The Institution of Structural Engineers
The Institution is the world's largest membership organisation dedicated to structural engineering.
- Date
- 23 June 2026
- Time
- 17:30 - 19:15 BST (GMT+1)
- Location
-
The Black Box 18 -22 Hill Street Belfast, BT1 2LA
Add to Calendar
23-06-2026 17:30
23-06-2026 19:15
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Europe/London
What about International Men in Engineering Day
https://ice.org.uk/events/upcoming-events/inwed-ni
The Black Box, Belfast
Free
Book nowOverview
This is a slightly cheeky title, but a serious conversation!
We are using a debate format to get into a question that sits behind a lot of the work happening across the industry: if we want to see real change in gender balance, who actually needs to do something differently?
The motion will be debated from both sides, with speakers from different stages of their careers. Expect honest views, some challenge, and a discussion that goes beyond the usual talking points. This is not about blame or saying one group has all the answers, but exploring where influence sits, what actions make a difference, and how progress actually happens in practice.
There will be audience voting before and after, so you can see how opinions shift as the debate unfolds.
If nothing else, you will leave with a clearer view on what your role is in all of this whilst enjoying pizza and networking!
Details
A joint event bringing together the whole industry across Northern Ireland for an evening debate event marking International Women in Engineering Day. Hear from leaders in our industry through to early career engineers.
The format will follow an exciting debate on the motion: “This House believes that achieving gender balance in engineering is primarily the responsibility of men.”
Speakers will present arguments for and against, followed by audience Q&A and live voting before and after the debate to test how perspectives shift.
The session will be chaired by a senior industry leader and designed to encourage open, balanced and practical discussion.
The event will conclude with informal networking, with food and refreshments provided.
Join us for what promises to be an exciting and lively event!
Free to attend, in person event
Venue
Black Box18 - 22 Hill StreetBelfastBT1 2LA
Programme
17.30 - 18.00
Registration and refreshments and networking
18.00 - 19.15
Panel debate
19.15- 20.00
Networking & finish
Speakers
Wendy Blundell
consultant and non executive director
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Wendy Blundell
Wendy is a distinguished leader in the global infrastructure sector, leveraging over 40 years of experience in her consultancy and non-executive director roles. A Chartered Civil & Structural Engineer and former director at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), she has a proven track record of driving strategic growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Her extensive board-level experience underpins expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Beyond her corporate impact, Wendy is a passionate advocate for good governance and inspiring future generations, demonstrated by her service as a school governor and Chair of the Board of Governors for a 1,000-student independent grammar school.
A Queen's University graduate, Wendy's significant contributions to civil engineering and her commitment to diversity were recognised with an OBE in 2012 and an Honorary Doctorate in 2017.
Serena Gildea
Design ID
associate structural engineer
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Serena Gildea
Serena is past Vice Chair of Engineer’s Ireland Northern Region Committee. She is a Chartered Structural Engineer with Engineer’s Ireland and the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Serena spent her early career in New Zealand, following the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence of 2011. In 2016 she moved to London and started working with Design ID and in 2022, she was awarded a prestigious Scholarship with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B).
Serena is an Associate Structural Engineer at Design ID with over 15 years’ experience working across various sectors of the industry. She now focuses her work on Conservation Engineering allowing her to bring her passion for the preservation and repair of our historic built environment into her everyday work.
Jamie Graham
Design ID
project civil infrastructure engineer
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Jamie Graham
Jamie Graham is a Project Civil Infrastructure Engineer at Design ID, working in sectors such as marine, rail, temporary works and bridges.
Jamie was the 2024 Co-Chair of the IStructE Northern Ireland and Ireland Young Members Group and also served on the IStructE Council. Alongside his role as an engineer at Design ID, Jamie regularly contributes to the Big Bridge and the Think Design Engineer Foundation – a community interest company focussed on inspiring the next generation of engineers through practical learning. Jamie is also a STEM Ambassador and Engineering Leaders Scholarship Alumni at the Royal Academy of Engineering, contributing his engineering and educational outreach experience to benefit engineering students and graduates.
Laura Kileen
Design ID
senior associate structural engineer
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Laura Kileen
Laura is the current Chair of the Northern Ireland Regional Hub of the Institution of Structural Engineers, the youngest person to hold this role in the region.
Laura has 20 years’ experience in the industry, and is a Senior Associate structural engineer at Design ID. Laura is also a Chartered Examiner for the Institution of Structural Engineers.
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