Now in their ninth year, the Rising Star awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below senior management level, supporting the next generation of future leaders across a range of industries and professions.
The awards have so far put the spotlight on the achievements of more than 850 women through the programme that is run by WeAreTheCity - an online forum for professional women who want to progress in their careers, enhance their skills and build external networks.
Members of the public are invited to nominate an inspiring woman in any of the industry categories, which can be found on the website. Nominations are also invited for the Company of the Year; the Rising Star Champion; the Men for Gender Balance award and the Global Award for Achievement.
3M’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lead for North Europe, Tina Monk, says: “Supporting the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects lies at the heart of 3M’s community programme in the UK. As a materials-science-based innovation company, we are particularly keen to encourage female students to consider STEM careers. We are therefore delighted to sponsor the Rising Stars in Science and Engineering category, helping to shine a light on role models who can inspire the next generation.”
3M North Europe STEM Champion, Sarah Chapman, presented the 2022 awards to the five winners in the Science and Engineering category - Bamidele Farinre, a scientific advisor to the UK Health Security Agency; Caitlin McCall, an advanced research engineer from The Manufacturing Technology Centre; Diviya Devani, a space systems engineer from Q-CTR; Lisa-Jayne Cook, an engineer from GEA Heating and Refrigeration Technologies; and Lynette Kebirungi, an aerospace engineer from Rolls-Royce - at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the Pan Pacific hotel in London in July.
Sarah was also recognised at the event with a Rising Star in Education award and Patrizia Capogreco, a senior application engineer for the Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division (IATD) based in 3M Italy, received a Global Award for Achievement.
Says Sarah: “Receiving a Rising Star award is a huge confidence boost and gives access to a wealth of careers support and networking opportunities. Putting a deserving candidate forward for a Rising Star award is a great way to showcase female talent and champion industry role models.”
Nominations will stay open until 15 March and all entries will be assessed by a panel of independent judges. The public will be invited to vote for the shortlisted candidates between the end of April and the middle of May, with the winners announced on 22 May.
The 2023 winners, Rising Star alumni, judges, sponsors and supporters will be invited to a prestigious awards ceremony in July.
