Celebrating the Women of AKD.

Throughout March on our social channels, we’ve been celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing the stories of women across our sites and teams – highlighting the role they play in shaping AKD.

Diana Jaramillo – Quality Manager, Caboolture

For Diana Jaramillo, quality is about driving meaningful, lasting outcomes. As Quality Manager at AKD Caboolture, she is responsible for continuous improvement, compliance and strengthening quality management systems across the site. Diana plays an important part in ensuring quality decisions deliver real outcomes for customers and the business. “You can see how quality decisions directly affect product performance, safety and customer satisfaction,” she says.

Diana was drawn to the manufacturing and timber industry by the balance of technical challenge and practical application. With a strong interest in problem‑solving and system improvement, she enjoys working in an environment where data, process and collaboration come together to deliver measurable results. “It’s a dynamic industry where the work you do genuinely makes a difference,” she explains.

What makes Diana most proud is seeing improvements translate into stronger outcomes for customers and the business. Knowing her work contributes to more consistent products, better processes and long‑term success is what motivates her every day.

A passionate learner, Diana says AKD has supported her growth both professionally and personally, giving her opportunities to build her expertise, confidence and leadership capability while continuing to learn on the job.

Her advice to other women considering a career in the industry is clear and encouraging: “The work is rewarding, the learning never ends, and the industry truly values the energy and insight we bring.”

Gen Ryan – National Talent Attraction & Development Manager

For Gen Ryan, building strong teams starts with people – finding the right talent and supporting their growth over time. As AKD’s National Talent Attraction & Development Manager, Gen focuses on strengthening the workforce by bringing the right people into the business and supporting their learning, capability and career development. She has been with AKD for just over five years.

Gen was initially drawn to the role because it allowed her to combine her background in Learning and Development with Organisational Development. What has kept her at AKD, however, is the people and the culture. “The people and the culture are what make this place,” she says, and they continue to motivate her work every day.

Throughout her career, Gen has worked closely with and been supported by many male leaders who championed her growth and development. At the same time, having fewer female leaders to learn from meant carving her own path by defining, refining, and embodying what leadership could look like for her.
As she puts it, “It’s meant developing my leadership style from the inside out. I had to recognise my strengths, value the perspective I bring, and do the personal work required to build real clarity and confidence.”

Rather than focusing on individual achievement, Gen measures success through those around her. “I’m proud of the efforts of the team I’m part of, regardless of whether I’m the leader or not. You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.” A lifelong learner, Gen says AKD has supported her to stretch herself, including taking on new programs of work and completing her second postgraduate qualification in 2023.

Emma Methven – Drymill Manager, Colac

Emma Methven didn’t start out with a plan to move into leadership – it just happened along the way. Now the Colac’s Drymill Manager, Emma oversees the dry process and leads teams within a key part of the operation. Coming up on eight years with AKD, her journey is one of learning on the job, backing herself, and stepping into opportunities as they arose.

Emma’s AKD story began through what she calls “pure luck.” After hearing it was a great place to work, she applied as a process worker. Within her first two years, she stepped into a team leader role and began what would become her leadership climb within the business.

Like many first‑time leaders, Emma learned by doing. “I’ve made mistakes and learnt from them just like any other person who has never been a leader,” she says. Each role helped build her confidence and shape her approach.

What Emma is most proud of is the progress she’s seen for women in the industry. “There are more women in the industry now than there ever has been, and we’re making it into production leadership positions. That’s a massive win for gender equality in a typically male‑dominated area.” Stepping into both supervisor and manager roles stands out as a defining moment. “I never saw myself as a leader but through speaking with other women, I’ve realised I’m setting an example of what they could achieve if given the opportunity.”

Emma credits the support and encouragement she’s received from her peers throughout her journey, helping her grow into each role with confidence.

Her advice is simple and honest: “The only thing standing in your way of becoming a leader is you. If you can get out of your own way, nothing can stop you.“

Sharon Christie‑Johnston – HR/Payroll Coordinator, Oberon

Sharon Christie‑Johnston, HR/Payroll Coordinator, is a well‑known and respected part of AKD Oberon, bringing an incredible 46 years to the site. Growing up in Oberon, a true timber town, and inspired by her father’s long career in forestry, Sharon always knew the timber industry was something she wanted to be part of.

Sharon started her career as a creditors clerk in a small, family owned timber mill in Oberon and, over the years, took on a wide range of office roles as the business evolved through different ownerships before becoming part of AKD. “Back then, I had no idea it would grow into the large national timber company it is now,” she says.

In 2001, Sharon stepped into her current role overseeing payroll at the Oberon site. “You learn the importance of accuracy very quickly in payroll,” she laughs. Alongside payroll, Sharon works closely with the commercial team and supports the site with a wide range of tasks, from organising visitors and travel to coordinating events.

One of Sharon’s standout career moments was leading a major payroll system transition, manually entering employee data and running parallel pay runs to ensure everything went live seamlessly. “There were plenty of late nights, but when it all worked perfectly, it was incredibly satisfying.”

“It’s been rewarding to watch the industry change – with more training, safer workplaces, and seeing more women on site with real career pathways, including trade roles.”

Brooke McEwan – Brand & Communications Coordinator

Brooke McEwan looks after AKD’s marketing and communications, working across both internal and external channels to help keep employees informed, connected, and proud to be part of the business. She’s been with AKD for several years now, and her role has grown a lot over that time – right alongside her confidence and passion for communication.

After hearing how strongly AKD invested in its people, she applied for a finance administration role – despite having very little experience in that area. “AKD took a chance on me starting a new career at 30,” she says. After a couple years in that role, she began assisting with marketing activities and quickly realised where her passion lay. “I built up the courage to ask about changing roles, and AKD saw my potential and created a new position for me. I haven’t looked back since.”

“Having a supportive team and taking part in leadership training has given me the confidence to back myself, and I’ve grown this role into something I’m really proud of today.”

Brooke enjoys working alongside teams across the business to bring ideas, initiatives, and campaigns to life. A standout moment was being involved in the rollout of the updated intranet and employee app. “It’s opened up communication to every employee, no matter their role or location, and it’s been really rewarding to see the impact.”

Her advice to others: “Back yourself, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to speak up -you never know where it might lead.”

Anita Allen – Sales & Service Coordinator, NSW

For Anita Allen, growth has come from curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to step into the unfamiliar. Anita joined AKD in 2024 as a Sales and Service Trainee based at the Tumut Mill, working closely with the Bunnings Vendor Refill program and customer service. The role gave her hands on exposure to the operational and service side of the business and helped build a strong understanding of AKD’s products, processes and customer expectations.

Coming from a Public Service background, the mill environment was a significant change. “Seeing how everything is interconnected to the final product really challenged me to learn quickly and adapt.” The fast paced, highly collaborative environment pushed her outside her comfort zone in a positive way.

Anita has since progressed into a Sales and Service Coordinator, supporting the NSW team. Gaining increased responsibility has been a key highlight of her journey. “Seeing the direct impact of my work on the team and our clients has been really rewarding,” she says.

Anita describes her experience at AKD as inclusive and supportive. “I’ve always been treated equally and judged on my skills, work ethic and contribution,” she explains. She says AKD’s internal development opportunities have supported her professional and personal growth, strengthening her confidence and reinforcing her desire to continue building her career with the business.

“Trust your own abilities and don’t wait until you feel completely ready before stepping into a new challenge. This industry offers so many opportunities to grow.”