2025 Shortlisted Nominee
Positive Role Model Award: LGBT
Patrick “Poggy” Murray Whitham is an award-winning DEI professional, engineer, and Co-Chair of InterEngineering, promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in engineering. As a Black, Queer, Disabled, and Neurodivergent professional, Poggy uses both lived and professional experience to challenge barriers and drive systemic change. With over a decade in automation engineering and leadership roles, they focus on improving workplace culture, mental health, and equitable progression. Currently a Senior Manager at EqualEngineers and a doctoral student at Heriot-Watt University, Poggy’s work highlights LGBTQ+ challenges in engineering, including homophobia and toxic culture. Since 2009, their advocacy has spanned student leadership, senior management, and full-time DEI work. Poggy regularly speaks at leading industry and academic events, recently delivered a TEDx Talk, and mentors emerging Queer leaders. Committed to visible, authentic role modelling, they strive to create lasting change and empower LGBTQ+ engineers across the UK.