A Standout Start: Celebrating Women in Apartment Leadership

What a way to kick things off.

Last week in Sydney, the inaugural Female Leadership in Apartment Management Excellence (FLAME) event made its debut—and it didn’t just arrive quietly, it sold out. With a full house and a buzz that carried through every conversation, it was clear from the start that this was something the industry had been waiting for.

Real conversations, real impact

Focusing on construction, the panel brought together three standout leaders:

• Dominique Gill (Urban Core)

• Divya Mehta (Decode Group)

• Drenka Andjelic (Construction Assignments)

Together, they delivered an engaging, insightful, and refreshingly honest discussion about leadership, challenges, and opportunities within the construction space. There was no glossing over the hard parts—just genuine, practical perspectives from women who are shaping the industry every day.

And that authenticity? It resonated.

Guests shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting how much they connected with the topics discussed—and how valuable it was to hear such real, unfiltered experiences. The sense of community in the room was unmistakable, with conversations continuing long after the panel wrapped up.

What’s next? Architecture takes the stage

The momentum is only building.

The next NSW FLAME event is set for 10 September, shifting the spotlight to Architecture. Another incredible panel is already lined up:

• Helen Kuo (FKA)

• Dr Elizabeth Farrelly

• Lucy Brown (Unispace)

Expect another evening of thoughtful discussion, diverse perspectives, and stories that reflect the evolving face of leadership in the built environment.

And then: shining a light on strata leaders

Closing out the 2026 series, AAA will host a NSW Strata-focused event on 4 November, featuring:

• Natasha Mann (NSW Strata Commissioner)

• Leanne Habib (Premium Strata)

• Wenna Wu (Strata Evolution)

With strata playing such a critical role in apartment living, this session promises to offer valuable insights into governance, innovation, and leadership at every level.

Don’t miss out

If last week proved anything, it’s that these events fill up fast—and for good reason.

Spaces are limited, and if you’re keen to be part of these inspiring conversations, it’s worth securing your spot early.

👉 Tickets for upcoming events can be found here: Architecture & Strata Management.

Whether you’re in construction, architecture, strata—or simply passionate about the future of apartment living—FLAME is creating a space where voices are heard, connections are made, and leadership is redefined.

And this is just the beginning.  FLAME will launch in Melbourne on 20 August before rolling out across the rest of the East Coast.