Celebrating Esra
Celebrating Esra
Every International Women’s Day, organisations around the world pause to recognise the impact women make in their workplaces and communities. At Ability Works, that recognition isn’t limited to a single moment in the calendar – it’s woven into the way we work every day. Our organisation is strengthened by women with disability, women from culturally diverse backgrounds, women stepping into new careers, women leading teams, and women championing inclusion in ways that create meaningful change.
Together, they form a collective story of resilience, curiosity, lived experience, and a shared belief that workplaces should be places where everyone belongs. Within that broader story are the voices of individual women whose journeys reflect the heart of Ability Works.
This is one of those stories.
Finding belonging, purpose and possibility in a new country
When Esra moved to Australia, she brought with her years of global experience, a love of learning, and a deep appreciation for diversity. What she didn’t expect was to find a workplace that felt like home. As a Production Systems Engineer at Ability Works, Esra is responsible for operational duties, efficiency improvements, integrating new tasks, stock control and reporting. But for her, the work is about far more than processes and machines.
“My work contributes to creating employment opportunities for people.”
Esra’s journey across countries, including four years in the U.S., shaped her adaptability and her understanding of what it means to build a life in a new community. She finds meaning in social advocacy that supports newly arrived skilled migrants, because she knows firsthand how transformative that support can be.
At Ability Works, she found a workplace that values collaboration, curiosity and courage. She speaks about how the organisation has helped her grow by encouraging her to see problems from different angles and trust her own voice.
To Esra, inclusion is simple and powerful:
“A workplace where everyone, regardless of accent, language, or disability, is treated equally… and can communicate without fear of judgement.”
Her advice to others reflects the same spirit she brings to her work:
“Don’t be afraid to ask and to want. Curiosity and courage are key to growth.”
Esra’s story is one of resilience, openness and the belief that diversity strengthens every workplace. Ability Works is proud to be part of her journey – and even prouder of the impact she makes every day.