This month, we caught up with some of our volunteers on the CIBSE Minority Ethnic Groups Panel (CMEGP), which is a sub-panel of CIBSE’s EDI Committee. The EDI Committee is an advisory body to the CIBSE Board, which aims to encourage diversity within the building services industry.
Hakeem Makanju is an experienced Chartered Building Services Engineer with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades. His expertise lies in electrical services design and facility management in both private and public sectors. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hakeem actively volunteers with CIBSE in several capacities including Chair of the CIBSE CMEG Panel, Member of CIBSE Nominations Panel, Member of CIBSE EDI Committee.
We are also joined by Emeka Efe Osaji. He is a Teaching Fellow in Building Services Engineering at Coventry University, as well as a STEM Ambassador. He is also a Fellow of CIBSE (FCIBSE), and he volunteers in numerous CIBSE roles, such as: Honorary Secretary of the CMEG panel; Chair of the CIBSE Energy Performance Group; CIBSE Council Member; CIBSE Resilient Cities Group Committee Member; and CIBSE Building Simulation Group Committee Member.
Ruth Tatanga is a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer and has multiple volunteer roles within CIBSE: she is the current Chair of the Home Counties South West region; a member of the CMEG Panel; and Chair of Young Engineers Network Global, which aims to coordinate the activities of all our regional YEN.
How did you first find out about the CIBSE Minority Ethnic Groups Panel and what inspired you to join?
HM: During my tenure as Chair of the CIBSE Home Counties South West Region, I was approached by the esteemed Past President, Kevin Kelly, regarding CIBSE's initiative to establish the Panel. I had observed Kevin's strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the shared passion of CIBSE CEO, Ruth Carter, for championing these important values. This insight inspired me, as it signified a change in leadership that acknowledged the necessity for CIBSE to evolve and proactively implement measures to ensure that our Board, Council, Groups, Societies, Regions, Committees, Events and Award Nominations are representative of our diverse membership and the wider society we serve.
EEO: I heard about the CIBSE Minority Ethnic Groups Panel in 2022 from our dear Kevin Kelly (CIBSE Past President). I then applied to join on Wednesday 04/05/2022. An area where I am particularly active is in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) space. This is because I have always been passionate about fairness to everyone. I served as a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North West EDI Committee Member. These aspects helped inspire me to join to serve on the CIBSE Minority Ethnic Groups Panel.
RT: I heard about the CIBSE Minority Ethnic Group Panel via a CIBSE email. Two years ago, I received an email from CIBSE sent to all YEN volunteers, and they were asking if we were interested in the joining the EDI panel, and was asked which one I was interested in. I chose the CMEG Panel, and I’ve been there since!
Does having diverse professions on the CMEG panel ensure a variety of opinions and lived experiences are brought to discussions?
HM: Without a doubt, the diverse range of professionals from different sectors on our panel has been incredibly beneficial. It has allowed us to gather multiple perspectives and expertise, enhancing our discussions, debates, and views. Additionally, we have been able to review industry best practices from sources such as the IMechE, IET and RAEng. Our panel consists of members from academia, consultancy, contracting, and facilities management on the client side. The presence of academia professionals has added a strong research and theoretical foundation to our conversations, while members from consultancy, contracting, and facilities management have shared valuable real-world experience. By leveraging the expertise and experiences of our diverse panel, we have ensured that our recommendations are well-rounded, thorough and mindful of CIBSE’s various perspectives and needs.
What do you think is the importance of celebrating awareness days such as Black History Month in relation to the engineering industry?
RT: Celebrating Black History Month is important both for people in the industry and black descents in the industry. It is a time to pause, to be informed, to be aware and to see a group of people and colleagues that are a visible minority. It means a lot to be seen and being acknowledged because we tend to forget to see ourselves, and remember our differences, celebrating these. I sometimes forget to see myself. I remember in May, during the CIBSE HCSW AGM this year, when I was stepping up as Chair, Hakeem told me “You are the first. The first Black Woman Chair both as YEN and HCSW." I didn’t even pause to remember. For someone who grew up in Africa and never imagined, one second, I’d be or do what I’m currently doing, it is so fulfilling! And Black History Month allows me to pause, celebrate those other Black people who inspired me to try and remember to be the encouragement for the younger generation coming.
