Today, we met with Gordana Collier. Gordana began volunteering with the IET in 2011 as an Academic Accreditor and went on to become a member of the Committee. She has also served on the Awards and Scholarships Committee and the Future Talent Awards Panel. 
Tell us Gordana, what is your role outside of volunteering for the IET?
I lead a busy life as the Head of the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at Oxford Brookes University. Recently, I had the privilege of completing a major project involving the creation of two new buildings to move my School to the centre of Oxford.
On a typical day, I divide my time between running operations and devising strategies for the future of the School with my team. My favourite activities involve developing high-performance motorsport industry collaborations and brand building.
That sounds fast-paced! How did you get into volunteering?
Growing up with a strong volunteering ethos and a passion for Science naturally led me to STEM organisations, where I've consistently found opportunities to contribute.
I studied in Serbia and worked in industry before deciding to move to academia to support brilliant minds and help them grow. Not long after, I joined accreditation volunteering to assist in setting academic standards in the UK and abroad.
I also started hosting STEM activities for college students and created the Robo-club and the Space Satellite Club. I very much enjoyed organising Engineer Your Future, Faraday Challenge and Big Bang events. Recently, I organised the International Women in Engineering celebration for year 7 - 9 girls. We were inspired by the visit from the amazing Iron Dames, a powerful all-female motorsport European project. Marta Garcia and Vannina Ickx gave a talk about their career path and what helped them break barriers. It was a day of advice and inspiration, encouraging these young girls not to be afraid of anything and to understand their secret superpowers.
I am sensing a theme, empowering Women to choose a career in STEM and fast cars! Have you had any memorable experiences during your volunteering activities?
It was incredibly fulfilling to address the Future Talent Scholarship recipients recently. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with these talented and ambitious young individuals. I felt compelled to share unique insights from my past, including growing up in a communist country and the early days of computers in universities, stories I haven't shared publicly before.
It sounds like you were truly inspired, which enabled you to open up and share your experiences. Has volunteering helped shape your career?
For many years, my involvement in Academic Accreditation panels has provided me with deep insights into the UK academic environment, directly influencing my approach to programme content and standards at Oxford Brookes University's School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, as well as my own professional growth and programme management. Additionally, engaging with participants in STEM activities has reinforced my passion for passing on knowledge to the next generation.
If you could give one piece of advice to new volunteers at the IET, what would you share to help them make the most of their experience?
As the saying goes, you truly gain more than you give through volunteering. Not only do you get to collaborate with inspiring young people, but the feeling of making a tangible difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding.
And finally, when you're not busy volunteering, what activity might we find you indulging in?
When I am not volunteering, I run our Formula Student team, Oxford Brookes Racing. This is such an awesome project, which allows me to work with great young engineers, build them up to take on the world. I now have graduates in every Formula One team, very proud of their success!
I could have guessed motorsports would be involved! You sound very proud of all the graduates who have gone on to establish their careers in Formula One!
It’s been fantastic getting to know you Gordana and we look forward to seeing where your volunteering journey takes you in the future.
#VolunteerSpotlight