On June 23rd, 2025, CeeD organised a powerful and inspiring event to mark International Women in Engineering Day (IWED), hosted at Forth Valley College. Under the theme “How Do We Widen the Conversation?”, the event brought together industry leaders, engineers, educators, and advocates to explore how to make engineering more inclusive and representative of the world we live in.
As an organisation committed to improving operational efficiency and effectiveness through peer-to-peer learning and development programmes, CeeD designed this event to spark meaningful dialogue and shared learning across sectors and experiences.
Spotlight on Leadership: Joyce Onuonga’s Story
The day began with a compelling spotlight conversation featuring Joyce Onuonga, Managing Director of John White & Son and winner of the 2025 CeeD Women in Industry Award. Interviewed by Laura Halliday of Arthian, Joyce shared her remarkable journey as the first female manager in her company’s history. As a Black woman from Kenya and a non-engineer in a technical field, Joyce faced significant resistance. Yet, through hands-on leadership, inclusive recruitment practices, and a commitment to cultural transformation, she has reshaped her organisation from the inside out.
Joyce’s message was clear: presence matters. Her story underscored the importance of visibility, empathy, and creating safe spaces for honest dialogue. Her initiatives such as peer learning sessions and inclusive inductions, have not only improved workplace culture but also set a benchmark for what inclusive leadership looks like.
Broadening the Dialogue: A Call for Allyship
The panel discussion that followed, chaired by Mhairi Brown of Skylands Aviation, tackled the critical question of how to bring more men into the conversation. Panelists including Joyce Onuonga, Kat Pohorec (Edinburgh Innovations), Poggy Murray Whitam (Equal Engineers), and Lewis Hoggan (Arthian) explored the unique barriers faced by women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, neurodiverse individuals, and those from working-class backgrounds.
Key takeaways included:
- Culture & Inclusion: DEI must be embedded in policy, not treated as an afterthought. Microaggressions and tokenism must be addressed head-on.
- Recruitment & Promotion: Job descriptions should be simplified and inclusive. Soft skills and diverse experiences must be valued.
- Education & Early Engagement: Stronger partnerships between industry and schools are essential to inspire the next generation.
- Leadership & Allyship: Leaders must model inclusive behaviour and foster psychologically safe environments.
- Flexibility & Accessibility: Proactive adjustments and flexible work arrangements are vital for supporting caregivers and diverse working styles.
Action-Oriented Outcomes
The event wasn’t just about discussion - it was about action. Attendees participated in breakout sessions to develop practical steps for change, from revising recruitment practices to promoting sponsorship over performative allyship. The emphasis was on shared responsibility: inclusion is not the job of the marginalised alone. This session reflected CeeD’s belief in peer-to-peer learning as a catalyst for innovation and improvement, encouraging participants to share insights and co-create solutions.
A Glimpse into the Future
To round off the day, participants were treated to a guided tour of Forth Valley College’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities. This hands-on experience offered a glimpse into the future of engineering education.
Looking Ahead
IWED 2025 was a reminder that while the challenges are real, so too is the potential for transformation—when we listen, learn, and lead together.
As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive change, CeeD is evolving our approach by listening to feedback from our community. Building on the success of our Women in Engineering network, we are proud to transition to “Together in Engineering”—a name that reflects our aim to amplify diverse voices and actively welcome participation from men as allies. Through our peer-to-peer learning community, we continue to foster environments where everyone feels heard, respected, and empowered to lead meaningful change.
If you want to find out more about the event and the actionable steps businesses can take, please read our event summary and action plan here.