As we acknowledge and celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we reached out to several of our female engineers to learn more about their journeys in becoming fire engineers. They shared their unique paths into engineering, the challenges they’ve tackled, and what inspires them to shine brightly in this profession. We’re excited to highlight and share their voices and experiences with you!

Gretchen Xie: Fire Engineer

What first sparked your interest in engineering?

“I’ve always been drawn to projects that produce tangible, visible results. The ability of engineers to transform ideas into real-world solutions and make a lasting impact on society truly fascinates me. I’m inspired by how engineering combines creativity and technical expertise to solve complex problems and bring innovative designs to life.”

Did you always know it was the career for you?

“Not at all. I didn’t even know that fire engineering was an option in the UK until I attended a university careers fair and spoke with Weimiao, a Senior Fire Engineer who was representing DFC that day. Learning about the demand for fire engineers and DFC’s inclusive culture made a huge impact on my decision to settle in England and pursue this career path.”

Was there anyone who influenced your decision?

“My undergraduate studies in Building Surveying introduced me to the construction industry, and specific courses in fire safety sparked my interest further. My previous experience from working on rail projects in Malaysia also exposed me to tunnel fire safety, which motivated me to specialise in fire engineering.”

Rachel Ho: Fire Engineer

What first sparked your interest in engineering?

“I’ve always loved building things since I was a child, whether it was Lego sets or marble tracks. I believe that my natural curiosity and hands-on creativity were what first sparked my interest in engineering.”

Did you always envision a career in engineering?

“I had a knack for science and maths, so it felt like a natural fit when I chose civil engineering as my major at university. Growing up, I was always told, “Yes, she can!” during my education in all-girls schools. We were strongly encouraged to get involved in all kinds of activities, especially those in STEM fields. That mindset really stuck with me and, in a way, subconsciously influenced my decision to pursue engineering as a career.”

Faith Ojomo: Apprentice Engineer

How did you discover fire engineering?

“I’ve always been fascinated by fire and its behaviour. It wasn’t until I found an apprenticeship opportunity online that I realised there was a career in fire engineering. That discovery sparked my interest deeply and I quickly became captivated by the idea.”

Was there a particular moment that inspired you to pursue this field?

“Yes, a conversation with a health and safety consultant who shared their experiences working alongside fire engineers. Hearing about how impactful and rewarding a career in fire safety engineering could be, inspired me to pursue it. It’s a path I hadn’t planned, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Nabila Rahman: Fire Engineer

What drew you to engineering?

“I’ve always had a strong interest in science and maths, so when the time came for me to choose a degree, engineering felt like the natural next step. My experience at university made me realise how much I enjoyed problem-solving, creativity and working on real-world challenges.”

Do you feel there’s a need to challenge stereotypes in the field?

“Absolutely. I’m motivated by the desire to break the stereotype that engineering is a male-dominated field. Representation matters and I’m proud to be part of a growing number of women thriving in engineering.”

Francesca Ravenhill: Associate

What led you to engineering?

“My journey into engineering wasn’t something I had mapped out from the start. I studied mathematics at university and never imagined I’d venture into engineering. As a mathematics graduate, I had always imagined my career would follow a more traditional analytical path – until someone from a large multidisciplinary company visited my university, specifically looking for mathematicians to join their fire engineering team. It was this opportunity that opened a door I hadn’t known existed, and it was the first time I considered engineering as a potential career path.”

What do you love most about your job?

“No two days are ever the same. The work is dynamic, constantly evolving and full of challenges that keep me learning and growing. It’s this continuous development and the excitement of the unknown that make engineering such a fulfilling path for me.”

Iolanda Del Prete: Associate

How did your background influence your career choice?

“My father dedicated his life to the construction industry, so I grew up immersed in that world. Once any of his projects were completed, my brother and I became the first visitors. It was truly captivating to witness how drawings could be transformed into something tangible and beneficial for the community. This, paired with my passion for maths and physics, also contributed to my decision to become a structural engineer.”

Was there a specific moment that directed you towards Structural Fire Engineering?

“It was during my Master’s when I took a class in Structural Fire Engineering. This sparked my curiosity and directed me towards pursuing a PhD in that specialism and embracing a career based on this specialisation.”

Adeyanju Oluwa: Senior Fire Engineer

What first sparked your interest in engineering?

“My father is an engineer and his passion for his work always inspired me. Watching him talk about his projects made me curious about how buildings are designed and the safety considerations involved.”

Did you always know you wanted to pursue engineering?

“Choosing engineering at university felt like the obvious option based on the subjects I enjoyed in secondary school (maths and sciences) and my interest in building design. This thankfully turned out well, as I enjoyed studying engineering at university and love being an engineer. Interestingly, there was a phase in my life as a young girl when I wanted to be a doctor, but little did I know that I would end up earning a doctorate in Engineering!”

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As we celebrate INWED, these women’s stories reflect not just their individual journeys but also the broader narrative of women making significant strides in engineering. Their diverse experiences and shared passion highlight the importance of inclusivity and representation in shaping a brighter future for the profession.