Kate Kenny, Jacobs' People & Places Solutions senior vice president Europe has been named Inspirational Woman of the Year in the Women in Rail Awards 2023.

The awards aim to showcase and reward individuals and companies - both large and small - who have made a significant contribution to improving gender balance, equality, diversity and inclusion within the U.K. railway industry.

Throughout her 20-year career in business consultancy, Kate has used her extraordinary capabilities and growing platform to make an impact, whether it’s mentoring and helping to develop others, being active in the professional community, or through her diverse roles at Jacobs. 

Kate leads over 7,000 employees across Europe to bring together knowledge and innovation from Jacobs’ global business to challenge the way problems are solved and shape the next generation of solutions for clients - solutions that are better for the environment, better for people, and better for the economy.

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition and proud to work with incredibly talented innovators, collaborators and problem-solvers who aren’t afraid to think differently to help tackle some of the complex issues like climate change and social prosperity,” said Kenny. 

“These careers really are about the infinite ways we can do things better, and we need diverse talent to support that. 

"It's important that women trust in their ability to grow and develop organically in their careers; and are supported to build confidence, as well as competence, along the way.” 

Kate’s influence stretches much further than Jacobs.

A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and an active industry mentor, Kate is a huge advocate for supporting those around her, particularly helping quieter talent to carve a way. 

Through her STEAM work, Kate particularly delights in engaging young women and girls on the impact they can have on the world by taking a path in engineering and technology.

At the awards, 14 gongs were presented across 13 individual and team and corporate categories, with a further 10 Highly Commended awarded to exceptional shortlisted nominees. 

The full list of Winners, Highly Commended and Shortlist is available to view on the Women in Rail website.

Shona Clive, Vice-Chair of Women in Rail and Project Lead for the Rail cluster project and the Forth and Tay Offshore project, Scottish Engineering said: “The calibre of this year’s nominations was truly exceptional. 

"We received over 430 entries from - and in respect of - a wide range of individuals, teams and companies in the railway sector, many of them from male allies nominating their female co-workers. 

"The judges admitted having a very difficult task selecting who should be shortlisted and ultimately win. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated - and of course to our winners – who continue to promote and improve EDI across the sector.”