Women Who Inspire From AVK Valves Southern Africa
Women in the Industry: Judith’s Experience
When Judith Jacobs joined AVK in February 2020 as a Data Capturer, she had no idea that her career path would take such an exciting turn. What began as a role focused on numbers and systems soon sparked a deeper curiosity one that led her into the world of engineering.
By June 2023, her dedication and growing expertise earned her a promotion to Database Administrator. It was a role that tested her resilience, sharpened her skills, and revealed just how much she thrived when faced with challenges. For more than a year, Judith immersed herself in engineering, proving that persistence and passion can open doors in even the most technical corners of the industry.
Her journey didn’t stop there. In November 2024, she transitioned into Customer Service, gaining firsthand insight into the human side of the business where relationships and communication are just as vital as technical know-how. Then, in March 2025, she stepped into her current role as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, a position that allows her to bring together everything she’s learned across the company.Judith’s story is a testament to the dynamism of the mining and industrial sector. Each role she’s taken on has added a new layer to her career, showing that growth often comes from embracing change and seizing opportunities even when they look different from what you first imagined.
A Message to Other Women from Judith: “You may not start where you dream of being, but every step builds the strength, skill, and confidence you’ll need for where you’re headed. Keep learning, stay curious, and trust your journey. The place you’re meant to be is already taking shape with every move you make.”
Women in the Industry: Natania’s Voice
When Natania Calitz joined AVK in January 2016, she stepped into the industry with little to no prior knowledge of valves or engineering. What she did bring, however, was an unwavering commitment to learn and grow. Through dedication and continuous effort, she transformed herself into a highly capable and respected team member, proving that passion and perseverance can bridge any knowledge gap.
Her career progression has been marked by steady growth, each new responsibility met with adaptability and determination. Natania’s journey is not just about years of service it is about measurable achievements and the confidence she has built along the way. Balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal life, Natania took on the challenge of further education. She successfully completed her Certificate in Business Management while being a wife and mother, often studying late at night and over weekends. This milestone reflects not only her discipline and perseverance but also her commitment to self-development.
A message from Natania “Challenges will come, both in your career and personal life, but they are not the end of your story they are the stepping stones to your strength. Stay focused, keep learning, and never stop moving forward. Every setback can be the start of a new chapter of growth.”
Women in the Industry: Nicole’s Journey
Nicole’s career began humbly, seated at the front desk of an IT company as a receptionist. But her ambition and drive quickly propelled her forward. From reception, she moved into roles as a sales secretary, response desk operator, and finance assistant each step sharpening her skills and broadening her understanding of the business world. Her determination and adaptability eventually earned her a coveted position as Executive Assistant to the CEO and COO. Working closely with the executive team and board members gave her invaluable exposure to the business, providing a strong foundation for her future growth.
Nicole’s career also took her beyond South Africa. While employed at Rolls Royce Power Systems, she spent time in Zambia as a site manager. There, she proved that leadership is not just about strategy it’s about rolling up your sleeves. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands greasy, and her overalls stained when the job demanded it, showing her grit and commitment to the work.
With a growing passion for marketing, Nicole made the bold decision to pursue further studies while balancing the demands of marriage and raising two teenagers. Her perseverance paid off. She graduated with a BCom in Marketing Degree and went on to complete her Honours Degree.
Today, she heads up the Marketing Department at AVK Valves Southern Africa, leading with both academic excellence and real-world experience. Nicole’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not always linear it’s built through courage, continuous learning, and the willingness to embrace new challenges. Nicole’s advice to all those young women out there, “never stop learning and seeking feedback. In order to develop and grow, you need to continuously learn and improve while still believing in your own ability. That has been an important lesson for me, to not let an awareness of your own development areas impact your confidence levels or self-belief. So, no matter what stage you are at in your career, you can continue to learn, evolve, and grow.”
Women in the Industry: Susan’s Perspective
Susan Montgomery’s career in the valve and engineering industry began in October 2012 when she joined Premier Valves as the Personal Assistant to Sales Director. Coming from an insurance background, the transition into a highly technical environment was daunting but instead of shying away, Susan embraced the challenge. She immersed herself in learning, gaining exposure to the Premier and later AVK product ranges, while building strong organizational and communication skills. Working closely with management gave her a front-row seat to both the technical and commercial sides of the business, laying the foundation for her future growth.
In October 2016, Susan stepped into an Internal Sales role at AVK South Africa. This role deepened her understanding of customer needs and taught her the importance of service, efficiency, and reliability in a competitive industry. Her dedication and expertise led to her promotion in July 2022 to Customer Sales Manager, a position she proudly holds today. In this role, Susan oversees customer service operations and supports the sales team to ensure clients receive the highest level of service. Along the way, she completed a Business Studies Diploma, further enhancing her knowledge of business and management.
Susan’s journey has not been without personal challenges. In 2025, she went through a difficult period that tested her resilience. Yet, she emerged stronger, with a renewed determination to keep moving forward both personally and professionally. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, and the power of embracing change.
Susan’s message to the women out there; “Your career path may not be linear, and life may throw personal challenges your way, but success is built on resilience, adaptability, and the belief that you are capable of more than you imagine. The industry needs women who bring fresh perspectives, strength, and ambition and your journey can inspire others to follow.”
AVK Valves Southern Africa,
+27 (0) 11 908 3760,
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