South Asian Heritage Month: panel discussion

Haroon Nazir

Haroon Nazir is a chartered Geotechnical Engineer with over twelve years’ experience in the consultancy industry and is the current chair of the ICE special interest group Scottish Ground Engineering Group (SGEG). Haroon has led investigations, analysis and design aspects within civil engineering projects providing expertise in ground investigations, ground improvement, foundations, reinforced soil structures, retaining structures, and earthworks.

Jaideep Singh Sohal

Jaideep Singh Sohal is a design engineer at BAM UK & Ireland, where he specialises in temporary works — the behind-the-scenes engineering that keeps major infrastructure and rail projects across the UK safe and moving.

Originally from Mumbai, He earned his master’s in Structural Engineering from Heriot-Watt University and is currently working towards his Chartered Engineer (CEng MICE) status with the ICE.

Jaideep is a dedicated mentor and community builder, regularly supporting the next generation of engineers through STEM outreach, and ICE GWoS Early Careers. He's the kind of engineer who believes the industry gets better when people feel welcomed, supported, and seen.

Manira Ahmad

Manira Ahmad is the chief officer at Public Health Scotland, where she champions a vision of a healthier, fairer Scotland. In her role, she supports the wider public health system to prevent disease, prolong healthy life and promote wellbeing, while leading cross-organisational programmes in climate and sustainability, equity and justice, international development, long-term conditions, workforce planning, human rights commissioning, and arts, culture and wellbeing.

Manira also contributes her leadership to education, community development and social justice. She serves as a Board Member at City of Glasgow College and as a board director at Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector. She is chair of the Scottish Minority Ethnic Women’s Network, a trustee for the SAPC Community Sports Hub, and strategic advisor to The DataKirk, an employability charity. 

Most recently, she was appointed to the Board of the Anti Racism Observatory for Scotland, reflecting her enduring commitment to equity, representation and local empowerment.