EMPOWERING WOMEN
Inspiring women to
succeed and thrive
in the steel industry
TRANSFORMING INDUSTRY
Our Mission
We're a social enterprise working to increase women's participation in the steel industry.
We support women at every career stage—from students and apprentices to emerging leaders and seasoned professionals—to enter, stay in, and progress to leadership roles in steel. Read our company overview below.
Our Ethos
Mission
Steel Chicks’ mission is to connect Australian steel industry stakeholders and provide practical education, training, coaching, and mentorship that increases women’s access to leadership roles.
Values
We value diverse perspectives, operate with integrity and openness, and highlight women's achievements to strengthen the industry and encourage wider participation.
Purpose
Steel Chicks exists to help women build and advance their careers in the steel industry, drawing on our knowledge and experience to support every woman to reach her potential.
Vision
Our vision is a steel industry that inspires women to participate, grow, and lead, and a supportive national community built on shared experiences, successes, and lifelong learning.
Our Founder
Maria Mavrikos, founder of steel fabrication powerhouse Structural Challenge, has led thousands of major projects over two decades to become one of the most respected voices in Australian steel and manufacturing. Recognising the challenges women face in the industry, she is now leveraging her resources and deep expertise to support other women through her social enterprise, Steel Chicks. As a leader, Maria has always focused on growth, innovation, sustainability and inclusion. Drawing on decades of experience in steel and business management, Maria is working through Steel Chicks to address gender equality in the sector, by supporting women to progress into rewarding careers in energy and manufacturing. Passionate about Australian manufacturing and the role it can play in Australia’s future workforce development, Maria is also working to support the broader industry to grow and evolve, harnessing the diverse skills and perspectives of an underused workforce to support the industry’s project delivery targets, regional development, and economic outlook. Currently serving as a member of an advisory group to the Local First Jobs Commissioner, Maria is also a board member of the Australian Steel Institute, a committee member of the Steel Fabricators Association of Victoria, and a committee member of the charity organisation The Steel Club of Victoria. Awards The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business Excellence Award 2019 Kane Constructions Victorian Subcontractor Most Valuable Player Awards Specialist Subcontractor Award 2017 Outcomes Business Group Business Outcomes Award 2016 Kane Constructions Victorian Subcontractor Most Valuable Player Awards Steel Structure Award 2015 Australian Steel Institute Sustainable Steel Award 2015 Australian Steel Institute Buildings – Large Projects Award 2014 Australian steel institute Fabricators Award 2006, 2008, 2014 NAWIC city of Melbourne Crystal Vision Award for Advancing the Interests of Women in the Construction Industry 2005 NAWIC city of Melbourne Victorian Building Commission Award for Outstanding Achievement as a Businesswoman 2005 Telstra Young Women in Business Award Finalist 2004
