AWE grad championing gender equality

The new year brings an exciting new role and responsibility for AWE graduate physicist, Josiah O’Brien, who has been appointed to the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Young Professionals Board (YPB).

The WISE YPB is responsible for developing opportunities that support WISE in its quest for gender balance in STEM industries. It comprises a group of diverse professionals who lead initiatives to inspire, engage and advocate for the next generation of STEM professionals.

Josiah is the first AWE representative to join the YPB and one of the first men, and the appointment reflects his strong personal commitment to the principles of equality and diversity.

Josiah, who joined AWE in 2019 on our graduate programme, explained his interest in joining the YPB:

“WISE representation is, inherently, for women, but that doesn’t mean the burden of reaching equality must only fall on their shoulders. Men also have a responsibility to help achieve a balanced workforce, and by promoting proactivity around this, I hope to help speed up the inevitable equilibrium of STEM genders.
“I think it’s vital that everyone has the same opportunities afforded to them, and can achieve a career they aspire to, but this isn’t available for all women. However, together we can continue to bring about positive change within STEM fields, raising the representation of women within business and industry. I don’t look to speak for women, but to use my voice to call for equal representation and inclusion.”

To be eligible for a place on the WISE YPB, candidates must be: studying and/or working in a STEM industry; an employee of a WISE Member Organisation; under the age of 30 when they apply. The appointment is for a minimum of two, and maximum of four, years. This is the first year that WISE has opened the YPB to men, reflecting its belief that it takes everyone to make gender equality a reality.

AWE Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Sarah Bakewell, congratulated Josiah on his appointment: “Our aim is to create a culture where everyone becomes actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion, not just inside but outside AWE. Josiah epitomises that commitment to get involved, and I’m sure he will be a successful member of the board, and exemplary ambassador for AWE.”