Allied Women in Engineering, an initiative created by the founders of Allied Global Engineering, held an inspiring speaking event on International Women's Day - Tuesday 8th March. The function was held at Brewin Dolphin, Colmore Row in Birmingham, and was attended by 50 women from business leaders to students.
Member of Made in the Midlands Allied Women in Engineering aims to be an inclusive, all-round support system for individuals who want to maximise their potential and experience fulfilment. The aim of the group is to offer people mentoring and support providing role models and training to become leaders, global events uniting leaders from around the world and career opportunities.
The first event from Allied Women in Engineering saw eight female speakers take to the stage and share their experiences as leaders within the male dominated manufacturing and engineering industries, which includes only 33% of women. This was followed by panelled discussions where attendees had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions about working in the industry and overcoming discrimitantion and bias.
Many female leaders from The Made in Group membership were speakers at the event, including Poppy Durnall, Director of The Powder Coaters, Emma Hockley, Managing Director of Big Bear Plastics, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services and Made in Group Director Ilona Pitt. All of the female speakers shared insightful information as the female leaders within the industry, namely how they have overcome diversity and imposter syndrome.
Allied Global Engineering Partner Bethan Jepson created Allied Women in Engineering and hopes the group will help individuals reach their maximum potential and support leaders to involve their internal systems through events like this one. Whilst hosting the event that took place on International Women's day, Bethan said:
“Leadership is a choice and deciding to be here today to help make a change makes you a leader”.
Find out more about Allied Women in Engineering and how to get involved.
