Following a vote at the Institute’s annual Convention, Ura Sarfejoo, M.AIRAH, has officially joined AIRAH’s national board.
A member of AIRAH since first arriving in Australia a decade ago, Sarfejoo was instrumental in the formation of the Women of AIRAH Special Technical Group, for which she acts as Associate Director.
AIRAH President Ian Harwood, F.AIRAH, says it is important for an organisation’s national board to regularly add new voices, talents and perspectives, which the inclusion of Sarfejoo brings.
“We congratulate Ura on her appointment to the AIRAH national board, and look forward to working closely with her as we set the organisation’s strategic direction over the coming years,” Harwood says.
“Ura’s skill-set and her areas of interest nicely complement those of the existing directors, so we are delighted to welcome her on board. We also thank Chris Flanagan, M.AIRAH, who completes his term at the end of May, for his enthusiastic work and considerable contribution to the board.”
Joining Harwood and Sarfejoo on AIRAH’s board are Bryon Price, F.AIRAH; Liza Taylor, M.AIRAH; Paul Jackson, F.AIRAH; and Stefan Jensen, F.AIRAH.
Sarfejoo first heard about AIRAH through the Institute’s official journal, Ecolibrium.
“In May 2009, I saw a copy of Ecolibrium while waiting for a job interview,” she recalls. “I had just migrated to Australia with my family. There was a picture of a female engineer in a hard hat on the cover of that issue. I remember how I suddenly felt a boost in my confidence, knowing that the HVAC industry in Australia was a diverse and inclusive industry.
“Now 10 years on, I’m very pleased to see that AIRAH has stayed true to its values as a diverse, inclusive and progressive organisation. And I’m thrilled to be appointed to the board.”
Sarfejoo says the biggest challenge for an organisation that represents a membership base as extensive as AIRAH’sis to stay relevant to the changing landscape of the HVAC&R industry and continue providing value to members.
“As a board member,” she says, “I would like to ensure that we observe, listen and adapt continuously to ensure that we continue including and catering to the diverse members of our industry.”
