Chinwe Odili, Kent PLC

Chinwe Odili studied Civil Engineering at the University of Warwick, obtaining her Bachelor of Engineering before progressing on to an MSc in Project Management (Oil & Gas) at the University of Liverpool. She is the recipient of the 2024 Tony Chapman Award, a Structural Engineer, Chair of the ECITBs Innov8 group, author, role model and advocate for all.

Carl Graham, GE Aerospace

Carl is a role model on site at GE Caledonian and is one of our main representatives with doing community outreach and events for our employee resource groups. He is a strong Veteran and whilst being a father to his children, is also a father figure to us here too. He has smoothly ran programmes and trips for 2 networks alongside his Conformance work on site all year!

Jairis Arleen Alvarez Trujillo, RINA

A distinguished Architectural Engineer at RINA, this expert is renowned for spearheading sustainability in projects and tool development. Her academic excellence led to scholarships in Canada and the UK. Celebrated for her communication skills, she secured third place in the Solar Decathlon Middle East & EXPO Dubai 2021. A respected figure, she have been a guest speaker at ENLIT Paris and Sustainable Places in Madrid, and was the VP in the Solar Decathlon Society at HWU.

Emma Mallaburn, Amazon

From a young age, Emma has always been interested in how things work and problem solving. She spent time with her granddad in his garage fixing everything from motorbikes to hoovers. She wanted to reinvent herself as an engineer and is now striving for success at Amazon, supporting the team in safety, preventing equipment breakdowns and in repairing equipment, while being a role model for women in engineering and mature apprentices!

Alexia Williams, Rolls-Royce

Demonstrating adaptability and leadership, the individual spearheaded projects to optimise engine life and streamline inspection processes. Leading events and volunteering extensively in STEM, they played a crucial role in promoting apprenticeships. Breaking gender barriers, they excelled in their degree apprenticeship, embarked on the first Engineering Mastership at Rolls-Royce, and became the first female nominated for the course. Their journey sets a precedent for balancing advanced degrees with professional responsibilities, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Amelia Warren, Amazon

Amelia Warren, Mechatronics Apprentice at Amazon, within the Reliability and Maintenance Engineering (RME) function based at EMA2 Fulfilment Centre. An upcoming exceptional engineer, a champion of EDI through her contributions to the Women’s Engineering Society Apprentice Board, organisation of cross company Women in Engineering Apprentice Networking Events and has developed an innovative solution to reduce the time of system checks utilising a go pro in a box to record the condition of assets.

Elena Richards, Rolls-Royce

Elena is an extremely proactive, organised and highly achieving apprentice, supporting others both academically and pastorally. She is instrumental in encouraging change and looking for new ways to deliver high results. This has been evident through her placement tasks and the impact on the teams she has worked with, also the outreach and STEM activities she has been involved in. She has consistently received high performer or outstanding feedback for her placement reviews.

Tanzy Kelley, Dyson

Tanzy is a well-rounded degree apprentice that gets stuck into many areas of the business and the Institute. Tanzy’s organisation, enthusiasm and efficiency is constantly shown in the work she does and through her student rep exec role. Tanzy has not allowed her dyslexia to hold her back, taking part in everything that Dyson has to offer. From organising networking events to volunteering at external events to increase awareness of apprenticeships.

Yaamina Vorajee, Amey

Yaamina is a rail degree apprentice working for Amey. Since the start of her apprenticeship, she has made a difference in the design development through her enthusiastic and confident approach to any problem from safety, sustainability impact or technical. She has worked on the Transpennine Route Upgrade alliance as part of the structures delivery team developing Diversity Impact Assessments and M8 Woodside Viaduct work on complex grillage analysis. She is also a social value champion.

Mohammad Askari, The University of Sheffield

Mohammad Askari, a fourth-year MEng Aerospace Engineering student and aspiring astronaut at the University of Sheffield, exemplifies engineering excellence and advocacy. Leading a drone team of 60+ students, he’s promoted hands-on learning in aerospace, while through his online content creation he challenges stereotypes, sharing his journey as a Muslim engineer. Overcoming personal adversities, Mohammad’s efforts in promoting diversity through partnerships and as an ED&I Aerospace Ambassador have positioned him as a role model for engineers.

Georgia Collis, Loughbrough University

Georgia is a rising engineering leader who passionately champions diversity and sustainability. She’s held leadership roles like Engineering School President and Chair of the Loughborough Women’s Engineering Society, while actively volunteering at STEM outreach events. Her work with Engineering Without Borders, data analysis at CarbonBright, and a successful industry placement at Dyson highlights her commitment. Georgia’s dedication extends to her final year project, where she’s focused on engaging young girls in sustainable engineering.

