Engineering, Empowerment and the Future at CBRE

As CBRE celebrates International Women in Engineering Day, we are spotlighting Yewande – a Chartered Engineer, innovator and passionate advocate for diversity in STEM – and now a Technical Director in CBRE’s Operational Excellence team. With a career spanning continents and disciplines, she has become a leading voice in the industry, with a deep commitment to sustainability and shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for engineering.

Yewande aims to provide an example to young women and encourage them to pursue careers in engineering. She continues to drive excellence in operational engineering, technical training and sustainability – while championing the next generation of engineers through mentorship, advocacy and leadership and bringing a unique perspective to the future of engineering and the role CBRE plays in shaping it.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to CBRE.
So I was born in Nigeria, but moved to the UK to study Engineering Design and Appropriate Technology at the University of Warwick, and then I followed that with a Master’s in Innovation and Design for Sustainability from Cranfield University. My career began at Arup, where I worked on water systems and building design projects across the UK, Africa, the Middle East and East Asia. I’ve been lucky enough to work all over the world, with work ranging from designing rainwater harvesting systems to leading innovation in modular construction.

I joined CBRE in October 2024. I’d previously worked with a colleague who’s now at CBRE and when we reconnected, he shared CBRE’s vision – growth, talent development and innovation. It aligned perfectly with my passions. I’ve worked in design, construction and now operations, so this role felt like a full-circle moment.

What does your role at CBRE involve?
I’m part of what we like to call the “A-Team” in Operational Excellence. We’re a group of experienced engineers who support accounts across EMEA with technical insight, problem-solving and innovation. I also lead technical training, ensuring our colleagues and apprentices have access to the best learning opportunities, from online content to in-person sessions. It’s exciting and challenging, especially across so many different countries and regulations.

What makes CBRE stand out as an employer for engineers?
It’s the scale and breadth of expertise. CBRE has grown rapidly, but what makes us special is the mix of talent – from design consultancy, construction, power systems, sustainability and innovation. That diverse skill set means we’re constantly evolving – from how we manage buildings, respond to client needs and deploy technology. For engineers, it’s the full package!

International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the achievements of women in the field. How much do you think women’s roles have evolved in engineering, and how much progress has been made since you began your career?
When I started, women made up just 9% of the engineering workforce. That number rose to around 16%, but it’s dropped again recently, which is heartbreaking. We’ve done well at inspiring women to enter the field, but we need to focus on retention – creating environments where people can thrive and return after life changes.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering?
One of the biggest challenges is perception – constantly having to prove yourself because people don’t always associate women with engineering. But I’ve used that as fuel to build teams that value talent over stereotypes. I’ve also run programmes to support women in engineering, focusing on confidence, networking and overcoming imposter syndrome. It’s super important to me that women leave those events with a toolbox they can use to thrive and it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.

Are there any projects you’re especially proud of?
Two stand out. One is a major office space in London – I worked on its construction, and now CBRE manages the space for a large technology client. It’s a full-circle moment. The other is a water park in China. I saw a video actually just this morning of a family enjoying it, and it brought tears to my eyes. I can’t wait to take my kids there and say, “Mum helped design this.”

What’s your vision for the future of engineering?
I’m passionate about where sustainability meets efficiency and innovation. We need to offer clients solutions that reduce fossil fuel use and improve building performance. Over the next 5–10 years, I want to help embed this thinking across all our operations. We also face a shortfall of engineers and a potential loss of 30% of our technical expertise due to retirement. So, building a diverse, creative and sustainable pipeline is critical – and I’m committed to being part of that journey.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering?
Be bold and stay curious. Engineering is about solving real-world problems, and your unique perspective is a strength. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore opportunities – even the ones that feel a little out of reach. Build your network, find mentors and remember that you belong in every room you walk into. And most importantly, enjoy the journey – engineering can take you places you never imagined!