Women in Rail invites you to an online session:

The Only One in the Room – What Allyship Means to Me

Women in Rail invites colleagues to join us for an engaging lunchtime conversation between Liz Baldwin, WR Trustee and Ben Evans, New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis exploring what allyship really looks like in practice, and how it can make a meaningful difference when someone feels like the only one in the room.

In this one-hour online session, Ben will share his personal experiences and reflections on allyship, values, and inclusion, offering honest insight into what has helped – and what has mattered most along the way. The session will include time for both facilitated and open questions, giving attendees the chance to reflect, learn and take practical ideas away.

Date: Monday 24 February
Time: 12:30-13:30
Format: Zoom

Session outline:

• Welcome and introduction

• Values moment and lived experience of allyship

• Facilitated Q&A with pre-prepared questions

• Open Q&A with attendees

About the speaker

Ben Evans, AtkinsRéalis

Ben is New Business Director for UK & Ireland at AtkinsRéalis and former Vice Chair of the EDI Charter for Rail. A well-known and sometimes provocative ally for underrepresented groups – particularly women in industry – he uses his senior profile to champion inclusive cultures and positive change. Ben is a committed mentor, menopause advocate and engaging speaker, and was named everywoman in Transport and Logistics Male Agent of Change in 2024.

Liz Baldwin, Southern Integrated Delivery Alliance Director, Southern Renewals Enterprise

Liz is a Fellow of the ICE and project management professional with over 25 years’ experience in engineering and construction. Starting her career as an Army Officer in the Royal Engineers, she has delivered projects across transport, highways, and major rail infrastructure as both a contractor and consultant. She previously led the £450m Wessex Capacity Alliance and later joined the Southern Integrated Delivery Alliance, overseeing a £3.3bn portfolio. At Mott MacDonald, Liz worked as a Project Director on HS2 and Crossrail 2, served as Principal Account Leader for the Foundations and Geotechnics team, and most recently was Managing Director for the Highways and Intelligent Transport Systems Division. She is also a Supervising Civil Engineer, a Women in Rail Board Trustee, and led the company’s Armed Forces initiative. Liz has been shortlisted for Mentor of the Year (2022 WICE Awards) and for the 2024 Ex-Forces in Business Awards for outstanding contribution.

This session is open to all and is designed to encourage thoughtful discussion, shared learning and greater understanding of how allyship shows up in real-world settings.