International Women’s Day at G&H: Women Powering Optics and Photonics

At G&H, progress is made in thousands of moments - a careful splice, a refined process, a better design, a stronger customer outcome, a new way of working. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to pause and recognise the women who bring these moments to life across manufacturing, R&D, engineering, product design, process improvement and leadership.

This year, we’re sharing a collection of inspirational women: a look at apprentices entering STEM through hands-on learning, an interview with Karen Hall on advanced space communications, and a set of team spotlights that show the breadth of expertise and achievements across G&H.

Rhea Winsor, Engineering Apprentice (G&H Torquay)

Rhea joined the G&H apprenticeship programme in 2024, driven by curiosity and a desire to solve problems, starting at G&H as an operator before stepping into an engineering apprenticeship pathway. Since then, she’s built experience in procedure writing, device investigations, and working with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) devices, while also developing independence and confidence through mentoring support.

Audrey Chittenden, Commercial Apprentice (G&H Torquay)

Audrey began her commercial apprenticeship in 2024, drawn to an approach that combines learning with practical experience. Rotations across departments have broadened her knowledge and helped build transferable skills, from sales order processing and customer updates, to handling engineering change orders and producing procedure documents, alongside developing confidence and valuable knowledge of administration systems and engineering softeware.

Karen’s story is a reminder that careers in STEM aren’t one-size-fits-all. Across more than two decades at G&H Torquay, she has taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities guided by a practical, holistic approach: understanding how each contribution supports the wider mission.

• A journey built through variety: experience across teams and project areas over two decades at G&H Torquay.
• Impact at global scale: contributing to a project that helped make space communications history.
• A mindset for what’s next: applying fibre expertise to challenges like undersea networks.

Amber Contant - North American Sales Director, Optical Systems, Aerospace & Defense

"What inspires me most in my role is the real-world impact of our technology, our products enable systems that protect people, advance science and solve complex challenges across many industries, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know our work contributes to something bigger than ourselves. For women entering optics, my advice is to stay curious and don’t be intimidated: you’re always learning, you don’t need to know everything on day one, and what matters most is being willing to ask questions, learn from those around you and speak up, this industry benefits from diverse viewpoints, and your perspective belongs in the room. For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating women in every part of my life, both the talented women I work alongside at G&H and across the photonics community, and the friends and family I’m lucky to have, because I’m continually inspired by what we accomplish together and the diversity of strengths and experiences women bring to the world."

Maryam Kardan - Principal Hardware Systems Engineer R&D (G&H | ITL)
"A significant amount of my role is life sciences software design. Even small changes in design, such as improving a user interface, can make a real difference, and the thought that my work could ultimately help save someone’s life is incredibly inspiring. My advice to anyone entering engineering is to focus on simple, secure solutions rather than overengineering, and to spend time thoroughly testing and challenging your designs. International Women’s Day is also a reminder that many women around the world are doing the same work while still having to push harder for equal recognition and overcome stereotypes along the way.”

"What inspires me most is seeing how advanced photonic technologies move from concept to real-world impact. It's a privilege to work closely with our engineers who are solving incredibly difficult technical challenges. Helping share their stories is both intellectually rewarding and personally meaningful.

Photonics and engineering fields need a wide range of perspectives and skill sets - not just traditional technical roles. Be curious, ask questions, and don't hesitate to speak up. The more you engage and build your understanding, the more confident you'll become.

International Women's Day is a moment to recognize the many women contributing to industries that have traditionally been male-dominated. It's an opportunity to reflect on how we can continue to create environments where women are encouraged to grow, lead, and bring new perspectives to complex challenges. Diversity of talent strengthens the entire field."

International Women’s Day matters because representation, opportunity and support shape what the future workforce looks like. At G&H, we’re proud to spotlight the women across our business, and we’re equally committed to creating pathways that help more women enter, stay and thrive in STEM.

Three commitments we’ll keep delivering

• Pathways into STEM: hands-on routes into engineering and commercial careers through apprenticeships and early-career programmes.
• Support that builds confidence: mentorship, learning through real projects, and development that grows with each challenge.
• Visibility and celebration: recognising the expertise and impact women bring across engineering, manufacturing, R&D and leadership.