Samrudhi Inamdar | Systems Engineer | AAC Clyde Space
My engineering journey is driven by a deep desire to innovate and overcome nature`s challenges.
With a proven record of achievements and a vision to inspire future generations, I strive to lead by example. Motivated by a sincere commitment to contribute to society and foster positive change, this recognition represents a pivotal opportunity to effect meaningful transformation.
I am currently working as a Systems Engineer at AAC Clyde Space, where I get to work on the most exciting space projects. Embarking on an academic voyage, I began with a Bachelor`s in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering in India. Subsequently, I pursued a Master`s in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University, which laid the foundation for my journey into the realm of space exploration. Building upon this foundation, I am currently pursuing a second Master`s in Engineering Management at Brunel University London, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to continual learning and professional advancement. These qualifications have equipped me with a solid foundation and specialized knowledge essential for my career in aerospace engineering.
Having spent my formative years in India, I began a fresh phase in my professional journey upon relocating to the United Kingdom in 2021, amid the pandemic`s adversities. Rather than yielding to the hurdles of lock-down and unemployment, I pro-actively utilized my technical skills and interpersonal abilities to network, build connections, and pursue opportunities.
I`m an ardent art enthusiast, particularly drawn to dancing and painting. I like to maintain a rounded life blending creativity with STEM expertise.
Lauren McCarthy | Project Manager | InSpace Missions
I have worked in various industries and roles , all of which have been centred around supporting people, either as customers or as part of my team.
My start in the Space Industry came via a chance opportunity within the Compliance & Export Team at SSTL, and I haven`t looked back since. It gave me a brilliant grounding and allowed me exposure across the business to see where I wanted to work; this is how I decided upon Project Management. My first role within projects was in resource management & capacity planning, implementing a new system across projects & engineering to make processes more efficient. This evolved into a Project Management role, being responsible for the R&D/Non-mission projects portfolio including working with CEOI & DASA. Whilst in this position I had a yearlong break following the birth of my son but came back to support a multi-million pound MOD project as well as continuing to manage my existing portfolio.
Following my move to In-Space Missions (ISM) (now part of the BAE Systems Group) I feel like I’ve been fully supported to grow in my role and further develop my career, it’s been a steep learning curve. I’ve worked on high profile bids, supported the satellite operations team & customers through In-Orbit Commissioning on ISMs first ride share mission, to delivering the Systems & Integration Test Phase on ISMs largest programme, which is spear-heading BAE entry into the UK space market, backed by a significant internal investment from the group.
Kat Draper | Principal Engineer | Mott MacDonald
Kat is a Chartered Civil Engineer and has been working in the construction industry for more than 15 years.
She completed a Master’s degree (MEng) in Civil Engineering at the University of Southampton and has completed the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification.
Her latest roles focus on management and co-ordination of design teams; including team leader, project manager and design manager, and projects range from early feasibility studies, preliminary design and detailed design, with extensive collaboration with various third parties. In 2023 she was project manager for a team that travelled to Rwanda to build a 77m trail bridge.
Kat is keen to encourage others into the construction industry and is passionate about creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry. She promotes engineering to others through mentoring, by being a STEM Ambassador and facilitating student work placements and attending career events.
With lower-than-average numbers of women and minority groups working in the industry, Kat acknowledges that change is required to make the industry more effective at attracting and retaining talent.
Kat believes that if people have certain skills or are capable and keen to do certain roles, they should be able to do a role that utilises those skills. This shouldn’t be limited or defined by gender.
The best teams will have different skills, emotions and personalities within them, and this provides resilience and balance. Everyone within the team has the right to be their authentic self, so they can give their best and achieve their own and the project objectives.
Karen Perry | Head of Customer Service | Daikin UK
I am currently working as Head of Customer Service for Residential business within Daikin UK, a global heat pump and air-conditioning and refrigeration manufacturer.
Having been at Daikin for 25 years working in various sales, engineering and management roles. I am now on the Senior Leadership team.
I joined the industry in 1993 straight out of school education as an office junior and feel privileged to have been given the opportunities I have to reach my career goals.
I took the decision to start an Open University Degree in 2010 part time while continuing to work. I graduated with Honours in Psychology in 2016.
Gillian Barber | Research Consultant and STEM Public Engagement Specialist | Barber Research
Gillian is an independent research consultant and a post-doctoral researcher in science communication and education.
She works with public bodies, NGOs, and universities to create engagement programmes that promote inclusive and equitable access to science. Gillian has dedicated her career to the belief that scientific research benefits from knowledge sharing by communicating with diverse audiences.
