Three new trustees have joined the board of Techniquest, bringing a wealth of experience with them that will benefit the charity over the coming years.
At the autumn session of the Board, Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest, warmly welcomed the new members and introduced them to the senior team.
Amanna Giles is a scientist at heart, with a broad span of expertise including zoology, virology and environmental science. Amongst other things, her experience encompasses the role of university researcher, working internationally in healthcare laboratories and more than a decade working for public bodies developing science to support fisheries’ management, along with marine and water quality monitoring. Amanna has also been involved in the charity sector, working with refugees and within the community managing first aid at events and emergency response. Currently a senior manager within the civil service, she sees developing people as a key to success of any organisation and actively champions improving diversity.
“As a mother of two primary-aged girls I have spent many hours at Techniquest, interacting with all the displays — especially the water-based ones! And so I’ve had first-hand experience in how a visit there can be such an incredible way of introducing science to children.
“I’m passionate about ensuring that all children, including those with learning and physical disabilities, have the opportunity to access science education — being part of the Techniquest Board means I can now play an active part in that journey.”
Rita Singh graduated from Cardiff University, where she studied Environmental Engineering, before going on to complete a MPhil at Cambridge University. She has over twenty years of experience in the public, private and third sectors and has worked as an engineer in both the water and construction industries. Rita worked on sustainability policy development and implementation for several organisations, and helped steer the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
“Encouraging more women to get involved in science-focused careers and to find their passion in subjects that can sometimes feel geared more towards their male counterparts, is something I hope we can be part of at Techniquest.
“There is so much that girls can bring to the world of science and engineering, and I hope we can help at least a few of them take that step, through inspiring them on their visits to the centre and through the schools work we do”.
The third new trustee is Kelsey Barcenilla, who works as a Stakeholder Manager for Transport for Wales, specialising in partnership development, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (E,D&I), public consultation, and human-centred research. She is responsible for developing relationships and communicating large-scale public transport programmes across Cardiff, such as the Cardiff Bus Interchange and improvements to the Bay Line. Having held previous roles as a Community Engagement Officer at Techniquest and Community Coordinator at Cardiff Institute for the Blind, she has experience in developing programmes that are inclusive and co-created by communities.
Kelsey is passionate about empowering women to take up careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
“Having previously shadowed Chwarae Teg’s board of directors through their step to non-exec programme, I want to ensure that young women have representation on boards.
“I firmly believe that to achieve a more gender-balanced workforce in STEAM for future generations, it’s vital to engage with girls at a young age, through educational and cultural experiences, opportunities that are offered so well by Techniquest as an educational charity.”
Techniquest’s E,D&I strategy is an important focus now for the whole team, with Ele Hicks from Diverse Cymru leading workshops for the Board and senior management, exploring various areas of the charity’s operation to identify the potential for improvement, and to begin work on seeking practical solutions.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of the charity commented:
“I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to weclome Amanna, Rita and Kelsey to our Board. With the different skills and life experience they bring to the table, I’m confident they will help us fulfill our ambition of being a centre that makes science engaging, fun and accessible to all.”