Kate Lucas, University of Cambridge

Kate is an enthusiastic and driven student who is dedicated to increasing diversity in engineering. As well as being President of Cambridge University Robotics Society and organising Unibots UK 2023 and 2024, she also mentors Year 13 students through platforms such as Zero Gravity. She loves to make things and always has a project on the go.

Mairéad Reid, University of Glasgow

Mairéad Reid is a final-year MEng Electronics with Music student at the University of Glasgow. With consistent academic excellence and impactful leadership roles, Mairéad is at the forefront of promoting diversity in engineering. Her initiatives with Engineers Without Borders and FemEng showcase a commitment to fostering inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring fellow students. Mairéad’s contributions highlight her dedication to reshaping the engineering landscape, making her a compelling candidate for this prestigious award.

Sandeep Bokhoree, University of York

Sandeep is a University of York Engineering International Academic Excellence scholar and beneficiary of the Ashinaga Africa Initiative Leadership Program, empowering talented orphans from sub-Saharan Africa into compassionate leaders. Breaking family barriers as the first high school graduate, he is a promising socio-technical systems engineer and social entrepreneur, participating as a Global Talent at the UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2023. Sandeep is also a music engineer, national marathon runner, and polyglot, championing neurodiversity with his experience.

Federica Siotto, Airbus

Federica embodies inclusion and innovation at Airbus, demonstrating charisma, compassion, and unwavering dedication to challenging gender bias and fostering inclusivity. Through her innovative cost-saving project for a high profile Airbus Program, she demonstrated her commitment to excellence. Federica’s remarkable achievements underscore her unwavering belief in the transformative power of diversity to propel progress and inspire positive change.

Allen Mathews Shibu, Heathrow Airport Ltd

Allen was born and raised in India and moved to the UK 3 years ago in 2021. Being in a new country, adapting to the culture, people, climate and workplace in addition to being away from family were challenges that Allen faced. His drive to succeed and support from his family motivates him to not only be good at his job but also to encourage and inspire students to pursue a career in STEM. Allen aims to continue to learn and develop as an engineer and make a positive impact to those around him.

Isabelle Pickett, BP

Isabelle is a recent chemical engineering graduate who joined bp in September 2023. She is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable female students, working on the committee of the departments DE&I initiative and running a mentoring scheme for women in STEM outside of work. She represents UK youth on a global stage as part of the UK delegation to COP27 and Young European Leadership delegation to Y7 and Y20.

Jaymie Benka-Davies, Heathrow Airport Ltd

Jaymie Benka-Davies is a growing engineer, as well as her day job working at Heathrow Airport, she is working on developing her other skills to help motivate the younger generation to hopefully pursue a role in stem as well as to believe in themselves.

Natasha Khan, Mott Macdonald

Natasha is a graduate nuclear safety engineer with a passion for improving visibility of underrepresented groups. She is also highly successful professionally, having been appointed to a number of Early Career Professional lead roles in the business in a short amount of time. She is mature beyond her years and a passionate, persuasive communicator.

Mena Maowed, Taylor Woodrow-Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Joint Venture

The Person significantly contributed to HS2’s Old Oak Common Station project, introducing an innovative digital system to streamline permissions, reducing acquisition. His efforts ensured quicker approvals from TfL, accelerating critical infrastructure development. Beyond technology, He championed diversity and inclusion, mentoring young engineers from various backgrounds, and fostering a collaborative team environment. His work not only advanced the project but also demonstrated a commitment to improving the industry and promoting inclusivity.

Namitha Menon Kakkanat, Entain-McLaren

In this submission, a tech returner recounts their triumphant journey, returning to engineering after a one-year break to pursue a Master’s. Overcoming challenges such as a language barrier as English is their second language, they secured a top 10 spot in the competitive Entain McLaren returnship. Now a permanent member of Entain, they showcase adaptability with innovative projects. Their story reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to contributing to the evolving field of engineering.

Neelakshi Devi, Cubic Transportation Systems Ltd

Neelakshi has done an outstanding job this year. Her work on the ITSO programme has been challenging, however, she has taken all challenges and setbacks in her stride and continued to meet targets for projects. The work she has been doing has meant working long hours to ensure that product being delivered to the customer is at the best standard it can be. Neelakshi continues to be a very valued member of the test team.

