, but it was through these pressures that I discovered my strength and capacity for growth." This supportive yet challenging environment has been instrumental in shaping Evelyn's career, helping her unearth new skills and abilities she never realised she had.

Evelyn reflects on a significant experience with Merissa: "I can still remember the first time I was given the opportunity to lead a team. I felt a wave of nerves and wasn’t sure if I could rise to the occasion. But Merissa’s support made all the difference. She believed in me, and that was when I began to recognise the importance of self-belief."

Evelyn has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication as a supervisor by fostering a psychologically safe and inclusive environment for her team. Her transition into a management role felt like a natural progression. She actively takes the time to understand each team member's individual strengths and areas for development through cascade coaching and mentoring. As Merissa stated, "Evelyn has a unique ability to connect with each team member, making everyone feel valued and empowered to contribute."

In addition to her key mentors, Evelyn acknowledges the many women in her network who inspire her daily. "Irene taught me the importance of resilience, especially when facing setbacks. Alison showed me how to advocate for myself with confidence in any room," she notes. Their collective wisdom has shaped her perspective and approach to both personal and professional challenges, making her a more formidable leader.

Through her experiences, Evelyn honours the resilience and capabilities of women, drawing inspiration from both her mother and her mentors, who have empowered her to aim higher and embrace her potential. "We are stronger together, and it’s vital to uplift one another," she asserts. Evelyn is committed to paving the way for the next generation of women leaders, hoping to inspire them just as she has been inspired. "I want to give back and help others realise that with determination and support, the sky's the limit."

Empowering Future Leaders

Evelyn is a true champion for celebrating women in the workplace. She passionately advocates for systems and initiatives that uplift and empower them. She emphasises the importance of strong mentorship programs and networking among female employees as essential tools for cultivating future leaders. "We need to create spaces where women can share their experiences, learn from one another, and support each other," she asserts. "It's essential that we not only celebrate women who lead but also create opportunities for others to step into those roles."

With a clear vision for the future, Evelyn is dedicated to ensuring that every woman in her organisation feels valued and empowered. "I want to leave a legacy where every woman knows her worth and understands that leadership is not defined by gender, but by the impact we create together," she explains. This belief fuels her commitment to establishing initiatives that support women's development, reinforcing her view that "we need to create spaces where women can share their experiences, learn from one another, and support each other."

Evelyn’s call to action is powerful: "Let’s continue to inspire each other and break down barriers." She exemplifies the spirit of women in leadership, showcasing how personal strength can align with a dedication to community and inclusion. Her journey at Hope Downs 1 serves as an inspiring reminder that resilience, support, and a genuine passion for uplifting others can lead to a brighter, more equitable future.