Beverly Oake - Environmental Engineer; “At university, I studied chemical with environmental engineering without being entirely sure what an engineer did but with the knowledge that I wanted a career with a positive world impact. I’ve always been interested in the natural environment so I thought a career focused on preserving it would be a great fit. I started my career working in contaminated land at a consultancy before starting at Thames Water and continuing as an Environment and Sustainability Engineer. I’ve learned so much about the wide range of STEM roles that are required within Thames to keep everything running and it feels good to work in a career that’s able to contribute to this.
Throughout university and my career so far, I’ve been really lucky to have had several amazing female tutors and mentors that have given me insight into career paths I would never have even thought of, and supported me in the roles I was interested in. I look forward to being able to continue building this same supportive environment for other women and young girls.”
Elinor Cordiner MBE - Head of Water Quality & Standards; “As a science graduate, joining the industry on a graduate scheme, I’ve been incredibly fortunate in terms of the opportunities available to me.
I’ve been lucky enough to experience working for different water companies as well as our drinking water quality regulator, DWI. I’ve worked in clean water and waste, and after 30 years, I still love what I do!
I head up a team of dedicated scientists and water quality professionals who look after our water safety from catchment to tap. I also oversee and govern our regulatory commitments and strategic water quality programmes.
Being a woman is not a barrier to success in Thames Water, and I’m proud to be able to encourage and support my fellow female (and male) colleagues in their STEM careers”
Emily Teklu - Sustainability Engineer; “My academic background is in geology, where my cohort was majority women. Inadvertently, a nice homage to the history of the Royal Holloway University of London is one of the first places in Britain where women could access higher education! I started at Thames Water as a Science Graduate in 2021 with hopes of pursuing a role relating to my passion for learning about the environment and ways to protect it.
Through joining the EDI networks and expressing these passions, a member of the committee recommended a role for me to apply to. Now I currently work as an Environmental & Sustainability Engineer as part of an incredibly supportive team, where I get to follow those interests and work in a fulfilling role. However, I wouldn't have found this position if it wasn't for connecting with people across Thames Water. I’m excited and I hope to see similar opportunities for others arise from connecting women in STEM.”
