In traditionally male-dominated industries like mining, engineering, and industrial maintenance, a new wave of leadership is emerging – led by women who are not only experts in their technical fields but also passionate advocates for progress, inclusion, and innovation. Three such women are Thelma Horsfield, Steven Lara-Lee Lumley, and Vanessa Evans, who occupy crucial roles at condition monitoring company WearCheck: .
Thelma Horsfield: Pioneering water quality monitoring
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Thelma Horsfield, general manager of WearCheck Water, has become a driving force in the field of analytical chemistry and water-quality monitoring. Today, she leads a team – 95% of whom are women – delivering essential water analysis services to the mining and industrial sectors.
Under her leadership, over 90% of WearCheck Water’s testing methods have been accredited under the ISO 17025 standard. Horsfield was instrumental in launching the Cape Town water laboratory in 2019, achieving method accreditation within nine months – a remarkable achievement in the industry. The division currently boasts 33 accredited methods, with plans to add more in the next audit cycle.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a 27-year-old shift leader managing an all-male team at Anglo Platinum, she had to dig deep to find her voice. “I was shy and soft-spoken, but I learned to lead with confidence,” she recalls. “When I started, men were often paid more because they were seen as breadwinners. That mindset is shifting, but there’s still work to do – especially in pay equity and workplace flexibility.”
Horsfield actively mentors the next generation of scientists and urges women to build networks, continually upgrade technical skills, and invest in confidence and soft skills. “In analytical work, accuracy, critical thinking, and attention to detail are everything. There’s always something new to learn.”
Steven Lara-Lee Lumley: Driving research, training and technical excellence
As technical manager at WearCheck, Steven Lara-Lee Lumley leads the company’s oil analysis R&D strategy and global training initiatives. With over 30 years of experience and multiple certifications – including being a Honeywell Aerospace Certified Tribologist – Lumley is a respected subject-matter expert in tribology and oil analysis.
She joined WearCheck in 2008 as a diagnostician and rose through the ranks to become technical manager by 2015. Along the way, she diagnosed her millionth oil sample and facilitated technical training sessions across multiple countries. Her recent speaking engagements at international forums like the ICIS conference in London and Mobius Institute’s global webinars highlight her growing influence in the global condition monitoring field.
“Success in this field isn’t just about technical knowledge,” Lumley explains. “It’s also about navigating people, communication, and corporate dynamics. You can master every concept, but if you can’t convey it or see the bigger picture, your impact is limited.”
Adaptability is her cornerstone. “In our field, technology never stands still. The ability to evolve, respond to change, and see opportunities – even in adversity – is what truly defines your value.” Her accolades, including the SA Institute of Tribology’s Best Technical Presentation Award in 2023, underscore her technical brilliance and communication prowess.
To young women entering science and engineering, Lumley offers this advice: “Don’t underestimate the importance of people skills. Pair your technical mastery with empathy, clarity, and strategic thinking. That’s the real game-changer.”
Vanessa Evans: Translating Science into Strategy
Bridging the gap between technical teams and industry stakeholders is Vanessa Evans, marketing manager at WearCheck. With more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications, she has become a powerful voice for industrial innovation and inclusion in Africa’s technical landscape.
Evans plays a key role in translating complex engineering solutions into accessible, client-focused messaging. Her marketing strategies support WearCheck’s visibility across mining, transport, construction, aviation, and other industrial sectors – especially in Africa, where engineering solutions are crucial to infrastructure development.
A familiar face at industry events like Mining Indaba and Electra Mining, Evans leads outreach efforts that elevate the profile of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. “Staying current with tech trends is critical,” she notes. “I work closely with our technical experts, attend global conferences, and monitor innovation in asset reliability. My job is to ensure our clients not only understand but also trust our capabilities.”
Evans is also a champion for women in technical marketing. “Being one of the few women in this space allows me to bring fresh perspectives to how we communicate complex solutions,” she says. “I’m especially proud of our educational campaigns that empower clients to improve performance and reduce downtime.”
To young professionals, especially women, she says: “Don’t be afraid to lead with your values and your voice. Build a strong foundation, seek mentors, and embrace technical challenges with confidence. Your ideas and leadership are needed.”
