Portsmouth is lucky enough to have an incredible local CIC, Pamodzi Creatives who host the ‘Inspiration Women of Portsmouth’ awards annually to mark International Women’s Day. This year was the return of the event and it was a great return to face-to-face events and celebration of our local community. In our first year of being registered as a national charity, we decided that we would like to sponsor an award to celebrate the STEM women in Portsmouth. There were some incredible nominations and it was a great reminder that we are in a city full of talent, and we should be doing more to connect our young members of the community with the talented STEM role models who lead the way.

The nominee list was filled with some incredible local STEM professions, from science communication to marine researchers who engage with local schools, developing cutting edge tech for the Navy to leading marine conservation projects in the Solent. From conserving our shores to keeping us safe at the coast guard to leading one of the largest faculty at Portsmouth University. These women have made a positive impact on others that they have driven some to spend the time nominating them for an award, for that I thank you, you are the women smashing glass ceilings and making the way for a whole new generation of women in STEM.

The STEM award recipient was Heidi Clevett, this was her nomination:

“Heidi started her journey into the maritime industry around 10 years ago. In this male dominated sector, she went on to become a ship’s navigator. Heidi has navigated most of the oceans and seas of the world. Heidi had a real passion for making the sea a safer place; this led her to join the Maritime Coastguard Agency. She joined in the operations room, saving lives. Heidi quickly was promoted up the ranks and became one of the only females to be at her grade of Staff Officer of Vessel Traffic management. Heidi now works to ensure vessels are managed effectively in the UK’s Waters and keeping sea men and women safe. Recently, Heidi lost her mum to a Brain Tumour; it was a short battle. Heidi is going to be walking nonstop around the Isle of Wight for Brain Tumour Research, which is 106km in under 30 hours. This is a testament to her strong and caring nature. She has already raised nearly 4k; it’s been in the media, too https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/heidi-clevett I believe that she shows other women that you can succeed in a male dominated arena and teaches our young daughter that she can be or do anything. Heidi shows the world that the darkest days can be turned into the most positive of futures.”

After completing the walk, Heidi raised over £6,000 for tumour research. What an incredible role model for our STEM community.