Founder & CEO of Tessellated Future Technology Ltd, BBC Bitesize Presenter, Former BIM Lead for the Environment Agency, Former Deputy Mayor of Reading & Civil Engineer of the Institution of Civil Engineers

Ayo Sokale is a pioneering civil engineer, sustainability expert and diversity advocate with a dynamic career spanning public service, environmental management and technological innovation. She is the Founder and CEO of Tessellated Future Technology Ltd and a Project Team Manager for the Environment Agency. A Chartered Civil Engineer and former Deputy Mayor of Reading, Ayo is celebrated for her trailblazing work promoting inclusion, gender equity and neurodiversity. Her technical expertise and dedication to positive change have earned her national recognition, including honours as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering and among the UK’s most in-demand speakers on equality and sustainability.

Credentials and Impact

Ayo holds a Master’s Degree in Civil and Coastal Engineering and received professional training from both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the CITB in site management safety. Her engineering career began with roles in both public and private sectors, including work as a Graduate Engineer at the Environment Agency and as a Seconded Engineer with Jacobs. She advanced to become a BIM Lead and later a Project Manager. In 2022, she was appointed Project Team Manager at the Environment Agency, overseeing sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection initiatives. Ayo also supervises aspiring engineers through the Institution of Civil Engineers, championing skills development and inclusive mentoring.

Her career extends into civic leadership, having served as a Labour Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Reading Borough Council, where she contributed to shaping policies in planning, education and social care. Ayo’s leadership is rooted in evidence-based action, resilience and a commitment to reshaping systems to be more inclusive, sustainable and future-ready. She continues to drive innovation and representation in engineering while offering her expertise to the next generation of changemakers.

Publications and Media

Ayo has contributed to several influential publications that spotlight her work in engineering and advocacy. She is featured in ‘Engineers Make a Difference’ by Dr Shini Somara, a book that profiles inspirational figures transforming the world through engineering. She also appears in ‘9 Minds’ by Daniel Tammet, which highlights unique thinkers across diverse disciplines. Ayo is currently working on her own debut book, ‘Othered: How to Thrive & Disrupt in Spaces Not Created for You’, which explores navigating exclusion and creating change. Additionally, she has presented for the BBC and produced STEM content through Metis Communication Ltd.

Why Hire Ayo Sokale?

Bringing together technical expertise, personal insight and public leadership, Ayo delivers a compelling presence on stage that resonates with diverse audiences. Her TEDx talk, ‘The Unheard Voice’, sheds light on the power of neurodiversity and the need to amplify underrepresented voices in engineering and beyond. With hands-on experience managing infrastructure projects and shaping public policy, she offers a rare perspective that bridges civil engineering with social impact. Her work spans environmental sustainability, inclusive design and equity in STEM, positioning her as a transformative voice in the industry.

Recognised as a finalist in the Top 50 Women in Engineering for Safety and Security by the Women’s Engineering Society and previously listed in The Independent’s Top 50 Women in Engineering Under 35, she has earned national acclaim. She was also selected as one of Professor Lord Robert Mair’s Future Leaders and named among the Top 17 Speakers for National Inclusion Week, reinforcing her impact as a speaker and changemaker.

To book Ayo to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.