The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) proudly revealed the recipients of its prestigious 2024 awards during the annual Caroline Haslett Lecture on December 11, 2024. Held at the Geological Society in London, the event celebrated exceptional contributions to the engineering sector and the champions of gender diversity within STEM.
This year’s winners are:
- Karen Burt Memorial Award: Kerry Evans, Senior Operations Manager, A55 (Eco-Scope)
- Men as Allies Award: Professor Vince Pizzoni
- Amy Johnson Inspiration Award: Laura Hughes, Amazon
- Newly Registered Technician Award: Isobel Howe
- Newly Incorporated Engineer Award: Lucy Davies
The Karen Burt Award is an annual award presented to the best newly qualified Chartered Engineer by the Women’s Engineering Society. It was set up in 1998 in memory of Dr Karen Burt by her father, Professor Cyril Hilsum. Karen, an eminent physicist, gifted communicator and an inspiration to all who knew her, was an active member of the WES Council, and campaigned for the recruitment and retention of women in science and engineering. This award attempts to raise the profile of Chartership and encourages women engineers to become Chartered as early as possible in their career.
For 2024 the winner was Kerry Evans. Kerry is a Chartered Highways & Transportation engineer. Kerry’s commitment to engineering and raising the opportunity for women engineers is second to none. Kerry is a passionate advocate for change pushing for workplace policies that support domestic abuse victims and survivors. Kerry began her journey into engineering at college and is currently working towards her PhD. Kerry’s PhD research aims to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment between civil engineering and environmental protection disciplines where she is committed to opening doors for women in these fields, ensuring they are seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. Kerry is extraordinarily proud to be a woman engineer where she says everyday she knows there is something she does that benefits society, however small. Kerry’s irrepressible enthusiasm for women in engineering will inspire many others for years to come.
The judges remarked:
“Kerry Evans embodies the values and vision of this award. Her professional achievements and personal strength are truly inspiring.”
Other awards given out on the night were the Men as Allies Award and the Amy Johnson Inspiration Award.
The Men as Allies Award celebrates male allies advocating for gender equality in STEM and this year it went to Professor Vince Pizzoni who was recognized for his tireless efforts in supporting women in engineering and addressing gender imbalances.
The Amy Johnson Inspiration Award, honours individuals outside engineering who advance diversity in STEM fields. This year the winner was Laura Hughes from Amazon.
There were also two new awards announced in 2024. The Newly Registered Technician Award was presented to Isobel Howe, recognizing her exceptional dedication and achievement in attaining Registered Technician status.
Lucy Davies was celebrated as the Newly Incorporated Engineer Award winner, showcasing her competence and commitment.
The WES awards are a great opportunity to showcase those who are making strides in improving the gender disparity within engineering and is a pivot part of our mission to support the engineering industry to be inclusive.