Introducing this year’s ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year and UK regional winners, recognised for inspiring our future civil engineers.
The ICE has recognised 12 exceptional STEM ambassadors who have shown outstanding commitment to civil engineering by giving their time and effort to inspire the next generation.
ICE STEM ambassadors are members who engage and inspire young people towards a career in civil engineering through a range of activities including school visits, mentoring and hands-on activities.
This year's ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year is Ada Nwadigo from London
The ICE has named Ada Nwadigo, managing director at Jona Infrastructure Advisory, as the winner of the ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year Award 2024.
Nwadigo impressed the judges with her diverse and impactful activities.
The judges said, “She is an inspirational speaker, who speaks at local schools and national events, as well as on social media and podcasts.
“Her innovation and dedication are clear to see, as is the impact on the she is having on the young people she mentors and speaks to. Ada is a strong role model for young people considering a career in civil engineering.”
Commenting on Nwadigo’s contributions, Séan Harris, deputy director general and director of membership, said: “Her unwavering commitment to inspiring future generations in civil and infrastructure engineering is commendable.
Harris celebrated Nwadigo’s engaging talks and podcasts and her innovative initiatives, like the Eng Trepreneur platform.
“[Nwadigo] has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to capture the imagination of a younger and increasingly diverse audience and in doing so, igniting in them a passion for engineering,” he said.
“Her dedication to mentorship and her impactful work in promoting gender equality in STEM have made a significant contribution to our community.”
A role model for those who need one
Speaking on why she became a STEM ambassador, Nwadigo highlighted the role of her family in helping her get to where she is today.
She said: “Becoming an engineer wasn’t something I achieved on my own, I had engineering role models in my family who guided and inspired me every step of the way.
“But not every child with a passion for civil engineering is fortunate enough to have that kind of support.”
“Imagine the young minds eager to build cities, design bridges, or shape the infrastructure of tomorrow, but lacking access to role models who can show them that their dreams are possible,” she said.
Nwadigo became a STEM ambassador to be able to reach those young minds.
“It’s about more than just sharing my personal career story or the unique, sometimes winding path I took to get here — it’s about dismantling the stereotypes that still surround engineering and showing young people that there is no one 'right' way to enter this field.”
Nwadigo collected her prize at the 2024 ICE Awards Ceremony at One Great George Street, London on Friday 11 October, hosted by ICE President Professor Anusha Shah.
ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year 2024 regional winners
“I hope to inspire the next generation of engineers. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others see how dynamic, creative, and impactful civil engineering can be.
“My goal is to ignite that spark in young minds and ensure they know that, regardless of their background or access to role models, they too can shape the future of our world through engineering.”
"Receiving the award for ICE North West STEM Ambassador of the Year was such an incredible honour.
“It felt amazing to be acknowledged for all my efforts in volunteering and promoting STEM outreach for all.
"What's even more exciting is that receiving this award has opened up many new opportunities for me to connect with and inspire even more children. I am incredibly grateful to the ICE for this recognition."
“I am honoured to receive this award and grateful for the support from the ICE and AECOM in my STEM engagement.
“I hope my efforts have inspired future civil engineers by advocating for apprenticeship pathways and dispelling the myths about these routes into the industry.”
“I am exceptionally grateful to have received this award and encourage everyone to engage with STEM and share their experiences.
“It has been a rewarding experience for me to visit schools, colleges, and universities to discuss the field of engineering and the opportunities available through apprenticeships.”
“Inspiring the next generation to choose a career in civil engineering will continue to be one of my passions and I am honoured to have been recognised as the 2024 West Midland’s regional STEM ambassador.
“I would strongly encourage civil engineers of all grades to get involved as STEM ambassadors and support the promotion of civil engineering to the wider public.”
“I am delighted to have been recognised as the ICE East Midlands regional STEM Ambassador of the Year for my contributions to inspiring the next generation of engineers, something I am incredibly passionate about.
“It’s been a great opportunity to help educate young people about the various engineering careers across the region.”
“I feel highly fortunate and honoured to win this award! This recognition will drive my commitment to engage young people in STEM activities and share my passion for the field of engineering that I work in.
“I aim to inspire the next generation in STEM to have confidence in engineering and solve problems to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
“I’m chuffed and delighted to be given this award by ICE Scotland. It gives the STEM work I do extra validation and acknowledgement in the wider engineering space.
“STEM is something I love giving as much time as I can to and I’m thankful for the support of the ICE in this regard.
“Particularly, from the education and inspiration and regional support teams, but also from my employer Waterman Aspen and my long suffering wife Claire - for their support of the work and personal time it often takes up.”
“It's always very difficult knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life, especially when there are so many opportunities that young people just don’t know about!
“There's a lot I have learnt, and a lot I still have to learn, but I like to think if I can inspire a handful of younger people into the world of STEM subjects, mainly civil engineering, then this is a good foundation for creating our future workforce!
“Delivering STEM activities/site visits is a brilliant way to get people out of the classroom and engaged in a completely different way of learning; something I enjoy greatly!”
“Being an ICE STEM ambassador has been incredibly rewarding, introducing students across the South West and the UK to the amazing world of civil engineering.
“If it wasn’t for STEM ambassadors coming into my own school when I was 16 to run a pasta bridge competition, I might never have known about civil engineering, let alone be the civil engineer I am today.
“It feels good to be able to continue their work and introduce other young people to our industry.”
“Winning this award for my efforts in raising the awareness of STEM is a significant milestone that represents not only personal achievement but also the culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion for what I do!
“It serves as a reminder of the impact we can have on the younger generation and has encouraged me to continue pushing!
“This year I am working on a STEM activity book that will hopefully educate primary aged children about the importance and significance of mining on our day to day lives... watch this space!”
“I left school having never heard of civil engineering!
“Joining the industry as an apprentice I felt strongly that young people should be made aware of the alternative opportunities and routes into the industry which were afforded to me. That’s what motivates me as a STEM ambassador!
“Winning the regional STEM Ambassador of the Year Award for Northern Ireland has only motivated me even further to continue volunteering on behalf of the ICE and has enabled me to encourage others to volunteer as STEM ambassadors themselves!”
Find out more about becoming a STEM Ambassador
Want a STEM ambassador to engage your students?
The ICE has over 1,000 active STEM ambassadors in a variety of roles
From constructing bridges, eco buildings, electric railways and smart motorways to increasing our clean energy and water supplies – STEM ambassadors do it all!
The ICE is keen to hear how it can contribute to your careers programme so please get in touch with the careers team with your request.
Alternatively, book a careers talk with an ICE STEM Ambassador.
