WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star Awards are now in their tenth year.
The Rising Star Awards are the first to focus on the achievements of women below Senior Management or Director level – representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders.
In this ongoing series, we speak to our winners about life after winning a Rising Star award.
We spoke to Victoria Ollerenshaw, who won a Rising Star Award in Science & Engineering, in 2023.
I work full time at Carter Synergy Ltd as the Contracts Support and Spares Manager, a STEM Ambassador, STEMazing Woman and a mom of two. Alongside this, I also the time to enrich and develop myself with various courses and qualifications. I am working to challenge the status quo, helping to rebrand our industry and bring about meaningful change by promoting and improving diversity and inclusion across the board. My efforts are predominantly focused on being a Visible Role Model, celebrating the successes of Women in STEM fields while engaging with the next generation in the hope of encouraging them to celebrate and utilise their uniqueness and become one of our next STEM Stars, or maybe even an RACHP Engineer. I use many techniques and activities to make STEM fun and putting the RACHP Industry on the map with schools, all whilst inspiring the young people I encounter to consider a career in a STEM Role. Over the last two years, I have won the Outstanding NEW STEM Ambassador (Southern Region and National) Awards at the STEM Inspirations Awards 2022, the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the RAC Cooling Industry Awards 2022 and in 2023, I was made a WeAreTheCity Rising Star Award Winner in Science and Engineering.
How did winning a Rising Star award influence your perception of your own achievements and potential?
Despite winning three other awards since 2022, and holding many qualifications, I have always suffered from Imposter Syndrome. Although it is still always there in my subconscious, I continually remind myself that I am award-winning in my field, and I am a person that people look up to and admire!
How has winning the award affected your professional network and relationships within your industry?
Winning this award has enabled me to further my networking opportunities; I am more widely involved in industry events and my determination, work-ethic and expertise have laid a solid foundation for my long-term career goals.
Have you had the chance to mentor or inspire others based on your experience?
I always hope to inspire my professional peers as well as the next generation of innovators and engineers. I am continuing to carry out my additional work as a STEM Ambassador. You can’t be what you can’t see!
What advice would you give to someone else thinking of nominating themselves or others for the awards?
Please do it! Whether you nominate yourself or someone else, it is both a huge confidence boost as well as deserved recognition.
What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to achieve success in their careers?
It takes hard work and determination, however the reward and pride you feel when you achieve success (no matter how big or small) is so worth it!
What is next for you?
I started my HNC Level 4 in Quantity Surveying in September 2023, which is a two-year course with a one-year HND Extension. Likewise, I am looking forward to the challenges that come my way in 2024!
