Overview

This hour-long session will explore strategies for breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and creating opportunities for women to thrive in this traditionally male majority industry. Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or seasoned engineer, this webinar is open to all: women, men, gender diverse professionals, members and non-members and is designed to inspire, connect and empower.

Agenda

Welcome & Opening Remarks (5 minutes) - Georgette Foster-Bell, Arcadis

CIHT's Commitment to Women in Engineering – Cat Goumal, CIHT Head of Education and Professional Development

Keynote Speakers: How CIHT Can help you advance in your career

• Farheen Ahmad – Technical Director, Arcadis
• Srinvas Tangadpelli – Technical Discipline Lead, Arcadis GEC
• Ardra Sharma – CIHT Country Champion India, WSP

Panel Discussion: Building Inclusive Workplaces

Panelists:

• Cat Goumal – Head of Education and Professional Development, CIHT
• Darren Cook Sector – Managing Director, Arcadis
• Chaitanya Bharathi,  Global Programme Manager, Arcadis

Topics include:

• Strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion in engineering
• The role of male allies in supporting women engineers
• Mentorship and leadership tips for women engineers
• Success stories and lessons learned

Making a Pledge: Commit to Change 

Q&A with the Speakers 

Closing Remarks & Next Steps 

Why you cannot miss this event

• Insights into overcoming challenges as a woman in engineering
• Strategies for creating inclusive and supportive engineering environments
• Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals from around the world
• Personal commitment to supporting women in engineering through pledges

Who is this event for?

• Women engineers at all career levels
• Students and recent graduates considering a career in engineering
• Industry leaders, HR professionals, and allies who are passionate about fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Speakers

	Farheen Ahmed CEng FCIHT, Technical Director, Arcadis Farheen is a Chartered Engineer with over 23 years of experience in the design, management and delivery of large multi-disciplinary highway and infrastructure projects in the UK. She is Vice Chair for West Midlands Committee and launched its first CIHT Women Network for West Midlands region in 2024. She has undertaken the role of both mentor and sponsor for a number of CIHT professional review candidates at CEng and IEng levels.
	Srinivas Tangadpelli, CEng, MCIHT, Technical Discipline Lead, Arcadis GEC Srinivas is a Civil Engineer specializing in highways with over 20 years of professional experience. He currently serves as the Technical Discipline Lead at Arcadis, India. Srinivas has been a Chartered Engineer since 2023 and a Member of the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) since 2022. His extensive career spans multiple regions, including France, the UK, the Middle East, and India, showcasing his global expertise in the field.
	Ardra Sharma, CEng, MCIHT, CIHT Country Champion India, WSP Ardra specialises in digital transformation within the transportation sector, leveraging modelling software like PTV VISSIM and tools such as QGIS, ArcGIS, and Power BI to optimise operations and enhance decision-making. She has a strong background in traffic simulation, data automation, and dashboard development, helping streamline complex transport analysis and improve project efficiency. A Chartered Engineer and a member of CIHT since 2021, she currently serves as the CIHT Country Champion for India.

Take action: Record your CPD

CPD is defined as any activity that provides new knowledge or skills that help you to achieve your professional development goals or has otherwise helped you to develop as a highways and transportation professional.

Plan, record and manage your CPD for free at CIHT Learn.

Need help with getting the most out of your CPD access CIHT’s CPD Guidance here.

Help & Support

For more information, please contact international@ciht.org.uk.