Who are the Black engineers that you look up to as role models?
HM: When I began my career in the 2000s, there were very few Black Engineers in the industry. Those who were successful often kept a low profile and operated quietly within their organisations, lacking the exposure that many now have through social media platforms like LinkedIn and professional bodies like the Association For Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers-UK.
Despite this, I deeply respect several Engineers for their dedication to the profession and their role in inspiring the next generation. Notable figures include Dr. Nelson Ogunshaki OBE, Isaac Kweku Coker, Robert Okpala, Patrick Roberts, Yewande Akinola MBE, Dr. Nike Afolayan MBE, Esther Olorunfemi and Ademola Owoeye among others. When reflecting on influential figures from past generations, Granville Tailer Woods, the pioneering Black mechanical and electrical engineer, stands out as a prominent role model for me.
EEO: I learn to listen, and I listen to learn. I am inspired by greats, such as my family, peers, mentees, apprentices, and students. A support network is important. I am also inspired by those that are no longer here with us but are immortalised via their positive contributions, including to building services engineering related principles, policies, practices, and people.
RT: I am a big fan girl! Nike Folayan is one of them, have you heard of Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers (AfBE)? Yes, that’s representation, with actions and representation! Yewande Akinola is another one inspiring role model. Among the younger generations, I’ve met some inspiring younger women from LSBU creating spaces to increase support and visibility for Black Minority ethnic. It’s a very exciting and encouraging era to live in!
What motivates you to volunteer with CIBSE?
EEO: My motivations in volunteering with CIBSE are:
(1) To contribute to knowledge development and transfer of principles;
(2) To contribute to consultations to improve policies;
(3) To discuss, collaborate with others, and develop and share good practices; and
(4) To acknowledge, celebrate, and inspire various CIBSE generations.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in volunteering with CIBSE?
HM: Volunteering for CIBSE offers a wealth of opportunities for Engineers at all stages of their career. For those just starting out, it provides a chance to gain valuable experience and skills that will set them apart in the industry. For experienced engineers, it is an opportunity to give back to the profession by sharing their knowledge and expertise.
In addition, volunteering helps us to bring our unique perspectives and experiences to the table, enriching CIBSE and ensuring that a diverse range of voices are heard in decision-making processes, shaping policies, influencing best practices as well as driving positive change on a global scale. This not only benefits the individual volunteering but also helps to shape the way CIBSE is perceived by the wider industry.
Networking is another key benefit of volunteering for CIBSE; by working alongside other professionals in the field, volunteers have the opportunity to expand their network and make valuable connections that can benefit their career and personal development overall.
In conclusion, volunteering for CIBSE is a win-win situation for all involved. Volunteers gain valuable experience, make meaningful connections, and contribute to the greater good of the engineering profession. Without volunteers, CIBSE would face significant challenges in achieving its goals, making the contributions of volunteers all the more invaluable.
EEO: I mentor mentees. My advice to them and others is that observation, concentration, imagination, experimentation, simulation, invention, and innovation can be motivation to engineer aspects, such as: collaboration; problem investigation; problem prevention; solution-creation; climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; compliant energy certification; dissemination; exemplification; education; and inspiration for our next generation.
RT: I said it before, and I’ll say it again – The institution is our home. If you feel like your house is stuffy, you call your housemates and work on refreshing it. It’s a house with multiple rooms and a room suited for each one. In fact, every day CIBSE is creating new rooms and spaces to welcome new groups. So here it is: if you are part of this industry, you are already in the house. So, make yourself at home; the next generation would need to feel welcome too, and we need you to make it happen.
To find out more about the CIBSE Minority Ethnic Groups Panel, email [email protected]