Arya Assadi Langroudi, University of East London

Amidst management changes and financial challenges across the sector, the nominee exemplified transformative leadership within the Engineering at UEL, achieving unparalleled growth and inclusivity. Through a philosophy that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a culture of feedback, they spearheaded strategic initiatives leading to significant enrollment increases, global recognition, and academic excellence. Their approach to practical learning, diversity, and teamwork has notably advanced the sector, closing attainment gaps and inspiring a new generation of engineers.

Flavia Popescu, BAE Systems

Flavia is an exemplary Senior Project Professional with passion for leadership, project management and engineering. She is an inspirational personality within the engineering and defence sector and she truly deserve a spotlight this year for her exceptional achievements so far.

Tara Cowie, WSP

Tara is the Operations Director for the Industry and Structures business in P&B. Tara is well known for her positive can-do attitude and pragmatic approach to operations management. Tara is hugely valued and integral to making informed decisions about the Industry business. However, her infectious, passionate and empowering leadership style seems to be less recognised, so I hope this award will put a spotlight on her as a role model at WSP.

Dr Chika Nweke, University College London

This submission is based on the application of a signal processing and AI for an enhanced clinical decision support platform to forecast preterm births in pregnant patients alongside an associated labour timeframe using uterine contraction signals. The project showcases an innovative application of AI and ML towards contributing to tackling a trendy world epidemic which is prevalent in both low and high income countries.

Dr Jaclyn Bell, Imperial College London

Taking a strategic role in developing and leading cross-departmental initiatives that enhance the staff and student experience at Imperial College London, Dr Jackie Bell has designed and delivered an innovative programme that supports first-year engineering students’ transition from school to university. Providing holistic wrap-around support for widening participation students, the programme builds students’ sense of social and academic belonging, whilst redressing lower levels of progression and retention in academia (and engineering more widely).

Dr Jennifer Thompson, Swansea University

Dr Jennifer Thompson is Senior Lecturer within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Swansea University. She is School EDI-Lead and manages an RAEng funded project, titled 50% for the Future. Her focus through the 50% for the future project has been on attempting to better understand the decision process of females selecting Mechanical engineering at HE-Level and on implementing and supporting extracurricular activities to foster a more inclusive environment, providing stronger support networks for female students.

Dr Luana Parisi, University of East London

Her commitment to revolutionizing engineering education shines through innovative methodologies and inclusive practices. Emphasizing student-centric approaches and collaboration, she addresses engagement challenges and diverse backgrounds effectively. Her initiatives garner high student satisfaction, top national rankings, and industry alignment. By fostering partnerships, practical insights, and lifelong learning, she enhances employability. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion is evident in projects and leadership roles, affirming her impact on student success and global gender equality efforts.

Sohrab Donyavi, University of East London

At the University of East London, the nominee, as the Academic Head of CTL, has pioneered six innovative engineering programs, resulting in a 1425% enrollment increase in the MSc Construction Engineering Management program. Under his leadership, the course achieved a 100% NSS score, showcasing his commitment to excellence. He established key industry partnerships, enhancing student employability and fostered inclusivity. His efforts in mentoring and securing CIOB accreditation have significantly elevated UEL’s academic reputation.

Birmingham City University Engineering Technical Team

Team BCU have shown outstanding innovation, and contribution to the field of engineering by introducing a range of new practical experiences to support a diverse student base with different abilities. They have collaborated closely with local businesses to contextualise each experience and provide students with industry-ready skills backed-up with CPD points. The team have been empowered to self-manage each project and deliver their own ambitious goals with the full backing of the wider University.

Ca-PoW! University of Bristol

The Ca-Pow! Team are working with a number of Engineering students to capture, evaluate and improve the student experience by putting co-created, tangible and evidence-based, actions in place to mitigate for the intersectional disadvantages faced by undergraduate students. The project aims to ensure all Engineering students have an enjoyable and supported student journey throughout their time at the University of Bristol.

Success for Black Engineers Working Group KCL

The Success for Black Engineers Working Group is a cross-faculty collaborative group within KCL which runs outreach and tutoring for school pupils, peer, academic and industry mentoring for undergraduates, as well as summer research placements, trips and events. The Working Group of passionate staff and students deliver impactful activities, working in partnership with industry and sharing best practice with other universities, with the aim of improving underrepresentation and educational outcomes.

Team Bath Heart

Team Bath Heart (TBH) is a student competition team creating a Total Artificial Heart for patients who cannot get a transplant. TBH presented their design to an international audience of experts in Dallas, Texas winning the International Heart Hackathon. Through the creation of a life-saving medical device, TBH provides a platform for students to develop engineering and business skills. TBH values their diverse membership, achieved by encouraging an inclusive culture and promoting the project widely.

