Meet the unsung heroes looking out for you.

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, celebrated this year under the theme “Give to Gain.” 

It’s a reminder that acts of generosity; sharing knowledge, helping others and giving time or resources, strengthens our communities and creates opportunities for all.

At the Ben Fund, we are fortunate to have been supported by many remarkable women who quietly give so much. 

Today, we shine a light on just a few of them.

Teresa Frost:

We asked Teresa; long‑standing Visitor, Trustee and former Chair of the Ben Fund, why she has devoted so many years to our work, and what the Ben Fund means to her.

She shared: “The work of the Ben Fund is life‑changing for those in need. Being part of a team that can affect that change is rewarding. 

Giving back to the Civil Engineering profession, which has given me so much, is the best work I can do as a volunteer, both as a Trustee and as a visitor.”

Teresa’s deep understanding of our services has enabled her to reassure and steady people during some of their toughest moments, while also offering practical and pragmatic support, helping them move forward with confidence and hope.

Yvonne Murphy:

Yvonne has also served as a Visitor, Trustee, and former Chair, dedicating many years to helping the Ben Fund change lives. 

She told us: “I volunteer with the ICE Ben Fund because I believe the wellbeing of our members is at the heart of a thriving profession. 

Promoting and supporting Ben Fund services as a Trustee and visitor is my way of making sure colleagues, friends, and families know help is at hand if it is needed.”

Her compassion, enthusiasm, and expertise make Yvonne an invaluable asset to both the Ben Fund and the wider ICE community, exemplifying the very best of the profession.

Barbara Taylor:

Barbara is a Membership Development Officer in the North of Scotland and is a vital point of contact for ICE members living and working in some of the UK’s most remote areas.

Barbara said: “In the Northeast of Scotland, ICE members often work remotely in small teams. I’m proud to promote the Ben Fund as a support system for our members, especially those who may not know where else to turn.

We can’t predict when we’ll need help and support, and I hope that by promoting the Ben Fund during the good times, members will feel able to reach out when things are tougher.

A lot of online support comes with hidden motives, but I’m confident that with the Ben Fund, our members receive the right advice for them.

The Ben Fund can offer support in ways employers sometimes can’t, and they do so confidentially and with minimal fuss.”

Barbara’s warmth and genuine commitment make her a remarkable ambassador, always putting the ICE community first. 

Both the Ben Fund and the ICE are incredibly lucky to have her on board.

Valentina Cazan:

Valentina, an ICE Operations Executive for the Gulf and MENA region, is a key ambassador for the Ben Fund, raising awareness of our services among members and their families internationally. 

Valentina’s on-the‑ground insight, understanding of local needs, and ability to share available support is essential to our work.

She told us: “I share the Ben Fund’s services because awareness can make a real difference for someone at a difficult moment. ICE members give so much to the profession, and it matters to me that they and their families know there’s support available when they need it.”

Valentina has spent years promoting the Ben Fund to ICE members in her region, always combining ICE’s professionalism with the Ben Fund’s personal, reassuring approach. 

Thanks to ambassadors like Valentina, we can continue building a strong global support network for the ICE community.

Amy Staines:

Amy is the Senior Financial Education Manager at Better With Money; an organisation the Ben Fund partners with to provide ICE members with impartial and confidential financial education.

Amy explained to us: “My dad and brother are chartered engineers, and I have a wider family background in civil, mechanical and metallurgical engineering, so I’ve seen first-hand the hard work, dedication, skill and expertise that define this profession. 

Working with the Ben Fund feels especially meaningful to me. Through workshops and one‑to‑one coaching, I support engineers and their families to improve their financial wellbeing, often at times when it’s needed most. 

This year’s International Women's Day theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates strongly with what I do. I give financial guidance to equip people with the tools and knowledge to support their financial decision-making, and in return I gain the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve helped them gain confidence, clarity and control over their financial situation.

I’m proud to work with an organisation committed to supporting the people who build and sustain the world, and it is a privilege to play a small part in helping civil engineers and their families feel more secure, supported and empowered in their financial futures.”

Together, these women embody the true spirit of “Give to Gain”, offering their time, wisdom, and compassion so that so many others can thrive. 

Their dedication reminds us that when we choose to give, we don’t just strengthen our community; we help create the kind of profession, and the kind of world, where everyone can flourish.