Inspirational Business Women in Stem and Construction
Our co-founder Cristina Lanz Azcarate was recognised as one of the Inspirational Business Women in Stem and Construction at a ceremony that took place at The Lords, Below Cristina's recollection of the event.
Remember how I said that I was attending the House of Lords to catch up with some remarkable women? Well, there I was, minding my own business on the first row (because that is where I was with Marian Ferguson and Danna Walker when Yanmo Adetula took on a stage I had not even noticed) when after listening to our hosts Baroness Sandy Verma and Roni Savage , a change of pace marked the announcement of the Inspirational Winners.
Aside from the fact that hearing any permutation of my name aloud in the UK is always a surprise, on this occasion it was so unexpected that it took me a while to work out the logistics, compose myself (to a degree) and collect my award from the Minister of State, Baroness Lucy Neville-Role, who seemed as surprised by my reaction as I was by hearing my name.
Personal anecdotes aside, when Roni told me about her plans for the Inspirational Business Women in Stem and Construction initiative, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Being part of the IBWSC community and providing support to the next generation of entrepreneurs was too good of an opportunity to miss.
The evening felt momentous. It was celebratory, insightful, and full of potential. I had great discussions, exchanged ideas, met many lovely and interesting individuals and left with a renewed sense of purpose.
I want to congratulate all the 70 nominees for their contribution to STEM and Construction and for how they are leading their businesses. And also to the young ambassadors for actively reaching out to the IBWSC community. Something that is intimidating and requires guts.
And of course the other Inspirational Business Women in Stem and Construction winners . I feel humbled to be linked to such an impressive group : Alexandra Knight CEng FIMechE FWES Anita Phagura Anna Burke Becky Toal CEnv MIEMA Enabling Sustainable Futures Catherine Barratt Charlene Campbell Charlie Gardener Claudine Adeyemi Cynthia V Davis CBE Damini Sharma Denise O'Leary MBE Dipalee Jukes Elaine Lewis Ele George Flavilla Fongang Georgia Elliott-Smith Hollie Whittles ⚡️Jordan Marie Brompton Kamelia Singh Lucy Hall Marian Ferguson Megan Hale Marketing Michaela Wain Paulette Watson MBA Global Tech Disruptor Rianne Scott MIWFM - Commercial Director Sarra Hawes Sophie Carr Stephanie McDonald Victoria Roskams.
Due to force of habit from my time at the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) London & South East years, I also want to take this opportunity to expand on three points that the panel discussion touched upon, because they have been appearing in every discussion about engagement and retention of female talent (regardless of the context or sector) I have attended since I started volunteering in 2013.
1. The role of schools: We heard an acknowledgement that schools must give girls and boys the opportunity to explore their interest in STEM subjects and highlight the kind of paths those may lead them to.
Having spoken in schools regularly for ten years, I would like to acknowledge that not every school has the insight, network, or resources to do the latter. And hence, the importance of organisations such as Stemettes, Inspiring the Future and Built Environment Skills for Schools LINK (to mention a few) who can help breach the gap between industry and schools. Do look them up and consider volunteering to make an impact in your community.
2. Role models: Women entrepreneurs at the start of their career do not necessarily need highly experienced role models. In fact, as Rt Hon Caroline Nokes suggested, someone who is just a few steps ahead may be more relatable. Because of this, everyone should get involved in mentoring. And with all the tech that is available, there is no excuse to not use the means in our hands to reach out and make ourselves available.
In this regard, I’d like to take the opportunity to suggest that in addition to keeping an eye on the forthcoming plans emerging from the Inspirational Business Women in Stem and Construction , you also have a look at the work of at Built by Us LINK. Their Build, Fluid and Shape programmes have been impacting the industry since 2015 in the following manner:
· Build ,supporting those looking to gain experience,
· Fluid, supporting those in mid-career looking for a mentor and
· Shape, connecting experienced business owners and professionals with those looking to start a business.
As a seasoned mentor at Fluid I recommend getting involved.
3. Structural bias: If the traditional structure of companies does not work for the workforce, business owners and founders can change the structure. I particularly liked the example that (I believe) Cynthia V Davis CBE shared. It was the idea of creating two board level roles in order for two people to share responsibilities. Not because each individuals cannot do the job on their own but because their familial responsibilities are an important consideration for her as a business owner. This is the kind of thinking that can help drive diversity.
I believe it was the wonderful Sandi Rhys Jones, OBE, FCIOB who summed it up perfectly: When you are in charge, you don’t need to ask permission.
All and all, it was a brilliant evening and I cannot wait to see how things evolve.
Ps. Jill Pay Aibiokunla Osunde-Ogbebor Jessy Gomes Huw Edwards (he/him) BEng CEng MICE MCIHT RPP MAPM FPWI Amaya Zubimendi-Chamoto It was lovely to see you all