Cathrin (Cat) leads the National Lottery-funded Woodworking and Gender Project, aimed at addressing the significant gender imbalance in the heritage woodworking sector. The project envisions a transformed woodworking industry, driven by the creativity and innovation of women and non-binary individuals, revitalising endangered crafts while promoting sustainable practices.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (2014) and more than 12 years of project management experience across corporate, academic, and charity sectors, Cat specialises in delivering impactful projects for under-represented groups. Her work is devoted to social justice, community cohesion, and enhancing wellbeing.
Cat has a passion for furniture making and woodworking. She has developed a wide range of hands-on skills, while working as a workshop technician at a furniture school, where she supported students in honing their craftsmanship. As a hardwood specialist and machinist, she gained in-depth knowledge of timber properties and machining techniques. Additionally, her experience as a freelance carpenter has allowed her to navigate and overcome the unique challenges of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated trade.