Amber O’Connor from Siemens Aeroderivative Gas Turbines; Chrisma Jain from Transport for London; Hannah Ratcliffe from Jacobs; Katie Burnell from Amey; and Rebecca Cocklin from BP are among 100 new Rising Stars created for 2020 by WeAreTheCity, a company that offers development opportunities, resources and networking for women and helps organisations attract, retain and develop female talent.

The five are proud winners in the Science and Engineering category and will be ‘presented’ with their awards by 3M Regional Business Leader for Consumer, Jo Partridge, during a special virtual celebration event hosted by managing director of WeAreTheCity, Vanessa Vallely, in July.

3M Corporate Communications manager, John Klee, and Communications and Visual Identity manager, Julie Owen, were invited to meet the five STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) role models on a video call after the winners were announced.

Said Julie: “It was a great opportunity to get to know Amber, Chrisma, Hannah, Katie and Rebecca and for them to connect with each other. We found out more about why they had chosen to pursue a career in engineering and the work they are doing within their own organisations and externally to inspire the next generation.”

John added: “We also had the chance to talk about the role that 3M plays encouraging young people, and girls in particular, to study STEM subjects. As well as hosting regular events, such a careers evening for girls and their parents, and running the annual 3M Young Innovators Challenge for schools near to our offices in Bracknell and Loughborough, this year we joined forced with the British Science Association to support its Smashing Stereotypes campaign, challenging the traditional concept of scientists.”

During the call, Vanessa welcomed the science and engineering winners to the Rising Stars ‘hall of fame’ and congratulated them for their inspiring work to champion diversity in their profession.

She added: “I am so proud that for the sixth year running WeAreTheCity has been able to shine a light on the achievements of so many remarkable women across the UK. Our 2020 winners join a phenomenal alumni of 550 previous winners who continue to soar, both professionally and personally.”

The Rising Star awards are sponsored by the Royal Bank of Canada and were introduced to showcase female talent below management level and to create 100 new role models across different industries and professions every year.

This year, the awards were entered by more than 1,000 individuals and were judged by a panel of 45 independent judges. More than 35,000 public votes of support were received for the 200 shortlisted nominees from 115 countries.

MEET THE 2020 RISING STARS