Two engineers from Jersey Electricity won national awards at the inaugural Utility Week ‘Women In Utilities’ Awards.
Jersey Electricity’s Senior Strategic Planning Engineer Carine Bou Tayeh won the ‘Returning Star’ award, celebrating the achievements of a woman who has returned to her career following a maternity leave or career break. Following maternity leave with her first child, Carine returned to work in a flexible capacity to implement her project developing key strategic electricity infrastructure investment to help Jersey reach a net zero future – a project she planned during her pregnancy. Carine successfully delivered a remarkable project that will have a real impact on the Jersey community.
“Maternity is not a barrier to working diligently towards one’s goals and building a successful career. While balancing professional and family responsibilities can be extremely challenging, it is entirely achievable. The key is to work for a company that understands and supports the needs of its employees. Therefore, being recognised for my contribution in delivering key strategic projects, strengthens my dedication to the long-term success of JE and reaffirms my commitment to the enduring prosperity of the Island and its community,” said Carine.
Tessa Ryan, Senior Asset Engineer at Jersey Electricity (JE), was recognised in the ‘Education Outreach’ category, recognising an individual or company that has done outstanding outreach work with communities to encourage and inspire women into utilities careers. Tessa has reached hundreds of young and adult students from primary school to university level, in Jersey, the UK and in her native Canada. Tessa’s outreach work challenges stereotypes and fosters curiosity in engineering and utilities, including through the Primary Engineer initiative for which JE is the local partner, as well as encouraging colleagues through internal learning sessions.
“It was an honour to be recognised for Education Outreach amongst an impressive group of women doing the work to improve equity and opportunity for so many. It is so important that we encourage diversity in the engineering profession, which includes but does not end with women and girls.
“Engineering is a profession that serves society, and we need the creativity and innovation that diversity naturally fosters. Our industry needs to take action to ensure all young people have opportunities to see themselves in Engineering and STEM careers. It’s hard to be what you cannot see.” said Tessa
Andrew Welsby, People and Culture Director at JE, added: “We are so proud that Carine and Tessa’s achievements have been recognised at a national level. It was clear from the Women in Utilities awards that exceptional work and progress is being made by inspiring and talented women across the utilities and engineering sectors. Congratulation to Carine and Tessa for their thoroughly deserved awards.”
Pictured: Tessa Ryan receiving her award