She has a strong background in health, acquiring her PhD in Immunology from Trinity College Dublin in 2021. During this time, she co-founded the successful national charity Women in Research Ireland (WIRI), which gives voice to under-represented groups in research.
After her PhD, she worked as a medical writer in clinical trials, where she managed the writing of clinical study reports communicated with major regulatory bodies.
Since then, she has been working in science communications and education. In 2023, she helped to launch the Wellcome Trust’s new podcast about global health research, which tells stories from around the world of real people and their health experiences. She is currently working as an independent research consultant who reviews and evaluates public-facing science initiatives.
Gillian is an advocate of maintaining trust in science, inclusive research, and equitable health agendas. Her work seeks to bridge what science achieves with how the public understands those achievements.
Geerthiga Parameswaran | Medical Devices Integration Team Lead | Cleveland Clinic London
Geerthiga Parameswaran is a Medical Device Integration Team Lead at Cleveland Clinic London.
Dedicated to enhancing healthcare technology, cyber security of medical devices and improving integrated workflows, she brings her engineering expertise to the forefront. With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the UK, she began her career as a biomedical engineer before transitioning into a role in digital health.
Frankie Thatcher | Product Assurance Lead | BAE Systems
My career has grown from early days of work experience involving stock checking fasteners for electric propulsion engines (that are now in Space) to becoming a Product Assurance Lead for a Space System.
This involves the co-ordination of and participation in various assurance activities across Satellite, Ground Segment and Equipment development. Throughout my career, I have had opportunities to work on a wide range of exciting technologies with wonderful, engaging and talented people from a variety of backgrounds.
My career is continuing to grow and I am excited now to help develop the next generation of space-industry engineers.
I joined the industry as a graduate from the University of Manchester with my Master`s degree in Physics with Astrophysics. I continue to support STEM activities to encourage new talent into the industry through various entry routes.
Donna Otchere | Co Founder | SiSTEM UK
Donna co-founded SiSTEM UK with her sister in 2022. It was created as a solution to an ongoing issue of lack of representation of women specifically black women within the STEM (science, technology, and mathematics) industry.
Donna had a passion for engineering despite not achieving the entry requirement and the discouragement from teachers she still broke barriers and studied mechanical engineering at university. Whilst she was at university, she felt very isolated as one of the few women on her course. It was support of her sisterhood which gave her the courage to complete the course. Since then, she has gone on to complete a master’s degree and now she is starting her PhD in Gender Equity in STEM. The beauty in her journey is that at every step, she has opened doors for other young ladies. SiSTEM launched as a social media platform to increase representation of women in STEM. When you searched #womeninSTEM, there was a lack of black women. It became her mission to change this. As well as showcasing women in STEM, SiSTEM educated their audience on different carers within STEM. A community of women grew and the SiSTEM movement began. Donna goes into schools, universities, festivals and anywhere that would give her a platform educating people on engineering and debunking the notion that engineering is just for men. She leads her team with unique visions through events, workshops, mentoring and social media to increase and retain women in STEM.
Ashleigh Foreman | Assistant Site Manager | Barratt London
My interest in construction began during my time at university, when I found myself in conversation with contractors developing the student accommodation.
This inspired me to seek a career path I had no idea existed previously and wasn`t something I had seen another woman fulfilling. I did some work experience with Telford Homes and started my career with Barratts in 2021 as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager. I have since promoted to Assistant Site Manager and have over seen the CMLs of hundreds of homes and personally led the program of 106 apartments in the year 2023. in 2024 I am working alongside another site manager to handover a feature block of unique design which includes 60 luxury retirement apartments, a gym, café and other staffing areas. I am aiming to promote again this year to Site Manager and look forwards to future opportunities that encourage other women into the industry.
Tamara Tankosic | Technology Delivery Lead | Accenture
Tamara is a Technology Delivery Lead at Accenture, specialised in technology project management and strategy and has been leading multi-million pound digital transformation and total enterprise reinvention projects, managing global teams and navigating complex programme delivery for large market share holders across consumer packaged goods and retail industries, including FTSE100 and FTSE250 clients.
She is a known mentor and supporter of her teams, having received recognition across projects and clients on her work and dedication to not only hitting project milestones but also ensuring teams are engaged and feeling valued.
Previously Tamara has worked as a Project Manager in travel and retail technology, managing projects including e-commerce platform development, customer relationship management, market expansion and business growth.
Tamara has a Bachelors with Honours in International Economics and Business and a Masters in Management from London Business School.