2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Following the completion of a Master in Engineering of Quality Production , I have enjoyed a successful career during which time I have held the roles of Quality and Production Supervisor, Quality Manager and Quality and Environment Coordinator. I have implemented variety of ISO standards and I am very enthusiastic about sustainability.
I recently led our company in starting to offset our emissions, and we’ve received our Carbon Offset certificate. Achieving this was one of my major work-related goals. Workspace has now also officially implemented the ISO 14006 Ecodesign certification!
Personal interests include yoga, nature, animals, attending live music events and spending time with my daughter, friends and my cats.
// Let’s get to know you
I am Iva and I am originally from Europe, from Slovakia. I studied a bachelor degree in Industrial Management and a master degree in Engineering of Quality Production. After my graduation I landed a job as a Quality Manager where I worked for 2 years. After 2 years I decided to go to London to study English for 6 months to improve my English skills. 6 months became 12 months and after 12 months London became Vancouver in Canada. I went there on my working holiday visa and worked as a nanny there. After a year I came to Adelaide I started from the bottom. Started studying a postgrad to gain some “Aussie” experience and worked as a receptionist at the gym. After a year in Australia I was back on track and started working in my Quality field again.
I became a mum and Aurora was born during Covid pandemic. My whole family is back in Europe so no one could have even come to see us, to help out. I was a mum at home for 2.5 years and after that time I was lucky enough and went back to my old role as a Quality and Environment Coordinator. I love my job and am very passionate about my role. I have the best boss (a leader I should say) and my colleagues are just awesome. I consider myself lucky even as a single mum. It is hard but definitely not impossible!
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I think being a single mum in a different country with a minimum support, working almost full time is pretty big. As mentioned above, it is very hard but not impossible. It is twice the work, twice the stress and twice the tears. But also twice the hugs, twice the love, and twice the pride! I am super passionate about my work. I implement international standards and improving sustainability within our company. I love my job and actually it doesn’t feel like job. It feels like doing my hobby!
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
I recently led our company in starting to offset our emissions, and we’ve received our Carbon Offset certificate. Achieving this was one of my major work-related goals. Workspace has now officially implemented the ISO 14006 Ecodesign certification! This is a major achievement for us, and we’re proud to be the first Australian furniture manufacturer to obtain this international certification. Also, I am responsible for developing a Reconciliation Action Plan so that will be one of the big goals as well. We will be developing our third RAP.
Oh, and I would love to get back to teach yoga during the weekends. Little bit of balance, an Engineer during the week a free spirit during the weekends
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
I mean, it would feel nice to be recognized publicly. But I feel already recognized by my close family and friends and that is enough for me!
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
Bigger support for working single mums!!!
Get in touch with Ivana:
LinkedIn: Ivana Dutton
Website: www.workspace.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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