Gina Yazbek Is Redefining Site Culture From The Ground Up

From founding Commnia in 2000 to revolutionising project communication across Australia’s construction landscape, Gina Yazbek has spent over two decades rewriting the rulebook with code, courage, and conviction.

• • Founder and CEO of Commnia, an end-to-end project management platform used by builders, contractors, and the mining and manufacturing sectors locally and abroad.
  • Bridging two male-dominated industries — construction and technology — with vision, grit, and game-changing digital tools.
  • Built her first software system from scratch to streamline document management, tenders and RFI’s after identifying gaps in site communication.
  • An early advocate for digitising the building process to reduce error, waste, and inefficiency, long before “digital transformation” was a buzzword.
  • Drives cultural change by championing female leadership and making space for women in tech stacks and boardrooms.
  • Committed mentor, educator and guest lecturer at Western Sydney University, preparing the next generation to lead through innovation.
  • Leads with empathy, resilience, and a firm belief in the power of trust, results, and inclusive design.
  • Partners with various industry sectors, including construction, civil, mining and advanced manufacturing.
  • A mission to ensure that the platform can be utilised on small or giant projects by corporations with 1000’s of users or smaller companies with a handful of team members.
  • Transparency and accountability have been part of the mission

“My mission is to show young women they belong in this industry — not only on-site, but at the centre of strategy, innovation, and decision-making.”

In this feature, Gina shares how her bold leap into construction tech shaped a career defined by impact — and why the next generation of industry leaders will not just build differently… they will lead differently.

Can you share your journey into the construction industry? What inspired you to pursue this career, and what is your current role?

In 2000, I founded Commnia (originally Buildtools) to address document management, tendering, and communication inefficiencies. By digitising these processes, we significantly reduced handling times and errors.

My journey into the construction industry began early, influenced by exposure to the industry through peers and family. I saw a vast opportunity to use technology to make things easier and faster.

I did not see it as a male-dominated field – just a place full of innovative opportunities.

As the founder and CEO of Commnia, I aim to listen to and work closely with our users to shape the platform and ensure a user-friendly, robust platform. I am passionate about driving innovation and encouraging young men and women to realise they can make a lasting impact in the construction industry.

The rate at which the tech sector moves will mean the future is full of possibilities, and I am excited to see where the journey takes us.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in construction, and how have you successfully navigated it?

My biggest challenge has been navigating two male-dominated industries – construction and technology.

When I started, women were rare in leadership roles in both fields, and introducing digital tools to a traditionally manual industry was met with some resistance to change. Many were sceptical about technology’s ability to improve efficiency and cut costs.

To overcome this, I focused on building trust by understanding the industry’s challenges and showing how technology could deliver real results. Demonstrating that change was both possible and beneficial helped break down barriers.

Resilience, trust, and proven results were key to overcoming biases. With the support of a diverse team, we have shown that digital transformation is vital for the future of construction.

It has been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I hope my story inspires more women to enter the construction and tech industries – industries that need their voices to drive innovation.

What do you think are the most significant barriers preventing more women from entering the construction industry, and how can ambassadors like yourself help break down these barriers?

There are still real barriers stopping more women from joining construction – mainly outdated stereotypes, a lack of visible female role models, and the perception that it is a male-dominated, physically demanding field. The media and education systems reinforce these ideas by rarely presenting construction as a career path for women.

But things are changing. With the rise of technology and AI, the industry is evolving, creating more roles in project management, data, and innovation that do not rely on physical labour. These are areas where women can shine.

As ambassadors, we have a key role to play. By challenging these outdated views, highlighting modern career paths, and mentoring the next generation, we can help more women see construction as a place where they can thrive – and lead.

What strategies do you use to make your voice heard among the few women on worksites or in meetings?

Being among the few women in the male-dominated construction industry can be challenging. To ensure my voice is heard and my contributions are valued, I focus on confidence in my expertise and building strong relationships based on mutual respect.

As a woman in construction tech, I have learned that authentic leadership is not about being the loudest in the room but about listening first, then speaking with purpose. That is how I make sure my voice carries weight — by contributing insights that reflect deep understanding and help move the conversation or project forward.

What actions or initiatives would you suggest to create more inclusive spaces for women in the construction industry?

Sharing real, positive stories of women in the industry is a powerful way to inspire others to join. Creating environments where women feel safe, respected, and heard is critical to encouraging more women to enter this exciting space. We also need to break down the old perceptions of what construction looks like. Education, hands-on experience, and mentorship from those already in the field all play a vital role in driving this change.

