Zainab Adigun, a Senior Structural Engineer at Carbon Clean, is making a significant impact in the construction and engineering industries. With a passion for sustainability and a dedication to innovation, Zainab plays a crucial role in a company that is mitigating the impact of climate change through innovative modular carbon capture solutions.
Zainab Adigun | Senior Structural Engineer | Carbon Clean
Her work spans across Europe, North America and the UAE, collaborating with a diverse team of engineers to provide technical solutions that drive the decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries. At EliteX, we are proud to have Zainab Adigun as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Construction, 2024.
In her current role at point source carbon capture expert Carbon Clean, Zainab engages in projects that tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges in the clean energy transition, encompassing project design, fabrication and operation. Working alongside chemical and mechanical engineers, she interacts with end-users, equipment suppliers, and subcontractors throughout the entire project lifecycle. Her ability to coordinate complex technical deliverables contributes to Carbon Clean’s innovative modular carbon capture technologies being seamlessly integrated into global projects. Zainab’s path to the construction industry was influenced by a childhood fascination with the built environment. As a young girl, she was captivated by the design and construction of buildings, sparking her interest in a career where she could contribute to the creation of these structures.
“You cannot be what you cannot see.”
Zainab’s first step into the construction industry came at the age of 14 when she secured a one-week placement at a building services company. This brief experience had a profound impact on her career aspirations. It was here that she learned the fundamentals of computer-aided design (CAD), which would become a key tool in her career as a structural engineer. The placement also introduced her to the importance of mechanical and electrical engineering in building design, further expanding her understanding of the field. Through this experience, Zainab realized how essential clear communication is in the construction industry, particularly when it comes to conveying complex design principles to clients and stakeholders. These early lessons laid the foundation for her future success and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of construction and engineering.
As a young, black, and female engineer, Zainab has faced her share of challenges throughout her career. In an industry that is traditionally male-dominated, she has had to overcome stereotypes and assumptions about her abilities. However, instead of being discouraged, Zainab has used these challenges as motivation to succeed and become a role model for other women and underrepresented minorities in the field. One of the most significant changes Zainab has observed in the construction industry since she started her career is the increasing presence of women. While the industry still has a long way to go in terms of diversity and inclusion, Zainab is proud to be part of the movement towards greater gender equality. Her drive to challenge the status quo and break down barriers for women in engineering is a key factor in her success.
Zainab’s desire to be the role model she never had has been a driving force throughout her career. She is committed to inspiring others, particularly young women, to pursue careers in construction and engineering. By challenging perceptions of what an engineer looks like, Zainab is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse industry. Among the many projects Zainab has worked on, one that stands out is the Phase 2A flood defense design for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. This project was part of the Rotherham Renaissance Flood Alleviation Scheme and earned recognition by winning a Flood Risk Management Award in the Waterways Renaissance Awards. The project’s significance lies in its ability to protect the town center of Rotherham and the Templeborough area from flood risks. Zainab’s role in this project involved assessing the impact of horizontal forces from the flood defense scheme on a railway bridge. This task required a deep understanding of the bridge’s construction and the ability to make critical engineering judgments. Despite the challenge of limited information about the existing bridge, Zainab’s expertise allowed her to verify the bridge’s ability to withstand sliding forces from the flood waters. Her technical contribution played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the flood defense scheme.
Being a woman in the construction industry has not always been easy for Zainab, but her determination to succeed has helped her overcome the obstacles she has faced. The lack of role models who share her background has been a particular challenge, but instead of letting this deter her, Zainab has made it her mission to become the role model she wished she had. Her story is a testament to the importance of representation and the need for more diverse voices in engineering and construction. In addition to the challenges of being a woman in the industry, Zainab also balances her career with the demands of being a mother. She is a strong advocate for showing that it is possible to “have it all”—a successful career and a fulfilling personal life. Zainab’s approach to work-life balance involves careful prioritization and a clear separation between work and home life, especially when working from home. Her ability to navigate these demands is a source of inspiration for other women in the field.
“I’ve always been intrigued by buildings and how they are designed and constructed.” – Zainab Adigun
Zainab firmly believes that visibility is key to attracting more women to the construction industry. Her motto, “You cannot be what you cannot see,” highlights the importance of representation. By sharing her story and encouraging others to do the same, Zainab hopes to inspire the next generation of female engineers. She believes that the industry needs to actively seek out women from diverse backgrounds and provide them with opportunities to thrive. Mentorship has also played an important role in Zainab’s career, and she encourages young women to seek out mentors early on. Having someone to guide them through the challenges of the industry can make all the difference in their success. Zainab’s career has been shaped by the influence of key mentors and role models. Her granddad, an architect in Nigeria, played an important role in fostering her love for construction. When he discovered her interest in engineering, he sent her a book about construction, which deepened her passion for the field.
Another influential figure in Zainab’s life has been Yewande Akinola, the first black female engineer she encountered during her undergraduate studies. Yewande’s example showed Zainab that engineering is not just a career, but an integral part of who she is. Zainab is not only committed to her professional work but also to mentoring and outreach. As a STEM Ambassador and a volunteer for a youth organization, she is dedicated to inspiring young people to pursue careers in engineering. She is also a board member of the Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers, where she leads the Schools program, which exposes young people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds to engineering careers. Through her outreach work, Zainab has helped students with the job application process and provided valuable insights into the engineering profession. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the CN & NCE Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering “Excellence in Outreach” Award.
Looking ahead, Zainab is optimistic about the future of women in construction. She believes that with continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, more women will enter and thrive in the industry. By casting a wide net and encouraging women from all backgrounds to join the profession, the industry can become more inclusive and representative of the world it serves. Zainab’s legacy is one of perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to diversity. She hopes that her journey will inspire others to pursue careers in engineering and prove that with hard work and determination, it is possible to have it all. In her own words, “Greater diversity leads to better business outcomes,” and Zainab Adigun is living proof that diversity, inclusion, and innovation are the keys to a brighter future in the construction industry.
“My drive and success today are shaped by my desire to challenge perceptions of who an engineer is and how they look.” – Zainab Adigun
