Raquel Manning Is Leading With Purpose, Rewriting Industry Norms, And Driving Inclusion In Construction

Raquel reflects on her evolution from growing up around development sites to founding her own company, breaking gender barriers, and championing the visibility of women across all levels of the built environment.

• Grew up surrounded by the property industry — the daughter of a developer, which sparked an early intuition for navigating construction challenges with insight and resilience.
• Brings 34 years of diverse experience, spanning co-ownership of plumbing, renovation, and building companies before founding Blue Diamond Property Group a decade ago.
• Currently leads the sale of commercial development sites, acting as a vital connector between builders, developers, and funders with a uniquely informed and strategic perspective.
• Entered an industry that once expected women to “make coffee and answer phones” — and used knowledge, perseverance, and grit to challenge outdated stereotypes.
• Continues to combat the remnants of the boys’ club mentality by showing up, speaking out, and advocating for systemic change that empowers women and values their expertise.
• A firm believer that education and visibility are key to attracting more women to construction, actively promotes opportunities and support networks in the sector.
• Leads with a strong sense of purpose, credibility, and kindness and was mentored by her father to balance skill with grace, and resilience with empathy.
• Celebrates the power of global recognition and public platforms to inspire women to aim high, believe in their worth, and lead with courage.
• Champions early intervention in schools and mentoring initiatives to ensure young women know construction is a career option where they can thrive and lead.

Defying the status quo isn’t just about breaking barriers – it’s about building a future where diversity and innovation thrive. By challenging the norms, we create spaces where every voice is valued and every contribution is celebrated. Let’s construct a more inclusive and dynamic industry, one project at a time.

In this feature, Raquel shares her journey of entrepreneurial grit, industry transformation, and her commitment to opening doors for the women who follow.

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

Growing up as the daughter of a property developer, the industry has always felt like home ground. This background has allowed me to develop an instinct for the construction industry and the ability to navigate its complex challenges with expertise. My 34-year journey has spanned many facets of the industry, including co-owning commercial and maintenance plumbing, development and building, plus renovation companies. With this extensive experience, I founded Blue Diamond Property Group 10 years ago and now sell commercial development sites. I work closely with top industry experts, building relationships with builders, developers, and funders. My role as the conduit, combined with my knowledge and expertise, makes my business unique.

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

When I started in the industry, women were expected to make the coffee and answer the phones. The desire to learn more and gain acceptance and recognition for my contributions has driven me throughout my journey. The persistent exclusion of women fuels my mission. Despite the obstacles and remnants of a boys’ club mentality, I remained steadfast in challenging the status quo, redefining norms, and creating a more inclusive industry for future generations of women. I know firsthand the struggles of proving my knowledge and talent.  I have always worked to change this. I wanted to be the change the industry needs to see.

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?

One of the most significant barriers preventing more women from entering the construction industry is the limited knowledge of the many opportunities and support available in the sector. We can attract more women into the industry through education and increased awareness. By highlighting women’s diverse career paths and success stories in construction, we can inspire and encourage more women to consider this field.

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

Knowledge is a key factor for you to lead confidently in a meeting. I also consciously try to actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share my insights. Building strong relationships with colleagues who support gender equality is another key strategy, as they can help amplify my voice and advocate for inclusive practices. I would love to see men create promotional events encouraging women to enter the sector.

Do you believe ambassadors are more prominent in today’s generation than 10 years ago? If so, how has this role evolved, and why is it significant in driving change?

Yes, ambassadors have been breaking down barriers for decades, creating change, and paving the way for future generations of females to thrive in the property and construction industry. This is driven by us who have gone before to share our stories and experiences and celebrate our successes.

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?

My legacy would be one of lasting change and progress. I aspire to leave behind a construction industry that is more diverse, equitable, and welcoming to women. I hope to see more women in leadership roles contributing their unique perspectives and skills to the industry. By fostering mentorship and providing opportunities for professional growth, I want to ensure that future generations of women have the support and resources they need to succeed.

Ultimately, I want to be remembered as someone who significantly impacted the construction industry by championing gender equality and empowering women to achieve their full potential.

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?

Winning my first Global award was a formative experience that significantly shaped my leadership vision and approach. This recognition validated my hard work and dedication and highlighted the importance of perseverance and resilience in a male-dominated field. It was a moment of immense pride and a turning point in my career that also led to doing my first Global keynote talk in London last year.

I know that I can inspire women in the industry and that we can be nationally and globally recognised for our contribution and success in this challenging industry.

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?

When I first started in the industry in 1993, only 2% of women were involved. Over the past three decades, this has slowly increased to 14%. In the early years, women were not encouraged to join the industry.   Seeing how far we’ve come is inspiring, but there’s still much work to be done. However, the next generation benefits from the women who have led before them and can now mentor and help them navigate their careers. Many industry organisations for women were unavailable before; however, now, there are support, networking opportunities, and resources to help women succeed in construction. I want more programs and training developed within the school system.

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

Construction is a field that can underestimate women. My advice for women considering a career in construction is to follow their passion, stay curious, and never be afraid to ask questions. The construction industry needs their unique perspectives and talents.

You have so much potential to succeed and make a real difference in the industry.

As ambassadors, we can help guide them on the right path and help them avoid the pitfalls we encountered along the way.