Born: November 29, 1970
Biography:
Dame Dawn Elizabeth Childs, born on November 29, 1970, is a highly accomplished British engineer who has made significant contributions in various engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, aeronautical engineering, and civil engineering. Throughout her career, she has shattered glass ceilings and achieved numerous firsts for women in the field. Dawn Childs has not only excelled professionally but has also dedicated her efforts to promote and empower women in engineering.
Childs received her education at Bedgebury Girls School and went on to study mechanical engineering at the prestigious University of Bath. During her time at Bath University, she was a member of the Bristol University Air Squadron, demonstrating her passion for aviation and engineering. Following her undergraduate studies, Childs pursued executive courses, earning a Master of Defence Administration from Cranfield University and a Master of Arts in defence studies from King’s College London.
After completing her education, Childs embarked on an impressive 23-year career in the Royal Air Force (RAF). She joined the RAF straight out of school after being awarded a cadetship as an engineering officer. Throughout her tenure in the RAF, she broke barriers and achieved several historic milestones. Notably, she became the first female Senior Engineering Officer (SEngO) on 216 Squadron and the first female Officer Commanding Engineering Wing (OC Eng Wg) at RAF Waddington. These appointments placed her in charge of the operational maintenance and logistics of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft based at RAF Waddington.
In 2012, Childs decided to transition from the RAF and embarked on a new chapter of her career at Gatwick Airport. Her appointment as Head of Engineering at a major international airport made her the first woman to hold such a position in the industry. During her time at Gatwick, Childs made significant contributions to aviation and further cemented her reputation as a trailblazer for women in engineering.
In 2016, Childs joined Merlin Entertainments plc and played a pivotal role in establishing a central engineering function for the global portfolio of over 120 theme parks and attractions. Her expertise and leadership skills greatly contributed to ensuring governance and maintaining high standards across the organization. Childs’s impact and influence extended beyond her professional duties, as she became an Ambassador for Alton College in 2014 and was appointed as a non-executive director for World Skills UK in 2015.
In 2019, Childs took on the role of UK Change Director at National Grid, where she utilized her skills and experience to drive transformational change within the organization. Her innovative approach and strategic thinking were instrumental in implementing positive changes and driving growth.
Currently, Dawn Childs serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Pure Data Centre Group (Operations) Ltd, a position she assumed following her successful role as UK Change Director at National Grid plc. Throughout her remarkable career, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to developing and empowering women within her organization while actively working towards attracting more women and girls to the field of engineering.
Dawn Childs’s contributions to the engineering industry and her efforts to advance gender equality have not gone unrecognized. Her achievements have garnered international acclaim, and she has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for her groundbreaking work.
Awards:
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
– Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng)
– Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE)
– Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE)
– Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS)
– Fellow of the Women’s Engineering Society (FWES)
Dawn Childs’s extraordinary journey in engineering has not only left an indelible mark on her field but has also served as an inspiration to countless aspiring engineers, especially women. Through her exceptional career, she has not only broken through barriers herself but has also dedicated her efforts to pave the way for future generations of women in engineering, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of women’s history.