The panel at the debate from left: Ruth Carter, Molly Behling, Erato Vasileiou, Hiba Talmoust and Emma Taylor-Beal
The powerful impact that women have in the engineering community was celebrated by the CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) London to mark International Women in Engineering Day.
Held at Hilson Moran’s Living Lab office near London Bridge, the event served as a reminder of the incredible strides women are making in engineering, and the importance of encouraging future generations to follow in their footsteps.
The evening’s highlight was a panel discussion chaired by CIBSE CEO Ruth Carter, featuring speakers Molly Behling, Erato Vasileiou, Hiba Talmoust, and Emma Taylor-Beal. Each drew on their experiences to emphasise the significance of mentorship, diversity, and community support in fostering female engineers.
Carter set the tone by reflecting on the barriers that women face, noting how essential it is for established professionals to support younger engineers as they navigate careers. Throughout the evening, attendees shared personal stories about the women who have inspired them. Here are some of them:
Molly Behling, graduate design engineer at Hilson Moran, paid tribute to Aleksandra Sasha Krstanovic FCIBSE, known for her innovative designs and leadership. Her work and lectures provided Behling with technical knowledge and confidence, solidifying her path in the field.
Waterman net zero and sustainability consultant Hiba Talmoust shared how Kellie Gerardi, an aerospace professional and advocate for space exploration, became her role model. Gerardi’s dedication to making space accessible to all deeply resonated with Talmoust, sparking her passion for aerospace engineering.
Tom Bull, MEP engineer at Aecom, honoured his mother, Cindy, for the profound impact she has had on his life and career. He credited her strength, determination and unwavering support for shaping his path in engineering. Similarly, Zoe Dickson, project sales engineer at SSE Energy Solutions spoke of her mother, who ‘gave up the career she loved to raise me’. This act of sacrifice resonated deeply with Dickson and shaped her determination to excel.
Director and sustainable operations client lead at JLL Erato Vasileiou drew inspiration from Mary Jackson, NASA’s first black female engineer. Her courage in breaking through racial and gender barriers made her a symbol of perseverance and excellence – qualities Vasileiou has sought to emulate throughout her career.
Mathew Stark, senior mechanical engineer at Box Twenty, remembered how his high school teacher, Mrs Neil, ignited his passion for engineering. Her encouragement and belief in his abilities played a pivotal role in his career choice.
Emma Taylor-Beal, ESG and innovation consultant at energylab, highlighted the influence of Vanessa Nakate, a Ugandan climate justice activist. Nakate’s work, focusing attention on the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, inspired Taylor-Beal to focus on sustainability and climate solutions.
Roberto R, mechanical engineer at KJ Tait, celebrated Gabriela Amaya, a member of the event’s general committee, for her commitment to designing environmentally sustainable improvements to urban landscapes.
Carter cited Jennifer Cox, the past Chair of the CIBSE YEN London, for her outstanding contributions as a senior electrical engineer. Cox’s dedication to her craft and her role on the CIBSE Council, combined with her awards are, said Carter, a testament to her brilliance.
Award-winning leader in sustainable urban design Clara Bagenal George was praised by Marie-Louise Schembri, Hilson Moran sustainability director, on being made an MBE, honouring her initiatives. Bagenal George’s efforts to create resilient and liveable cities have inspired countless engineers.
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