Creating more inclusive spaces for women in construction is an industry-wide change. Diversity and inclusion training, promoting women in leadership, and building support networks are key. Flexible working policies and tackling gender discrimination and harassment are essential for making the industry more welcoming. Celebrating women’s achievements through recognition programmes helps shift perceptions and inspires more women to pursue construction careers. The industry must take action – through training, mentorship, and inclusive policies – to ensure all voices, including women’s, are heard and valued. Together, we can build a construction industry that celebrates diversity and paves the way for future generations.

What impact do you hope to achieve through your role as a Women Building NSW Female Ambassador, and what legacy would you like to leave for future generations?

I am passionate about bridging the gap between construction and the next generation, especially young women. I want them to see the industry not just as hard hats and heavy lifting, but as a space for innovation, leadership, and problem-solving, especially in tech-driven roles.

At Commnia, we are focused on using technology to transform construction. Through my involvement with Western Sydney University, I help students see how digital tools can boost productivity and open doors to exciting career paths.

My goal is to leave a legacy where women join the industry and have opportunities to become leaders. By promoting education, innovation, and inclusivity, I hope to help build a future where women are at the forefront of construction, shaping its future and driving real change.

Who has been a key mentor or role model in your journey—male or female—and how have they influenced your career and leadership style?

Over the past 25 years, I have learned something valuable from everyone I have worked with. Some mentors had not even realised their impact, but their support, insights, and belief in me shaped the leader I am today.

One of my earliest and most important mentors was my husband, Andrew Yazbek. He saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, encouraging me to build my first piece of construction software and start my own business. His passion for solving site issues through technology laid the groundwork for what would become Commnia.

Throughout my journey, I have been privileged to work with many great people, whether CEOs, senior staff, IT professionals, site crews, or labourers on-site. Large and small companies always need to be listened to and are great to work with.

Honestly, some of my greatest inspiration now comes from my two daughters. My eldest is already working in construction, and my youngest is still studying. They constantly challenge my thinking and offer fresh ideas on leadership and strategy. They remind me how important it is to listen to the next generation.

That is why I am passionate about paying it forward – mentoring women in construction and tech, and helping create spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Can you share a formative experience that shaped your leadership vision and approach? How has this influenced your role as an ambassador in mentoring and supporting others?

One moment that shaped my leadership approach happened early on with Commnia. We were working with a major construction company to digitise their document management, and there was a lot of resistance. Instead of pushing back, I joined the team on-site, listened closely, and worked alongside them to understand their day-to-day. That experience taught me leadership starts with empathy – listening, learning, and showing how change can solve real problems.

It is a lesson that has stuck with me. As a mentor and ambassador, I focus on listening first, supporting others through the challenges of stepping into new roles, and encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities. Young, old, male or female – nurturing others to develop confidence in their abilities and create their own space to feel heard, valued, and empowered to lead is essential.

What milestones has the construction industry achieved in advancing gender equality, and what initiatives or changes would you like to see to make it more inclusive and welcoming for women?

The construction industry has come a long way in advancing gender equality. Programs like Women Building NSW or associations such as NAWIC are helping to create vital support networks, showcasing role models, and encouraging more women to step into leadership. We still face long-standing challenges like breaking outdated stereotypes and creating truly inclusive site cultures.

We need to keep pushing for systemic change – starting with unbiased recruitment and promotion practices, stronger policies around equal pay, and everyday respect on site. Mentorship programs and education campaigns are also key to showing the next generation that there is a place for them in every corner of this industry, from the boardroom to the building site.

Ultimately, it is about creating a construction industry where women are not just welcomed – they are expected, empowered, and treated as equals

What is your advice for women considering a career in construction, and how can ambassadors like yourself help make their journey smoother?

To any woman considering a career in construction – go for it!

This industry is dynamic, constantly evolving, and full of opportunities – especially for women who bring fresh perspectives and a passion for innovation. Do not let the old stereotypes hold you back. Your voice, ideas, and leadership are not only welcome, but they are also needed.

Now more than ever, women thrive across all areas – from on-site supervision to leading tech-driven transformation. As automation replaces many physically demanding roles, there is a growing demand for strategic, tech-savvy leaders. Women are perfectly positioned to step into roles in project management, digital innovation, AI integration, and data analytics, shaping the future of construction.

As ambassadors, our role is to smooth that path, offering guidance, sharing real experiences, and helping others see what is possible. We advocate for visibility, mentorship, and inclusion. Most importantly, we work to ensure the next generation knows that construction is not just a career option but a place where women can lead, innovate, and leave a legacy.