Wednesday 4 March 2026 | Cranfield Campus, CMRI Gallery | 12:00-14:00
International Women’s Day 2026 at Cranfield is all about what happens when women, allies and changemakers come together to lift each other up.
On 4 March 2026, join us on campus for an event that combines uplifting stories, honest conversations, and the power of community, co-created by the Gender, Leadership and Inclusion Centre, Cranfield Women in Business and passionate students.
What the event is about
Guided by this year’s theme, #GiveToGain, we’re shining a light on generosity, collaboration and shared success – how giving back can open doors not just for others, but for you too. Space to celebrate the experiences, wins and challenges of women across Cranfield and beyond.
What to expect
- An inspiring keynote from Dr Siân Thomas, Director of Strategic Asset Management, Anglian Water Services Limited. An infrastructure professional with a Doctorate in Business Administration from Cranfield, Siân takes pride in providing a unique and powerful combination of expertise and diversity of thought. A Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Chartered Management Institute, Siân has spent over 25 years in infrastructure delivering in general business, project and operational roles.
- A thought-provoking panel discussion, exploring empowerment, inclusion, and leadership through lived experience, featuring:
- Dr Tosin Elusakin, Senior Project Engineer at Technip Energies. Her project management career has been focused on the delivery of multi-million-pound energy engineering and technology innovation projects as well as consultancy work including offshore wind, oil and gas, ammonia, hydrogen, biomass and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
- Yasmin Mahmood, Head of EDI and Culture Change at NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB. A diversity and inclusion specialist, with a Masters in International HRM from Cranfield, Yasmin champions collaboration in driving meaningful change, bringing fresh insights and actionable strategies to create increasingly inclusive environments for employees and communities.
- Jane Rickson, Professor of Soil Erosion and Conservation. Jane has over 30 years' experience of research, consultancy and teaching in soil and water engineering, specialising in soil degradation processes and sustainable land management. Her work is directed at Research Councils, industry, farmers and policy makers, with collaborations across the world including Alcoa of Australia, City of London Authority, Marks and Spencer, and Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
- Anna Smallwood, Professor and Head of Centre for Air Transport Management. An experienced aviation professional, Anna brings significant practical experience in leadership and change management from within the European airline sector, as well as in risk, safety and crisis management. Anna has a particular interest in enabling collaboration across academia and industry to progress solutions for safe and sustainable air transport, and is a member of the Board of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Carter.
- Meaningful connections with students, staff, alumni, and guests who care deeply about making business, education and community more equitable and inclusive
Why you should come
If you’re looking for fresh perspectives, inspiring role models and a supportive community, this event is for you.
Come ready to listen, share, network and leave with ideas, connections and energy you can take back into your own career journey.
How to register
Cranfield staff and students:
