I am currently an Environmental Engineer at Thames Water, responsible for mitigating environmental risk in our Capital Delivery Projects, driving ambitious environmental deliverables including biodiversity net gain and net carbon zero, and actively supporting initiatives that enhance our local environment.

I’m passionate about meeting both business and environmental goals, as well as creating a sustainable future for generations to come. I work in a heavily male-dominated field and I am passionate about encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM, environmental and construction fields.

At school, I knew very early on I was passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment, spending weekends and summers volunteering at local farms, equestrian centres and veterinary practices from a young age. This led me to study Animal Science BSc for my undergraduate degree, allowing me to focus on the health, welfare and conservation of animals. During this time I interned at two conservation NGOs, Elephant Family in London and Roots & Shoots in Beijing, where I campaigned for the conservation of habitats, wildlife and endangered species.

I subsequently studied Ecology at MSc level, achieving a distinction and an international poster award for my research into animal behaviour, and gaining the necessary practical ecological skills to pursue an environmental career. I then joined Thames Water, on the Graduate Scheme Science Pathway, successfully navigating four environmental placements spanning across wastewater environmental regulation, water quality and sustainability, showing my commitment to meet regulatory obligations and influence environmental issues beyond compliance. In my current role I am able to ensure that the development of our Water and Sewage Treatment Works can simultaneously meet growing water demands, improve the quality of water and reduce our environmental impact, whilst enhancing biodiversity and conserving protected species on our sites.

On top of my drive to enhance our local environment in my day job, as an individual from a BAME background, I am also committed to championing Thames Water as an inclusive environment, ensuring that our employees represent the wonderfully diverse demographic we serve and ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole selves to work. I am currently the BAME+ & Allies Network Secretary, working on our business-wide Inclusion Sessions, leading on our collaboration with local BAME charity Reading Community Learning Centre and reverse mentoring Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director.

In addition, as an ambitious female I am passionate about encouraging young women to pursue environmental careers through my involvement in STEM events, including WISE Campaign’s #MySkillsMyLife.