One of the most influential women in UK engineering is to be a keynote speaker at the Women of the Year Awards 2014.
Dawn Elson – Head of Engineering at Gatwick Airport and the woman previously responsible for keeping the UK’s Spy Planes airborne – has been unveiled as one of the major speakers for this year’s awards, which will take place at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole on Friday, October 10.
Recently awarded an honorary doctorate by Staffordshire University for her services to industry, Elson will tell attendees at this year’s prestigious event about her journey to the top of a traditionally male dominated business, and underline the importance of encouraging young girls to study for a career in engineering and the sciences.
“There will always be challenges for women entering traditionally male businesses, but in my experience they are never insurmountable,” says Elson.
“The single most important tool you need is the courage to be true to yourself. In the past I have fallen into the trap of being too conciliatory in male-dominated engineering environments because I thought that somehow others’ opinions were more valid than mine, and often ended up watching others taking credit for my work.”
“If you are given a job it is because you can do it – so trust your own judgement, focus on your own goals and ignore anybody who says that you can’t.”
Having previously served 23 years in the Royal Air Force, Elson is a committed advocate of encouraging more girls to become interested in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at school.
A Fellow of both the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society, she believes passionately in celebrating the successes of women in all sectors in order to provide future generations with appropriate role models.
She added: “It is incredibly important to share examples of successful women leading the pack in every business field, and particularly those who have triumphed in those sectors previously considered to be male territory.”
“If you know or work with a successful woman that deserves recognition for her achievements, I’d urge you to nominate them for this year’s awards.”
With the UK facing its biggest ever skills crisis, the race to attract more women into the world of creating wealth has never been more important.
The Businesswoman of the Year serves to highlight and share great role models and mentors by encouraging and inspiring women to reach their potential.
Entries are now open for the 32nd Businesswoman of the Year with the winner being announced at the Women of the Year Luncheon and Awards at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel near the NEC on Friday, October 10.
Lord Digby Jones will this year chair the prestigious judging panel to choose the 2014 Businesswoman of the Year. Presenter of BBC 2 TV’s Troubleshooter business programme, he was Director General of the CBI between 2000-2006 and Minister of State for Trade and Investment from 2007-08. He is also the chairman, director and advisor of several UK global businesses.
Former winners include Karren Brady CBE, star of The Apprentice and Vice-Chairman at West Ham United, Hilary Devey CBE from hit BBC TV series Dragons’ Den, Sarah Tremellen, founder and Chief Executive of Bravissimo, Emma Elston, co-founder of UK Container Maintenance, Julie White, Managing Director of D-Drill, and Asha Khemka OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of West Nottinghamshire College.
