International Women in Engineering Day: Celebrating the Women Shaping Our Future
 

International Women in Engineering Day: Celebrating the Women Shaping Our Future

23.06.2026

 

To mark International Women in Engineering Day, TR is celebrating the talented women across its global business who are helping to drive innovation, solve complex challenges, and shape the future of engineering and technology.

This year the spotlight falls on three colleagues, Grainne Lawlor, Ilaria Balzano and Nicola Howard, whose careers and contributions highlight the diverse opportunities available within the industry. Read their stories below:

Grainne Lawlor, Chief Information Officer

As Chief Information Officer, Grainne Lawlor leads Technology, Digital, Data, and Cyber Security across TR Group globally.


Grainne's career began in finance before progressing through product management, programme leadership, and large-scale technology transformation roles across international businesses.

Driven by a passion for problem-solving and continuous innovation, Grainne believes technology and engineering work hand in hand to transform ideas into practical solutions that deliver real value.

“The people are what I enjoy most about my role,” she said. “Working with talented teams across the globe to solve complex challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes is incredibly rewarding. There is always something new to learn, which is one of the many reasons I still find the industry as exciting today as when I first entered it."

For women and girls considering a career in technology, her advice is simple: “Be curious, be confident, and never be afraid to take the next step, even when you don’t have all the answers. If you're willing to learn, ask questions and embrace change, you'll find there is no limit to where a career in technology can take you. And if technology teaches us anything, it's that standing still is rarely the best option.”

Ilaria Balzano, Product Engineer, Research and Development

Ilaria has been part of the Research & Development team for the past eight years, contributing to the development of innovative products and engineering solutions.


After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ilaria joined the company and has spent the last eight years developing her expertise as a Product Engineer.

Her passion for engineering began with a fascination for understanding how things work and a desire to create practical, tangible solutions.

"I wanted a career that would allow me to contribute to the development of products that make a real-world impact," she explains.

"What I enjoy most is the dynamic nature of product engineering. No two days are the same, and I love the collaborative process of taking an idea on paper and turning it into a functional product.
Working closely with colleagues across different disciplines to solve challenges and bring new ideas to life is incredibly rewarding."

"Engineering and technology are fields open to anyone with curiosity and passion. The industry deeply needs different perspectives and sensitivities to truly innovate.

My advice is to always bring your unique ideas and personal touch to the team with confidence and peace of mind, because diversity is a true asset to any project."

Nicola Howard, Head of IT Operations

As Head of IT Operations, Nicola Howard leads TR Group’s global IT function across Europe, Asia, and the United States, overseeing service delivery, infrastructure, and support.


Nicola's route into technology was unconventional, beginning in customer service management with British Airways before transitioning into IT leadership. The experience helped her develop strong problem-solving and leadership skills that continue to support her success today.

“Technology offers constant opportunities to learn and make a real impact,” said Nicola. “I enjoy working with people, building strong teams, and helping deliver meaningful change across the business.”

Her advice to the next generation is to challenge perceptions about the industry. “There are many different career paths within technology, and there is space for a wide range of skills and perspectives,” she said. “Stay curious, keep learning, and believe that you belong in this space.”

 

Celebrating Women in Engineering

International Women in Engineering Day provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across engineering and technology while encouraging future generations to explore careers in these fields.
At TR Group, women like Grainne, Ilaria, and Nicola continue to demonstrate the value of diverse perspectives, leadership, and innovation in driving progress across the business and the wider industry.

OneTR


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