UCL Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) Team

Over ten years, UCL Engineering’s IEP has become a reference point for what becomes possible when staff and students make genuine transformation their unwavering aim and refuse to surrender in the face of difficulties. Working persistently, creatively and determinedly to live up to their strapline ’Change the World’ while keeping diversity and inclusion central to their transformation of engineering education at UCL and globally for the benefit of the engineering profession, society and the planet.

The neoSCB app, University College London

This remarkable research project involving many generations of students has developed and innovative AI smartphone imaging tool screens for significant jaundice in babies using only photos of their eye.

Nellie Direct Air Carbon Dioxide Removal Technology, Nellie Tech

Nellie exists to develop and deploy innovative technologies in the effort to reverse climate change. They’ve developed an engineered carbon dioxide removal technology capable of delivering commercial and environmental impacts at speed and at scale.

Currently sucking carbon dioxide from the air at their pilot site in South Wales, Nellie presents an exciting and viable solution to help stop climate change.

OFR Consultants

OFR is a deserving contender for the Innovator of the Year Award due to its progressive use of developing technologies to better serve the fire safety industry.

As well as continuing to ensure its commitment to providing a next-generation service to its clients, OFR is proud to have utilised relevant technologies to effectively increase its efficiency as a business, contributing to the company’s continuing and rapid growth.

SMR (Structural Material for Reinstatement) UK Ltd

The Smart Alternative™ to traditional backfill methods.
SMR UK Ltd is a proud, family run manufacturing and construction company based in Wales. Demonstrating on achieving net-zero targets and reducing CO2 emissions, they are dedicated to fostering a greener and more environmentally responsible future. SMR known as Structural Material for Reinstatement, it is an alternative to traditional backfill methods. Offering a revolutionary approach to construction materials, enabling the re-use of almost 100% of the host material.

Diversity Confidence in Engineering – University of Sheffield Faculty of Engineering

The Diversity Confidence in Engineering (DiCE) project at Sheffield aimed to support a more inclusive academic community, where diversity is valued, students from underrepresented groups continue into Engineering careers and all graduates have the confidence to shape Engineering activity for the public good. Activities developed aimed to break down the (often unintentional) barriers between groups of students from different backgrounds / characteristics, and to build staff and student confidence in discussing diversity and thinking / acting inclusively.

#WeAreSMR – the Rolls-Royce SMR Inclusion Strategy

Wood is an engineering and consultancy business that is on a mission to solve the world’s most critical challenges. To achieve this, it needs the best people on the team, and this means ensuring diversity of thought and a sense of belonging across its global community.  Wood is committed to moving the dial on Inclusion and Diversity, driving education, empathy and engagement into every level of the business.

Engineers Without Borders Glasgow

EWB Glasgow has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to promoting sustainability, social justice, and diversity and inclusion in engineering education. Through innovative activities, they have created a positive impact on campus and in the wider community, providing opportunities for students to engage in meaningful and impactful work. With their focus on making a lasting difference, EWB Glasgow has truly embodied the values of a society of the year, deserving recognition for their dedication and influence.

FemEng: Empowering Women in Engineering

FemEng is a student-run network that supports women and minorities in engineering. It does this by creating a safe space for students within the University of Glasgow School of Engineering, connecting students with engineering role models, and encourages young people to pursue further education in engineering. To do so, FemEng has now adapted their approach to work online and arrange school visits and reach hundreds of children across Scotland as well as internationally.

The BAME Engineers Society

The BAME Engineers Society at the University of Sheffield, founded in March 2022, quickly set a precedent for diversity and inclusion initiatives within engineering disciplines. The society addresses challenges, including limited access to mentorship, professional opportunities, and a general lack of representation in the field. The society’s efforts are not just about community building; they’re aimed at systemic change, ensuring that BAME students not only enter the engineering field but also thrive and lead.

Women in Science and Engineering Student Society

WISE – Birmingham is a non-profit University organisation with the aim of supporting and promoting women within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at the University of Birmingham. They welcome undergraduates and postgraduates from all STEM backgrounds and organise a range of events including socials, industrial visits, talks and outreach activities.

Women in STEM QUB

Women in STEM QUB has just concluded its first full year as a society at Queen’s University Belfast. The founding members have grown the community to over 400 people, with its largest event having 300 attendees from across the university and industry. The society’s core aim is to ensure that all students can thrive socially, professionally, and academically. They run weekly events throughout the year including yoga, study sessions, painting, careers fairs and outreach.

