Meet the finalists of the ACT Women’s Awards 2026: Raffy Sgroi
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From transforming healthcare and improving women’s safety to opening doors in construction, automotive and sport, 11 remarkable women and gender-diverse people have been named finalists in the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards.
In the lead-up to the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards ceremony on Thursday 3 September, we wanted to get to know each of the finalists a little better. Today, we meet Raffy Sgroi, an automotive industry leader recognised for creating education, training and employment pathways that support women and underrepresented groups in the automotive sector.
Congratulations on being named a finalist in the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards! How did you feel when you found out?
I felt a mix of shock, gratitude, and a real sense of responsibility. Even after over two decades in automotive, I still get asked, “What are you doing here?” So being named a finalist felt personal, like a signal that women’s place in this industry is not up for debate.
I thought about every woman who’s had to prove she belongs before she’s even allowed to do the job. It gave me pride, but also fuel, because this work is bigger than recognition; it’s about changing what’s normal.
In a nutshell, tell us about the work or initiative that led to your nomination.
My work has been about building an automotive workplace that isn’t just “welcoming to women,” but designed with us in mind. I don’t want women to squeeze into systems that were never built for them – I want the system to change. I spent a decade refining the design: training pathways, culture, leadership, and practical supports that make inclusion real. The impact statement is in the numbers: over 60% of our trainees are female, and 45% in my own shop.
Looking back, was there a particular moment, challenge or experience that set you on this path?
There wasn’t one moment – it was the repeated experience of seeing women underestimated, questioned, or pushed out, and realising it wasn’t about ability; it was about environment. When you’re still hearing “What are you doing here?” after 20+ years, you understand the problem isn’t confidence – it’s culture. That’s what set me on this path: deciding I wouldn’t accept workplaces where women have to “fit in.” I wanted to help create workplaces where women can thrive because the structure supports them.
What achievement are you most proud of – and why?
I’m most proud of the measurable shift – not just stories, but outcomes. I spent a decade perfecting the design of what inclusion looks like in practice, and seeing participation rise is the real proof. Over 60% of our trainees are female, and 45% in my own shop. Those numbers represent real people choosing this industry, staying in it, and building careers. That’s what makes me proud: it’s not a slogan, it’s a pipeline – and it’s changing the future workforce.
Is there a woman, mentor or role model who has inspired your journey?
I’ve been inspired by women who lead without shrinking – the ones who stay grounded, do the work, and keep showing up even when they’re questioned. I’ve also learned from mentors and allies who pushed me to turn passion into systems and results. But truthfully, my biggest inspiration is the women entering automotive now – they’re brave, capable, and they deserve a workplace that’s built for them, not one they have to fight to survive in.
What does being recognised as an ACT Women’s Awards finalist mean to you?
It means the work is being recognised as serious, necessary, and future-focused. It’s not just about me – it’s visibility for women in automotive and for inclusion that’s practical and measurable. Being a finalist tells me the community is paying attention to what happens when we design workplaces properly. It also gives me a stronger platform to advocate for change across the industry, so more businesses move beyond “good intentions” and start building real pathways and safer cultures.
What advice would you give to a young woman or gender-diverse person hoping to make a difference in their own community or industry?
Don’t wait for permission, and don’t wait until you feel ready. Start with one issue you care about and take one practical step, then repeat it consistently. Learn the system so you can change it, and back yourself with skills and qualifications. And if you walk into a space and feel like you have to “fit in,” remember this: you’re allowed to want more than a seat at the table. Push for environments designed with you in mind, because real change isn’t about adapting women to workplaces, it’s about upgrading workplaces to match women’s talent.
