Benita Mehra was speaking today (31 July) after being made an Honorary Doctor of Engineering by the university for promoting diversity in engineering.
Benita was presented at the 香港最快开奖现场直播资料 Centre awards ceremony by Professor Andrew Lloyd, the university’s Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Operations).
He quoted Benita: “People of colour, the disadvantaged, those who have different abilities or those who have disabilities do need to be tenacious as the world of work can be hostile and people are not always supportive of difference. Talent doesn’t discriminate and neither should we.”
He said Benita, who last year officially opened the university’s new Advanced Engineering Building, was is “a tireless champion of women in engineering”.
Offering advice to graduates Benita said: “I ask that you take opportunities that are around you and have a go. Believe in yourself and don’t take no for an answer.”
Benita has held senior leadership roles in the aviation, housing and health sectors and currently is Director of Strategic Assets and Property at the London Ambulance Service. She served as President of the Women’s Engineering Society and, under her guidance, National Women in Engineering Day has become an international celebration.