Three women working hard to address gender balance in Cumbria have been nominated for national awards from the Women in Nuclear (WiN) UK organisation.
Angie Dean and Cathie Hunter from the Women in Nuclear (WiN) Cumbria team are finalists for the ‘Mission Possible’ award for their work to build vital networks in Cumbria.
Meanwhile, Amanda McKay from Balfour Beatty is up for ‘Champion of the Year’ for her work to inspire and encourage others within the nuclear industry.
WiN UK’s mission is to address the industry’s gender balance, to improve the representation of women in leadership, and to engage with the public on nuclear issues.
Recognising the unique contribution that the county makes to the nuclear sector, ‘WiN UK’ launched a dedicated Cumbria branch on International Women’s Day (8 March).
Since its launch, the network has become a powerful community of local organisations and individuals working together to achieve gender diversity within the Cumbrian workforce.
Chair of the WiN Cumbria, Claire Gallery-Strong said: “I cannot think of three more deserving nominees than Angie, Cathie and Amanda.
“Since our team was established, Angie and Cathie have dedicated themselves fully to the WiN Cumbria mission, they are each a formidable force striving to create gender balance in our county.
“They have organised so many successful events and have been the driving force behind a new WiN community of over 100 members – hosting training, mentoring services and building valuable networks in the area.
“They have made it their mission to ensure we progress in creating an inclusive and fair environment that helps attract, retain and build a diverse workforce of the future, for Cumbria and the UK.
“Amanda is one of our most inspiring advocates, not only as a powerful role model and successful leader, but also as an active ambassador and mentor, devoting her time to the next generation of nuclear professionals.
“I am proud to work with them as part of the WiN Cumbria community, and extend my congratulations and good luck wishes to each of them.”
Angie Dean from Prima Uno said: “I feel very humbled to be singled out in this way for just doing something I love.
“I would like to thank our Chair, Claire Gallery-Strong, for the opportunity to be part of an amazing team, and I accept this nomination on behalf of all our incredible team members.”
Project Manager, Cathie Hunter, said: “I feel proud and humbled by this nomination, thank you to the WiN Cumbria team and our inspiring community of members for making my mission possible.”
Currently only 22% of the UK’s nuclear industry is female, and this number declines significantly at senior levels, statistics that WiN UK is working to change. There is strong evidence to suggest that an inclusive environment, with diverse teams, leads to better performance.
The awards will be announced at the annual WiN UK conference in London on 30 January 2019.
