I first encountered CIBSE YEN UAE during my undergraduate years, when their events lit up my university campus with energy. As a student, I was curious, eager to learn, and searching for a sense of belonging in the engineering world. YEN UAE stood out—not just for its technical focus, but for the way it connected people. That initial spark stayed with me. When I began working as a graduate electrical engineer, I knew I wanted to be part of something bigger than my day-to-day job. I wanted to grow, contribute, and surround myself with peers who shared that same drive. That’s when I joined YEN UAE as a Technical Events Officer. From the start, I found myself drawn to the process of organizing events, I enjoy brainstorming ideas, trying something different with each event, and creating experiences that are both engaging and valuable.
As I became more involved, I stepped into the role of Vice Chair and, eventually, Chair. One of the most transformative moments for me was attending the Global YEN Gala and Conference in Belfast in 2024. Meeting other regional leaders from around the world was incredible. As someone who’s naturally introverted, that experience helped me break out of my shell. I learned to connect, to listen, and to lead with empathy. It was a turning point—not just professionally, but personally.
Today, YEN UAE is a vibrant committee of nearly 15 passionate members, and I’m proud to have grown alongside it. We’ve launched initiatives that truly reflect who we are—from our Building Perspectives podcast, which dives into various aspects of building services, to technical events on chartership pathways, energy modelling, and the role of BIM in MEP design. One of my favourite initiatives is the Sustainability Odysseys—a creative exploration of sustainable strategies across different domains of building services. These aren’t just events; they’re experiences that empower young engineers to think differently, ask questions, and take ownership of their careers.
Beyond YEN, I’m also part of WIBSE UAE—a community that holds deep personal meaning for me. Being the only girl in my undergraduate batch made me realise how important representation is. Through WIBSE, I’ve found a space to advocate for diversity, spark open conversations, and help others feel seen and supported.
Professionally, I work at RED Engineering, specializing in MEP design for data centres. That technical focus led me to join the newly formed Data Centre Special Interest Group within CIBSE. It’s exciting to be part of a growing community where I can apply my expertise while continuing to build the collaborative skills I’ve developed through YEN.
Volunteering with CIBSE has shaped me in ways I never expected. It’s helped me grow as a leader, deepen my technical knowledge, and build friendships that go far beyond professional networking. Most importantly, it’s given me the chance to give back—especially to students and young engineers who are just starting out. Through university outreach programs, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and inspiring others, and those moments have been some of the most fulfilling in my journey.
Being part of CIBSE helped me find my voice—not just as an engineer, but as someone who can lead, uplift others, and help shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry. If you’re a student wondering where to begin, I can’t recommend YEN UAE enough. It’s more than a committee—it’s a community, a launchpad, and a place where your ideas, your growth, and your story truly matter.
If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering, email [email protected] for more information.