EDI event at Coventry University

One to watch

Nyasha Mutezo Civil servant at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Why did you choose construction for a career? I think I was always going to end up with a career in construction. My father is a chartered structural/civil engineer and I would always look at CAD drawings with him and hear his stories and I would feel inspired.

I originally applied to study pharmacy at university but changed to quantity surveying and commercial management and I haven’t looked back.

You are one of CIOB’s Tomorrow’s Leaders. Tell us more about that. I was approached to become a founding member in 2021, after receiving the CIOB Student of the Year Award for achieving the highest grade of my graduating class.

After working with, and being a mentor with, Coventry University’s amazing WhatNext? society in my final year (a society focused on providing mentorship and encouragement to BAME secondary school students), I absolutely knew that this is something I wanted to continue to pursue. What is your role in a government department like? Having the opportunity to work on a range of domestic and international projects so early in my career is priceless. I am surrounded by a great team that give me great support and responsibility.

I also recently took over the management of a customer portfolio, giving me the opportunity to engage more with our customers and other individuals and organisations I had never considered being able to connect with.

Every day we deal with tasks and crises across the globe. I’ve never experienced anything like this and having such a unique workplace makes every day exciting.

What are your career ambitions? I definitely have my sights set on a director-level position and I really want to get chartered and complete a master’s degree in the next couple of years.

Another goal is to make higher education opportunities accessible for students of all backgrounds. I am currently working on a personal statement e-book guide to assist those taking the first step towards pursuing higher education.

What do you do in your spare time? I like to spend time with family and friends. I also love music and spend a lot of my time writing and recording.

Conference addresses early adoption of EDI principles

CIOB Midlands and Eastern event led to a lot of discussion about how to engage young talent

Attendees at the conference held at Coventry University

How to better engage young talent

in the sector and incorporate equality, diversity and inclusion principles early in the careers of construction students was the topic of discussion at a recent CIOB event.

CIOB Eastern & Midlands region held its second academic conference, The Art of Building: Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, following the success of the first Unconference at Coventry University.

Hosted by Sabine Coady Schaebitz, associate professor of architecture and curriculum lead for built environment, and organised by her team along with CIOB senior qualifications liaison manager Hassana Ahmed, the event focused on leadership around EDI.

Stephen Austin, head of school of energy, construction and environment at Coventry University, welcomed attendees. Speakers included: Coady Schaebitz; Mark Harrison, CIOB head of equality, diversity and inclusion transformation; and Matthew Blackett, EDI Faculty Committee for The event reinforced the importance of establishing EDI principles during the years students spend at university

Sabine Coady Schaebitz, Coventry University

Coventry University School of Energy Construction and Environment.

Joining them on a discussion panel were Imogen Smazanovich, associate director at Segro; Madeleine Clarke, winner of Women in Property, and a Coventry University student; and Rachel Curzon, Birmingham City University senior education developer.

Coady Schaebitz said: “The event reinforced the importance of establishing the EDI principles during the formative years students spend at university. This enables the next generations in their professions to influence industries in order to create a built environment which in turn contributes to a more equal and inclusive society.” ●