As we approach International Women in Engineering Day on 23 June, I am excited to announce that I will be running a unique, engineering landmarks marathon route through London, aimed at highlighting and celebrating the city's most iconic (and more obscure) engineering landmarks, with a special emphasis on those contributed to by women engineers. The finish line? None other than our historic and iconic engineering venue, IET London: Savoy Place.
This marathon is more than just a run for me, it’s about making a lasting, positive impact to the future of engineering. That's why I'm raising donations for the IET's Futures Fund. This fund plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians, supporting them to reach their full potential so they can help find solutions to our biggest global challenges. Donations play an important role in funding work to help more young people experience engineering and receive support to pursue a career in the sector – it's a cause that's extremely close to my heart.
Admittedly, I am not a seasoned marathon runner, and the prospect of enduring the physical challenges of running 26 miles consecutively may seem daunting. However, the possibility of contributing to the IET's Futures Fund provides me with the motivation needed to push through. The fund holds a special place in my heart, as my journey with the IET started at the FIRST® LEGO® League UK Final, an event supported by the fund, which helps more young people aged 4-16 years’ experience hands-on STEM programmes.
The story of 'Penpol Pumpkins,' a group of talented young minds from Cornwall, stands out as a testament to the transformative power of the IET Futures Fund. With financial support from the fund, they were able to participate in the FIRST® LEGO® League, where their dedication and hard work propelled them to the international stage.
The IET Futures Fund not only empowers individual endeavours like that of the Penpol Pumpkins but also touches the lives of countless young people each year through its education programmes and scholarships. By championing this initiative, I believe we have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in shaping the future of engineering and nurturing the talents of aspiring engineers.
As I embark on this journey, I'm not doing it alone. I'm reaching out to our trustees, members, volunteers, and colleagues to join me in crafting a truly unique marathon route. If you have any suggestions for engineering landmarks that should be included in the marathon route, I'd love to hear them. Please submit your ideas to communications@theiet.org by 30 April. Together, let's make this marathon an unforgettable celebration of engineers and in particular those women in engineering and their incredible contributions to shaping London.
If you're inspired to join me on my journey and contribute to the IET Futures Fund, read more about the details of my preparations and fundraising efforts.
Stay tuned for regular updates here on EngX and over on my LinkedIn at @ElsaScott.