Female Fellow numbers grow 56% thanks to ICE Connects initiative

Since it was introduced in 2021, the ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship initiative has led to a 56% rise in female Fellows within the institution.

The ICE recently hosted current and prospective Fellows to celebrate this growth and emphasise the importance of having greater diversity at the highest membership grade.

Speaking at the event, Dr Michѐle Dix CBE, chair of the ICE Connects: Women in Fellowship focus group, highlighted that “diversity within Fellowship at the ICE will in turn be reflected in the civil engineering industry”.

She was joined in London by ally Andy Mitchell CBE, CEO of Tideway, and Chaido ‘Yuli’ Doulala-Rigby, chief civil engineer at Tensar.

Attended by over 400 delegates, the event was broadcast live from WSP offices in London to 10 satellite locations in the UK and internationally.

Dr Dix also noted that last year, 98% of the 62 women who applied successfully achieved ICE Fellowship due to the increased guidance and support from those involved in the initiative.

Qualifications matter

Addressing an audience that included aspiring Fellows, Mitchell delved into why it’s worth applying for this professional certification.

“As a client, we look at the qualifications of suppliers, designers, contractors and partners we work with. When you see FICE, it tells you that the individuals here have experience, they are respected by their colleagues, have been supported, and have great calibre,” he said.

Going for ICE Fellowship can signify how much you believe in yourself - these things matter for corporations.

Sharing his experience, Mitchell mentioned that becoming a Fellow had boosted his own confidence and validated that he knew what he was doing.

Think big, believe in yourself and strive to achieve

When on your Fellowship journey, Doulala-Rigby rates having the right sponsor very high up.

“My mentor gave me a psychological safety net to ask questions without having the fear to be judged. This safety net can increase your confidence.” she said.

Yuli, who became a Fellow in 2011, said her key advice for those aspiring for Fellowship is: don’t wait for the opportunity to develop and grow professionally to come, just go and ask for it.

“My reason for pursuing ICE Fellowship was simple – I knew becoming a Fellow would elevate my status to the highest professional level in our industry [and] that commands respect and recognition,” Doulala-Rigby said.

Doulala-Rigby’s father-in-law was also an ICE Fellow for over 50 years. Passing the honour from one generation to another, he had told her that the pride of becoming an ICE Fellow never fades. He believed it is a gift that keeps on giving, opening doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

‘Don’t be modest but don’t overestimate yourself either... just be honest’

Doulala-Rigby encouraged others to apply and existing Fellows to offer support by sponsoring and mentoring applicants.

“Go check out the attributes, you’ll be amazed at how much you have accomplished. In your heart of hearts, you will know if you are ready’!”

Are you looking to apply for Fellowship as well? You can find out more about becoming an ICE Fellow.