Meet Sandra Costanzo, businesswoman extraordinaire

Sandra Costanzo, General Counsel at the Symal Group, has been nominated for the 2023 NAWIC Businesswoman Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the construction, infrastructure, and development industries. 

Sandra’s impact on the Symal Group has been profound. Her strategic advice, policy development, and financial oversight have guided the company’s growth and success and created a culture of compliance and excellence. She manages a large and diverse workforce and ensures contractual compliance through regular training sessions, all while handling confidential legal proceedings and resolving disputes with a focus on project outcomes. 

What sets Sandra apart is the scale and complexity of the businesses she manages. Her implementation of a comprehensive legal risk matrix and policies protects each entity’s commercial interests. By involving key stakeholders in contract negotiations, she fosters collaboration and generates better outcomes for the company. 

One of her significant achievements was securing the contract for the Eastern Freeway – Burke to Tram Alliance, the largest Alliance project in Victorian history, setting up a record-breaking pipeline of work for Symal over the next five years. 

Beyond her legal expertise, Sandra is a role model for other women in the industry, actively mentoring young female engineers and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion. Her approachable leadership style and sense of humour create an inclusive work environment where all perspectives are valued. 

Sandra’s exceptional leadership, legal acumen, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on the construction and infrastructure industry. Her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the company’s future endeavours, solidifying her position as a role model for women in the construction industry. 

Sandra Costanzo is a trailblazer, setting a high standard for excellence and inclusion in the construction industry, and her nomination for the NAWIC Businesswoman Award is well-deserved.