Established in 2019, the Gender Diversity Ambassador Award was created to recognise an individual’s hard work in achieving gender equality within the engineering industry.
The award is for a person of any gender who is an innovative thinker who has actively addressed the gender gap by attracting and retaining women in engineering. It aims to showcase innovation and good practice to complement the YWE Awards by recognising the support and encouragement of women in STEM careers.
Our 2024 Gender Diversity Ambassador Award winner Brigid Smith
Brigid is a passionate advocate for equal opportunities, dedicating many years of her career to fostering diversity and inclusion (D&I) within the tech industry. Her D&I journey began in 2017 at Imagination Technologies, where she co-founded the Women in Tech (WIT) group. In collaboration with HR, this initiative aimed to enhance the hiring and retention of women and other minorities, setting the stage for a more inclusive workplace.
Brigid’s influence extends to her pivotal role in the Technical Women in Intel (TWIN) UK committee. As a key member, she has been instrumental in the chapter's development, contributing to its recognition as an award-winning entity. Her involvement in TWIN UK events, particularly the drop-in mentoring series, has provided invaluable support to many. These sessions feature a diverse range of influential speakers discussing topics such as change agency, business acumen, presentation skills, and decision-making, offering on-the-spot mentoring to all attendees.
As part of her committee work, Brigid has organised numerous workshops addressing critical issues like unconscious bias and has led events designed to boost employee confidence and skills. Her commitment to outreach is evident through her participation in university workshops and speed interviewing sessions, where she helps bridge the gap between academia and industry.
As a mentor, Brigid supports engineers of all genders, contributing to their professional growth. Her involvement in Intel’s mentor circle program further underscores her dedication to nurturing the next generation of tech talent.
Brigid Smith's efforts in promoting gender diversity have made a significant impact, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps and strive for a more equitable tech industry.