Iconic Women in Engineering: Inspiring the Next Generation in STEM Careers

Women in STEM careers UK-wide remain underrepresented, making up just 9% of the engineering professions workforce. With the STEM workforce skills gap widening, it’s crucial to encourage girls into STEM careers and highlight female role models who are shaping the future of technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). By showcasing the number of women in higher education and professional roles, we inspire young talent to explore rewarding engineering careers.

1. Beatrice 'Tilly' Shilling OBE

Claim to Fame: A pioneering British aeronautical engineer, Shilling designed the R.A.E. restrictor during WWII, helping RAF Spitfires and Hurricanes outperform Luftwaffe fighters. She was awarded an OBE for her groundbreaking work.

 Why She Inspires: One of only two female engineering graduates from Victoria University of Manchester in 1932, Shilling proved women could excel in careers in STEM, engineering and mathematics STEM, and leadership roles in science and engineering.

2. Victoria Drummond MBE

Claim to Fame: The UK’s first female marine engineer and the first woman awarded Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea.

 Why She Inspires: Drummond opened doors for women in engineering professions, promoting diversity and inclusion in technology, engineering, and maths careers and showing that female role models can change industry norms.

3. Katherine Johnson

Claim to Fame: NASA mathematician whose critical calculations supported Project Mercury and Apollo 11, helping humans reach the moon.

 Why She Inspires: Katherine’s work highlights the importance of women in computer science, technology, engineering, and maths, and STEM workforce development, showing that gender is no barrier to achieving groundbreaking success.

4. Paige Kassalen

Claim to Fame: The youngest and only female engineer on the Solar Impulse II project, completing a global flight powered solely by solar energy. Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2017.

 Why She Inspires: Paige actively champions female STEM talent and demonstrates that young women can thrive in innovative STEM careers, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in engineering and science and engineering.

These trailblazing women show how higher education, hands-on experience, and passion in technology, engineering, and maths can empower women to achieve remarkable things. Highlighting female engineers history, celebrating women in engineering statistics, and showcasing famous female engineers motivates girls to explore careers in STEM.

"These women aren’t just building technology—they’re shaping legacies. Engineering is about breaking barriers, fostering gender equality, and inspiring future female engineers." — Matchtech Expert

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