PUBLIC EVENT
To mark Black History Month 2026, the Academy will host an in-person lunch celebrating the contributions of Black engineers and the organisations and communities that support them to thrive.
This year's theme, Honouring our communities, will acknowledge the contributions of Black engineers whose work strengthens engineering institutions, supports engineering communities and advances engineering’s contribution to society. In partnership with the Association for Black and Minority Engineers (AFBE-UK) and SiSTEM, the event will bring together perspectives from across the engineering community.
The theme recognises that Black history is not solely defined by landmark moments or prominent national figures; it is sustained daily through civic leadership, professional excellence, cultural contribution and community commitment. As such, we will seek to honour the contributions by and in support of Black engineers, delivered through volunteering, public service, grassroots community leadership, mentors, campaigns, and community organisers.
The theme will be explored through three pillars:
- Community, belonging and experience: honouring the organisations that are working to create community, connection and belonging for Black engineers
- Visibility and recognition: showcasing the achievements and impact of Black engineers accross the profession and society.
- Progression and action: highlighting inclusive practices and initiatives that enable Black engineers and communities to thrive
Bringing together established and emerging Black engineers, industry leaders and allies, the event will provide opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn from examples of effective inclusive practice.
Through micro presentations, a panel discussion, facilitated table discussions and networking, attendees will leave with new connections, fresh perspectives and practical ideas for creating workplaces where Black engineers can flourish and contribute their full potential.
Photography/filming notice
Please note that photography/filming may take place during this event. All photographs and videos will be securely stored on the Academy’s servers and used for editorial, marketing and media use by the Academy and selected press or industry media. Please let us know if you do not agree to this processing. Please refer to our General Privacy Policy for more details.
Venue and accessibility
It is very important to the Royal Academy of Engineering that our events are accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact the Events team more than one week in advance of this event so that necessary arrangements can be made. Contact details: [email protected].
Further information about accessibility at Prince Philip House can be found at: https://raeng.org.uk/about-us/accessibility.
Diversity monitoring form
The Academy is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and one of our goals is to develop an engineering community fit for the future. To help us achieve this, we would like to collect some basic anonymous data about the event attendees. If you would like to help, please complete the diversity monitoring form by logging into your user account on our website and completing ‘Update my D&I data’.
Dr Nike Folayan MBE HonFREng
Dr Nike Folayan MBE is chartered electronics engineer with a doctorate in electronics engineering. She is a Fellow of the IET. Nike is currently Technical Director and the Technical Discipline Leader for Communications and Control at WSP. She is also a technical blogger on SMART technology systems. Nike is Chair and Co-Founder of AFBE-UK, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes higher achievements in education and engineering, particularly among people from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds. Formed in 2007, AFBE-UK has over 20,000 beneficiaries, a UK-wide membership of over 2500, and over 65 corporate members from a wide range of engineering organisations.
Anna Sirmoglou
Anna Sirmoglou is the UK and Europe Mott Macdonald Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lead. She leads the development and delivery of the regional EDI strategy which includes the design and implementation of practices, initiatives and programmes that foster an environment of inclusion for the workforce. Anna has extensive experience in the field of diversity and inclusion, supporting positive outcomes in the public, private and third sectors. She holds a Master of Science in International Relations and a Doctorate in Political Science.
Cecilia Harvey
Cecilia Harvey is a transformative leader and a catalyst for change in the tech industry. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Academy of Engineering, she leverages over two decades of experience in technology and finance to drive innovation, foster diversity, and inspire the next generation of engineers. Her career spans senior roles at global financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley, Barclays, HSBC, and IBM, where she consistently broke new ground and challenged the status quo.
Cecilia's journey from Wall Street to her current role has been defined by her commitment to diversity and inclusion in tech. As the founder of Tech Women Today, she has created a platform that empowers female entrepreneurs and showcases women in technology. She understands the critical need for diverse role models in technology and actively works to open doors for underrepresented communities.
Cecilia’s vision for the future of technology emphasises not only technical skills but also adaptability, creativity, and a commitment to inclusivity. Through her experience and initiatives, Cecilia seeks to offer insights on how to reshape technology for a more diverse and dynamic future.
Donna Otchere
Donna Otchere is an award-winning engineer, PhD researcher, speaker and co-founder of SiSTEM UK, a media and community platform changing the way women in STEM are seen, celebrated and connected.
Donna is currently completing her PhD at Loughborough University, where her research explores engineering outreach encounters, with a particular focus on Black girls, engineering role models and educators. Her research considers not only who is represented in STEM, but how those interactions influence young people’s experiences of engineering and their sense of belonging.
In 2022, Donna co-founded SiSTEM UK alongside her sister, Dr Abigail Otchere. Built around STEM, Community and Culture, SiSTEM was created to challenge traditional ideas of what STEM looks and feels like, particularly for Black women.
Her work has been recognised nationally, including being named a WeAreTheCity Rising Star in Science & Engineering and receiving Loughborough University’s PhD Community Impact Award for her contribution to community engagement and social impact alongside her doctoral research.
Jen Ross
Jen Ross is Chief People Officer at Mott MacDonald, responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s global people strategy to support business growth, performance and long-term success.
Since joining Mott MacDonald in 2014, Jen has held a number of senior people leadership roles, including leading the People Function across the UK and Europe and serving as a key member of the regional leadership team. She has a strong track record of leading strategic initiatives across talent acquisition, talent management, learning and development, reward, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Jen brings extensive experience in organisational development, transformation, leadership, employee engagement and talent development, helping to build the capabilities needed for the future.
Mark Lynch
Mark is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IMechE and IET with extensive leadership experience across engineering design, manufacturing, technology, and business operations.
Mark has spent a significant portion of his career with the Scientific Development Branch, within the Home Office (now part of the MOD), delivering sensitive projects for UK Government and law enforcement agencies. He ultimately advanced to Head of Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, and Civil Engineering.
He currently serves as an Adviser at Innovate UK, on their flagship Knowledge Transfer Partnership Programme. Here, he assists ambitious businesses develop world-class products and services, by accessing cutting-edge research from top-tier UK universities. He oversees a portfolio of up to 40 high-growth London businesses, assisting them meet their technical and commercial aims. Additionally, he has authored six books, holds several trustee and advisory board roles, and is soon to launch a startup - Advice-Manufacturing.com, a consultancy platform for SMEs and engineers.
Dedicated to elevating the engineering profession, Mark actively mentors talent ranging from apprentices to post-doctoral researchers, and beyond. He has successfully assisted and sponsored four Fellows, eight Chartered Engineers, and five engineering technicians across the IMechE, IET, and ICE.
Programme*
| Time | Session |
| 11.30am | Registration with refreshments |
| 12.00pm |
Welcome remarks Cecilia Harvey, COO, Royal Academy of Engineering |
| 12.05pm |
Micro presentations
|
| 12.30pm |
Panel discussion with Q&A Chair: Dr Nike Folayan MBE HonFREng, Co-Founder, ABFE-UK
|
| 1.15pm | Working lunch and facilitated table discussions |
| 2.15pm | Closing remarks |
| 2.30pm | Networking reception |
| 3.00pm | Event end |
*Programme subject to change