Published: Fri 12 Dec 2025
Engineering the future of aviation: Southampton engineer wins national prize
Rachel Donaghey, Service Introduction Manager at National Air Traffic Services (NATS), has been awarded the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices at the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards, held at IET London: Savoy Place last night.
Rachel plays a vital role in UK air traffic control, managing the safe introduction of new systems and equipment in a 24/7 operational environment. Just four months after completing the NATS Graduate Scheme, she earned a rapid promotion for leading assurance on a nationwide infrastructure upgrade across 38 sites, a project worth £18 million.
A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Rachel proudly speaks about her dyslexia and actively works to challenge stereotypes in aviation. She volunteers with the Equal Skies Charter, helping shape industry-wide initiatives to improve accessibility and inclusion. Rachel said: “In school I was told to stick to sports, but I knew I had more to offer. Dyslexia isn’t a limitation; it’s a different way of thinking - and that difference is valuable. Aviation needs diverse minds to solve complex problems.”
Her advocacy extends beyond her role. Rachel contributed to planning the annual Destination Equal Skies conference, an industry-wide event focused on sharing best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion among aviation professionals. Through this work, she’s helping create a more inclusive future for the sector.
On winning, Rachel said: “I’m excited to use this platform to advocate for greater inclusion and pave the way for other women like me. Neurodiversity is often overlooked in the workplace, and I want to champion people with more diverse minds – showing that they can thrive in engineering and bring unique strengths to the industry.
“I’m proud of the work I already do in equity, diversity and inclusion, and with Equal Skies, a charity helping people with disabilities find roles in aviation. Over the next few years, my hope is that the industry continues to break down barriers and create environments where everyone feels they belong.”
Other winners include Jennifer Barry, Senior Systems Engineer at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), who was named Young Woman Engineer of the Year, Amy Dillon, Principal Engineer at Design ID who won the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Prize, and Vince Pizzoni who won the Gender Diversity Ambassador Award. Finalists Rachel Hayden and Nikkala Pokojski were both highly commended.
The IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards aim to showcase the breadth of opportunities for young women in engineering and technology. By highlighting these role models, the IET hopes to address the UK’s engineering skills shortage and encourage more girls and women into the profession.
Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the IET, said: “Engineering and technology are at the heart of solving global challenges and shaping a better future for all. Yet, despite the exciting opportunities this sector offers, women remain significantly underrepresented, making up just 16.9% of the engineering and technology workforce. This is often due to misconceptions about what engineering involves, persistent gender stereotypes and a lack of visible role models for young people.
Our awards shine a spotlight on incredible individuals who are breaking down these barriers. They are not only leaders in their fields but also powerful ambassadors for the profession. I’d like to congratulate all this year’s winners and finalists – they are inspiring examples of what’s possible and will help encourage more girls to consider engineering as a career.
Engineering is creative, diverse, and impactful – it’s a profession that changes lives and shapes the world. We must continue to champion these opportunities to the next generation.”
This year’s YWE Awards were sponsored by GCHQ, Leonardo, London Stanstead Airport, MBDA, Northrop Grumman, Royal Air Force, and BAE Systems.
Entries for the 2026 Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards open on 8 March 2026. To find out more information, please visit www.theiet.org/ywe.
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Notes to editors:
Please note that photos from the awards ceremony are available upon request.
About the IET
- We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
- We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.
- We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.
- Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.
- For more information, visit www.theiet.org.
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Media enquiries to:
Megan Stearn
Senior Communications Executive
E: meganstearn@theiet.org