Dr. Victoria Fillingham, Senior Digital Consultant, Bentley Systems, Advisory Services shares her views on eliminating barriers and promote equality in a chat with Techitup ME
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Dr. Victoria Fillingham: Meaningful change only occurs when people are signed up to the story. Proactively engaging with all groups to eliminate barriers and promote policies that put equality at their heart – such as flexible working, diversity training, and mentorship programmes – will create healthy patterns and forums for open and honest conversations.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Dr. Victoria Fillingham: When I was 8 or 9 years old I came upon the architectural models of my friend’s dad. I was wide-eyed when I learnt he was experimenting to see how many windows needed to maximize natural daylight in the space. My early interest and excitement turned into a life-long passion.
I graduated with a degree in Architecture and Environmental Engineering and then I went on to complete a Doctorate in whole life asset information management. It centered on the question of why Building Information Modelling was focused so much on the design and construction phase of the project lifecycle – even though 85 per cent of all lifecycle costs are accumulated during the operational phase of an asset.
Who would you consider your role model—someone who constantly inspires you? (This can be a professional figure or someone from your personal life.)
Dr. Victoria Fillingham: Annie Jean Easley. She explored how computer programmes could be used to simulate and analyze alternative energy sources, including solar, wind and battery storage – as sustainable energy sources. Her codes for analyzing energy-conversion systems were foundational to the development of the batteries we use today in hybrid cars. Her programmes and insights into alternative fuels have meant that we could push space exploration further and make meaningful strides in reversing our negative impacts. Pretty darn inspiring!
Rapid Fire Round – Let’s get to know you better!
- Dinner with a famous personality, who would it be? Professor Lucie Green – Professor at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory – or Fiona Bruce…both would have some fascinating stories, great for a dinner party!
- One skill you wish you could learn instantly? To be able to hear a language and instantly speak it – think of the conversations!!
- Android or Apple?😃Apple
- WhatsApp or Telegram? WhatsApp
- Phone call or text message/email? Phone call – nothing beats hearing someone’s voice on the other end!
- Beaches or mountains? Beaches
- Coffee or tea? Coffee
- Early bird or night owl? Night Owl
- Books or movies? Both – movies for their ability to inspire all the senses, but there’s nothing like curling up with a good book!
- Winter or summer? Summer
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? In-store – let’s support our local communities
What advice would you give to women starting their careers or aspiring to enter the tech/business field?
Dr. Victoria Fillingham: Attend conferences or events and ask questions!! That way you’ll create a network of like-minded individuals that will keep you inspired and act as your energy to push for a future that is right for you.
