The Princess Royal awards advancing gender equity in STEM

Her Royal Highness presented two prestigious honours in her name, with digital changemaker Lella Violet Halloum receiving The Princess Royal’s WISE Rising Star Award. Named one of the most influential women in UK technology, Lella has spearheaded transformative initiatives that empower underserved and underrepresented communities worldwide. A self-taught coder at aged eight, Lella sat her GCSE in ICT at age 11, and began her professional journey with IBM from there. She now leads global student outreach for IBM Z.

On receiving her award, Lella said: “Receiving this award is not only a great honour, but I'd say it's an important reminder of how much more there is to do. My story is one where I have been uplifted by so many role models and mentors and had such great inspirations in the industry – but I know that so many of my peers, so many more young women and girls are being left behind.

“With this award, I feel it’s my responsibility now to continue to advocate for the next generation to ensure we have gender parity not just for numbers sake, but to really help everyone realise the part they play in the digital and STEM transformation – and to make sure that my generation's voices are at the heart of innovation and not left behind.”

Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon received The Princess Royal’s WISE Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to the sector. Elena is a globally recognised expert and leader in engineering education, specifically in inclusive and international learning and teaching. She was celebrated for her dedication to making engineering more accessible for underrepresented groups and the way she has challenged and reshaped traditional concepts of teaching.

Elena said: “I am genuinely deeply honoured to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award. Having worked in the STEM sector, engineering specifically, for over 30 years has been not only a joy – because you get to do all the things that we are able to do in engineering, in this case, solve problems, help people – but it's also been an eye-opener, because I know that we don't have anywhere near the number of STEM professionals that we should have. Indeed, we don't have anywhere near the number of women that we should have.

“For me, this award means I can say come on, you can do this. Someone like me who came from a working-class background from Mexico, first person in the family to go to university, who can come to this country and make a difference and be recognised. Anyone can join the sector. But it is not enough. What we are doing is not enough. We need more help. We need everyone to say, this is a profession that is going to help us solve the problems that we have in the world. It's urgent.”

Other winners included:

• Outstanding Woman in Engineering Award: Sarah Badesha, Chivas Brothers
• Outstanding Woman in Science Award: Catherine Ross, Scottish Government
• Outstanding Woman in Technology Award: Sharan Johnstone, University of South Wales
• Nurturing New Talent Award: Laura Fogg-Rogers, University of the West of England
• STEM Ally Award: Paul Williams, Bloomberg LP
• STEM Returner Award: Maria Holloway-Strong, AtkinsRéalis
• Outreach and Engagement Award:  Julie Feest, Engineering Development Trust and Industrial Cadets
• Women’s Wellbeing at Work Award: Network Rail
• EDI Organisation of the Year Award: AtkinsRéalis

During the high-profile event, Her Royal Highness met with all award winners, finalists, and sponsors and she spoke with attendees on the importance and ongoing mission for gender parity in STEM.

Dr Laura Norton, WISE Managing Director added: “Our awards highlight the dedication, success, and commitment of those working to increase the representation of women in UK STEM. I’d like to congratulate all our brilliant winners and finalists.

“With only 26% of women currently working in engineering, science and technology there is a huge untapped talent pool. WISE is working with partners across the world to increase the pace of change in gender equity within STEM. 

“We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the Awards, and we would like to thank her for her continued support for women in STEM.”

As Patron since 2000, HRH The Princess Royal has attended many WISE events throughout the years including its 2022 WISE COVID Unsung Heroes Awards, the online celebration of the WISE 1 of the Million campaign and the WISE conference in October 2024.

This year’s Awards took place at IET London: Savoy Place on 20^th February, with sponsors including Amazon, BAE Systems, BDO, ECITB, GCHQ, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Northrop Grumman, Pfizer, STEM Returners, and supported by the ERA Foundation. 

As well as the WISE Awards and annual conference, WISE’s products include its ‘Ten Steps Programme’ and ‘My Skills My Life Programme’.