The women who are helping to shape the North East’s fast-growing space and technology industry have been celebrated at a major event in Sedgefield, County Durham.
Space North East England brought together businesses, academics and individuals who are all working in these industries across the region for a series of talks, discussions and inspirational speeches, showcasing the talent and expertise which is helping both space and technology thrive.
An audience of more than 70 people joined the in person and online event at NETPark, Sedgefield, hearing from women who are the forefront of these major industries.
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Speakers ranged from Alex Knight (pictured), a former engineer who now runs Stemazing, an organisation which works to encourage more women into STEM industries by training them as mentors to work with young people, to Marianne Whitfield, VP sales and business development at Newcastle’s DHS IT Solutions.
Whitfield has worked in tech for more than 30 years and is currently focussed on the use of data and AI to boost productivity, and is another passionate advocate for encouraging women into STEM-related careers.
The audience also heard from Christina Munn of Durham University’s Space Research Centre and Dr Kirsty Lindsay, associate professor of physiotherapy, Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory at Northumbria University, along with Kirsty Donaldson, senior mechanical engineer at Rapid Fluidics.
The event – which was part of Space North East England’s monthly Cascade programme – showcased the strong position the region holds in the space and related-industries and highlighted the exciting opportunities that exist.
“The North East is home to an incredible community of talented women who are making a real impact across the space, technology and research sectors,” said Lisa Mullen, cluster manager at Space North East England.
“This event was an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, share their experiences and inspire the next generation to explore the exciting careers our sector has to offer.
“By showcasing role models from across industry and academia, we’re helping to build a more diverse and inclusive space ecosystem that reflects the ambition and talent we have here in the region.”
