Mett Genna
Genna Rourke has worked in the construction industry for 20 years, but her route into it was not carefully mapped out from the start. After finishing her master’s degree, she was simply looking for a job within travelling distance of home and applying for anything she could. When an interview came up for a Quantity Surveyor role, she took the opportunity and never looked back. What began as a job soon became a career that challenged her, shaped her, and gave her a real sense of purpose.
Over the last two decades, Genna has progressed from QS into senior commercial roles and has since moved into the technology side of the industry for a new challenge. Based in North Wales and working from home, she brings practical industry experience, commercial understanding, and a very real appreciation of what it takes to build a career in a demanding sector whilst also being a mum. She is open about the fact that construction has not always been easy. Like many women in the industry, she has had to work hard to be heard, to prove herself, and to keep going through the tougher moments. Those experiences have helped shape the way she now leads, supports others, and speaks about the profession.
Genna is currently serving as Vice President of CICES and will become President in 2027. Her presidential theme will focus on women in construction, reflecting a subject she cares deeply about and has championed throughout her career. She is passionate about raising visibility, creating stronger support networks, and encouraging honest conversations about both the challenges and opportunities for women in the industry. Through the CICES Women’s Network, she wants to help ensure more women feel seen, supported, and confident to progress, whilst inspiring the next generation to see construction and civil engineering as a place where they belong.