Featuring contributions from both staff and students, alongside interactive workshops, this vital initiative (held annually on 23rd June) not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of women in engineering but also towards closing the gender gap in the field. This year's event featured an inspiring lineup of talks from academics, students, and industry leaders, exploring everything from cutting-edge research and faculty initiatives to the diverse career paths available in engineering.
Keynote speaker, Janet Collyer MBE, Chair of the Board at two UK technology startups, Quantum Dice and Mach42, spoke candidly about her experiences within the engineering sector, and recounted being one of only six women in a 300-strong cohort at her University.
Day two kicked off with practical workshops, starting with an interactive 90-minute training session led by Northern Value Creators. They provided guidance on staying grounded under pressure, helping colleagues develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and consistent performance. Participants not only left with a personal action plan for peak performance, but also forged at least one new connection.
Caron Fraser Wood, from Educating Experts, followed the morning workshop session, leading the group on an insightful exploration of time management strategies and offering a fresh perspective on impostor syndrome, transforming it from a source of self-doubt into a catalyst for growth.
Dr Elena Marensi, Faculty of Engineering Director for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing, said: “This event was about more than celebration – it was about empowering women to grow in confidence, take up space, and thrive in their careers. By recognising achievements and creating opportunities to connect and be heard, we’re not only challenging outdated stereotypes, but also helping to shape a more equitable and inclusive future for engineering.”