Genie – Gender Equity & Inclusion in Rolls-Royce SMR

Ability@BAM is one of BAM Nuttall four employee networks which supports, advocates for and strives to enhance the experiences of those who are disabled and/or neurodiverse. The network is peer-led by four voluntary ambassadors whom all have lived experiences of disability and/or neurodiversity. Ability@BAM has the highest number of members across all of the people networks at BAM and, like the other networks, they welcome allies and supporters.

Old Oak Common 5% Club, Balfour Beatty VINCI SYSTRA Joint Venture

The Old Oak Common 5% club, started in 2020, is a group intended to help its members network with one another easily, share experiences and knowledge, assist in each other’s development and contribute towards improving various aspects of the Old Oak Common project.

Sellafield Ltd’s Women’s Engineering Society Network

Sellafield’s Women’s Engineering Society seeks to create a diverse engineering workforce within Sellafield Ltd, in partnership with other networks. The network exists to: support women at every stage of their engineering career, support the business to retain and attract women into engineering and drive the gender balance within the engineering profession.

The IIP Well-being Team, CBG Consultants

The IIP Well-being team are an employee network made up of a cross section of the company who are passionate about improving wellbeing in the workplace and promoting inclusion. Their research, objectives, and actions strive to develop a more people-centric workplace, especially in an industry where it is easy to be overpowered by technology and data. As a smaller business, changes can be more personal and driven by what the employees really want and need.

The WOMEN Together Network – Creating an Inclusive Workplace, Equans UK & Ireland

Equans is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. A great example of how we are achieving this is through one of our DE&I networks: WOMEN Together, which challenges gender bias and champions gender balance by taking a holistic approach to supporting women in Equans. Our submission shines a light on a variety of the network’s initiatives and activities from webinars, quizzes, panel discussions, events to training and STEM outreach programmes.

ARISTI Projects & Engineering Pvt Ltd

ARISTI Projects & Engineering has established itself as a prominent player in the realm of Multi-Disciplinary Engineering and Project Management services, catering to diverse business sectors such as Power, Oil & Gas, Process Industry, Civil & Infrastructure, Mining, and Metallurgy. Specializing in providing comprehensive EPCM solutions with a clear mission to contribute to a rejuvenated society by implementing innovative and sustainable approaches that leverage the latest technologies paving the way for a global shift towards CLEAN ENERGY.

Burns & McDonnell UK

Burns & McDonnell is an engineering, design and construction firm, enabling the connection of renewable generation at scale and pace to meet the UK’s Net Zero commitments. In 2017, it opened its UK office and European headquarters in Birmingham. The firm has enjoyed rapid growth since and this has been possible through careful investment in people, and by setting a culture that provides a framework for all staff to pull in the same direction.

Hidrostal (GB) Ltd

Hidrostal (GB) are fully committed to the support and development of their employees. They recognise the importance of having a diverse workforce to foster an inclusive culture and have worked hard to make the company a meritocracy.

ED&I is fully embedded into their culture to ensure their employees feel supported, accommodated and valued. They are enrolled in the UK Home Office sponsorship scheme and their Equality & Diversity policy has been adopted by the AEMT.

RazorSecure Ltd

RazorSecure, a >50-person VC-backed international cyber security leader, champions accessibility. In just 24 hours, we’ve embedded accessibility tools in our high-tech Operational Technology software. Over 2 years, we’ve exported £5m+ in accessible Digital Maintenance train hardware, with deaf awareness embedded in R&D (Department for Transport winner). Safety through accessibility is key – across over 3200 rail vehicles, we’ve protected more than 250 million passenger journeys over the past 10 years.

BOC UK&Ireland, a Linde company

BOC UK&Ireland, part of the Linde group, is a top employer across the UK and Ireland with a strong inclusive culture. Demonstrated though dedicated Employee Resource Groups for a variety of minority groups, a significant number of DEI champions spread widely across our organisation and our wider community engagement including Secret World of Gases programme. BOC is an organisation that values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and it shows through our employees.

GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace Caledonian have driven a new change in the aerospace community in South Ayrshire to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to join the company. They are a pioneer for D&I events and continue to push training to their team to further better the understanding of each background present within their workforce!

RED Engineering Design

The relentless efforts have not only fostered a more inclusive workplace but have also ignited a profound cultural shift that celebrates individuality and embraces varied perspectives. This dynamic committee’s dedication to promoting understanding and representation serves as an inspiring example, setting a new standard for excellence and paving the way for a more equitable future within our organisation and beyond.