Engineering a legacy: Ada's journey to empower women in engineering

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are thrilled to spotlight Ada Onuigbo-Nwadigo, an influential leader in the construction and engineering industries and a current student in our Construction Engineering Masters (CEM) programme.

Ada is a passionate champion for diversity in STEM, and her groundbreaking work has earned her a spot on WES's prestigious list of the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024. Through her InspirEng programme and her roles with the Royal Academy of Engineering and ICE, she is empowering the next generation of engineers, leaving a lasting legacy of mentorship and inspiration. Ada's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact women can have in engineering and beyond.

Ada is a Civil engineer and the Founder of Eng Trepreneur, an innovation network. She has worked on high-profile projects like the HS2 Old Oak Common Station and the Thames Tideway Project. But Ada's remarkable contributions extend beyond her professional achievements. She was honoured as one of the first 10 Black women featured in Voices In The Shadow, a powerful book celebrating 51 exceptional Black women who have made indelible marks in the tech world.

Ada, you've had an incredible career in civil engineering, working on major projects like HS2 and the Thames Tideway Project. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in this field?  

I have always been fascinated by the built environment and the critical role civil engineers play in shaping our world. Civil engineering is at the heart of modern society, from providing access to clean water and reliable energy to designing safe roads and quality housing. The ability to create infrastructure that enhances people's lives and stands the test of time truly inspired me to pursue this path.  

You're currently a student in our Construction Engineering Masters (CEM) programme. How has returning to education enriched your professional journey, and what new perspectives have you gained through this experience?  

Returning to education has been an incredibly enriching experience. The structure of the course is exceptional. I haven't come across any other programme like it. The opportunity to develop my research skills on key issues affecting the construction industry has been invaluable to my career. Additionally, the diversity of professionals on the course, each bringing different experiences and perspectives, makes our discussions dynamic and insightful. I highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to enhance their thought leadership in the construction industry.  

As a civil engineer and the Founder of ENG TREPRENEUR, you've built a strong leadership presence in the infrastructure sector. How have these roles shaped your views on the future of engineering, particularly regarding women's involvement in the industry?  

Leading in the construction and infrastructure sectors has exposed me to a variety of exciting initiatives and allowed me to cultivate leadership rooted in courage and empathy. My experience has reinforced my belief that we need more women in leadership, particularly from diverse backgrounds. It has also shaped my perspective on how age and gender should never be barriers to leadership. The future of engineering must be inclusive, and I'm committed to creating pathways that empower more women to step into leadership roles.  

The future of engineering must be inclusive, and I'm committed to creating pathways that empower more women to step into leadership roles.

Ada Onuigbo-Nwadigo

WES recognised you as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024, an incredible accomplishment! What are the key factors in your success, and how do you hope to inspire other women to pursue similar paths?  

A strong support system has been instrumental in my success, along with maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of challenges. The engineering industry comes with its own set of obstacles, but perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to adapt have helped me navigate them. I want to inspire other women by showing them that their voices and contributions matter in this space. Representation is powerful, and I want more women to see themselves as leaders in engineering.  

Diversity and inclusivity are central to your work. Can you tell us more about the InspirEng programme and how it's helping to mentor and inspire young engineers and entrepreneurs, particularly women in STEM?  

The InspirEng programme provides an exciting platform for young people to engage with STEM. We partner with schools and institutions to deliver hands-on projects that spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to break down barriers and show young people, especially girls, that a career in STEM is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.  

The theme of International Women's Day 2025 is "Accelerating Action." What do you think is the most urgent step we need to take to ensure more women succeed and thrive in engineering?  

To ensure more women succeed and thrive in engineering, we must take several urgent steps. First, it's essential to provide access to mentorship, as women need role models and guidance in their careers. Additionally, addressing workplace culture, career progression, and work-life balance is critical for retention and support. For those who take career breaks, establishing clear pathways for re-entering the industry without facing unnecessary hurdles is vital. Implementing flexible work arrangements will also enable women to balance their professional and personal commitments more effectively. Finally, offering funding for education and leadership opportunities, such as scholarships, can help women gain access to advanced education and training. While there are already commendable initiatives in the industry, we must work to accelerate their adoption and scale them for a broader impact. 

The engineering industry comes with its own set of obstacles, but perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to adapt have helped me navigate them.

Ada Onuigbo-Nwadigo

As an Engineering Champion for the Royal Academy of Engineering's This is Engineering campaign and an ICE STEM Ambassador, you're passionate about promoting the profession to young people. What message would you share with young women considering a career in engineering?  

Go for it! You have what it takes; don't let self-doubt hold you back. If you have a goal, break it into smaller steps and take consistent daily action. The same approach applies to building a career in STEM. Don't be afraid of failure. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. The world needs more women in engineering, and your contributions will make a difference!  

The infrastructure sector has long been male-dominated. What changes have you observed in the industry in terms of gender equality, and what steps do you think still need to be taken to ensure more women thrive in engineering?  

There has been progress, but we still have a long way to go. More women are entering engineering and taking on leadership roles, but we need to shift the narrative that gender equality in engineering is not just a women's issue. It's an industrywide challenge that requires collective action. Organisations need to actively create environments where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead.  

Sustainability and technological innovation are two of your key focus areas. How do you see the role of women in driving these critical areas within engineering?  

Women bring diverse perspectives that are essential for innovation in sustainability and technology. We are seeing incredible female leaders pioneering advancements in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and AI-driven engineering solutions. The more we support and elevate women in these areas, the faster we can drive impactful change.  

As a current student in our Construction Engineering Masters programme, what aspects of the course do you find most beneficial in preparing you for leadership roles in the construction sector?  

The course has been invaluable in sharpening my strategic thinking and leadership skills. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows me to explore key industry challenges from multiple angles, and the research component is helping me build expertise in areas like productivity, efficiency, and technological adoption in construction. The networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers have also been fantastic, providing a collaborative space to exchange ideas and drive innovation.  

The Construction Engineering Masters (CEM) programme focuses on educating and inspiring existing and emerging leaders to help tackle the sector's widely recognised challenges. Applications for September 2025 are open and close on 30 April.