Shining a Light on Women Leading Data Center Construction in 2025

05 March 2025

The data center industry is booming, with hyperscale and colocation developments expanding rapidly to meet the surging demand driven by cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Behind these cutting-edge facilities are some of the most talented and innovative women in construction, shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

Today, we celebrate ten trailblazing women leading the charge in data center construction in 2025.

Nancy Novak – Chief Innovation Officer, Compass Datacenters

Nancy is a trailblazer in modern construction and modular building practices. She’s a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the data center sector and frequently speaks on the importance of innovation in construction methods.

Nancy is a prominent advocate for innovation in the construction industry and for women's leadership across various sectors. She hosts the "Extending the Ladder" podcast, bringing together female leaders to share insights and inspiration.

Amber Caramella – Chief Revenue Officer, Infrastructure Masons & Netrality Data Centers

Amber is not only a leader in data center growth strategies but also champions diversity and education initiatives through her work with Infrastructure Masons. She’s a force when it comes to shaping the future of the industry.

Brittany Miller – Senior Vice President of Construction, NTT Global Data Centers

A veteran of Microsoft and Intel, Brittany joined NTT Global Data Centers to oversee the company’s design and construction supply chain operations. She is responsible for leading new data center construction projects for NTT GDC’s operations in the Americas, building out the firm’s footprint following NTT’s acquisition of RagingWire in 2018.

Brittany is a strong advocate for diversity in the construction industry. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, breaking cultural norms, and intentional outreach to create a more inclusive environment. At NTT, her efforts have led to a cost controls group comprising 50% women, reflecting her commitment to fostering diverse talent

Dana Adams – President, North America, Vantage Data Centers

As President of Vantage Data Centers’ North America business, Dana oversees market development, sales, construction, and operations across the United States and Canada. With nearly 18 years of experience in the data center sector, she has a track record of successfully leading high-growth companies and diverse teams at scale.

Recognized as one of the most influential female executives in the industry, Dana was featured on Data Economy’s Power Women list in 2019, was a finalist for the PTC Outstanding Female Executive Award in 2020 and 2022, and received an Infrastructure Masons (IM) Award in 2022.

Dame Dawn Childs – Chief Executive Officer, Pure Data Centres Group

Dawn is an accomplished engineer and operator, honored with a Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2020 and appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2023. Her career spans engineering leadership roles at National Grid, Merlin Entertainments, Gatwick Airport, and over 20 years in the Royal Air Force. She has a strong track record of developing women in engineering and has been President of the Women’s Engineering Society since 2018.

Now CEO of Pure Data Centres Group, Dawn leads global 24/7 operations, ensuring resilience and innovation in data center infrastructure.

Adaire Fox-Martin – CEO & President, Equinix

Adaire Fox-Martin is CEO of Equinix, leading the digital infrastructure company in driving secure, sustainable interconnection for businesses globally. A recognized leader in tech and cloud computing, she has over 25 years of experience transforming organizations at Google Cloud, SAP, and Oracle.

Adaire is a passionate advocate for women in technology and social entrepreneurship, championing diversity and inclusion at the highest levels. She frequently speaks at major global forums, including the World Economic Forum and Web Summit, and has been named to Fortune’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women International List four times.

Patricia Rodríguez Henríquez – COO, Data Centers, Iridium

Patricia Rodríguez Henríquez is a leader in data center infrastructure, currently serving as COO for Data Centers at Iridium. She has driven major projects at Microsoft, Repsol, and SpainDC, shaping global data center strategy and operations.

As the Spain Chapter Lead for iMasons, she champions industry collaboration and has played a key role in positioning Spain as a digital hub. A strong advocate for women in tech, Patricia actively promotes diversity and inclusion, breaking barriers in the data center space.

Ursula Koski, CTO – Nordic Partners, AWS

Ursula Koski is a pioneering technology leader driving digital transformation and diversity in tech. As CTO for Nordic Partners at AWS, she collaborates with governments and industry leaders to shape Finland’s digital future.

A passionate advocate for women in tech, Ursula made history as the first female Chairwoman of Tivia in 70 years and co-leads the Glamazon Nordics LGBTQ+ group. She champions reskilling initiatives like Mimmit Koodaa, earning the 2023 award for advancing women's IT skills. Ranked No. 4 in Technology Magazine’s Top 100 Women in Tech (2024), Ursula continues to break barriers in the industry.

Marie Chabanon – CTO, DATA4 Group

Since January 2018, Marie Chabanon has served as the CTO of Data4 Group, overseeing the design and construction of data centers across the company's European platform. As CTO of DATA4 Group and Deputy Chair of the EUDCA Technical Committee, she actively promotes women's leadership in technical fields. She is a signatory of the Women's Forum Charter on climate action and gender equality and encourages women to break barriers in tech. Marie advocates for inclusive workplaces through networking, mentorship, and industry-wide initiatives.

Heather Dooley, Strategic Advisor and Consultant

Heather Dooley has held various leadership roles in the data center industry, focusing on strategy, planning, and global infrastructure. She is actively involved in developing opportunities for women in technology through volunteering, mentoring, and leading corporate initiatives. Heather has been recognized among Data Economy's World's 50 Most Powerful Women in the Data Economy and Colocation America's Top 5 Women in the Data Center Industry.

These women are not only shaping the future of data center construction but are also paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in the digital infrastructure sector. Their achievements inspire us all to push beyond limitations and drive innovation in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Who inspires you? We’d love to hear about the women making an impact in your world. Let’s keep celebrating and supporting the women driving the future of data center construction.

Want to be part of this change? Join us and help build the next generation of cutting-edge data centers. Whether you're an experienced leader or looking to start your career in data center construction, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. Explore career opportunities with us today: https://www.xyzreality.com/join-the-team