A civil engineer from Jersey is celebrating being named one of the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering for 2025.
Rachel Hayden appears on the list published by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to mark International Women in Engineering Day last month.
A senior engineer with WSP in Devon, and former head girl of Jersey College for Girls, Ms Hayden has been recognised as a “changemaker in civil engineering for her courageous and collaborative leadership”.
Her “outstanding contributions” to the profession and her “tireless work inspiring the next generation” were also highlighted.
Since becoming an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) STEM Ambassador in 2017, Ms Hayden has volunteered over 715 hours, delivering 285 activities and reaching more than 38,000 people across the UK.
Her passion for outreach was sparked by a school visit in Jersey.
“If it hadn’t been for a pasta bridge competition run by engineers when I was 16, I might never have discovered civil engineering,” she shared. “That moment changed my life – and now I’m passionate about creating those moments for others.”
Ms Hayden has also led industry-wide action on sexual harassment, working to create safer, more respectful workplaces. Through initiatives with the ICE and WSP’s “Let’s Talk About…” series, she actively promotes diversity and inclusion across the sector.
She also mentors students from her former school to help them secure university places and scholarships, and develops hands-on workshops that link classroom topics to real-world engineering challenges.
Mr Hayden received recognition for her leadership potential early in her career when she was selected for the ICE’s President’s Future Leaders scheme, where she worked with industry leader Keith Howells during his 2022–2023 presidential year.
She was also named ICE South West STEM Ambassador of the Year for her extensive voluntary work. She currently serves on the ICE South West regional committee, where she organises online events to raise awareness and increase knowledge about civil engineering in the region.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised in the Top 50 Women in Engineering,” said Ms Hayden. “I hope it shows young people in Jersey and beyond that engineering is not only for everyone – it’s a career where you can make a real difference.”