About the AFBE Foundation
The AFBE Foundation was established to address the need for diversity and representation within the UK engineering sector, particularly for people of ethnic and minority backgrounds. Founded in 2007 by Dr Ollie Folayan and Dr Nike Folayan, both engineers, AFBE-UK was created in response to reports by the UK Business and Enterprise Committee and the Royal Academy of Engineering that highlighted a shortage of engineering skills and the under-representation of ethnic minorities in the field. In 2011, AFBE-UK Scotland was launched, led by Dr Ollie Folayan, expanding the foundation’s reach and impact.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to inspire and support young people and professionals from ethnic minority backgrounds in STEM, enabling them to build fulfilling careers and positively impact society. We believe in creating a future where diversity is celebrated and all people have equal access to opportunities in engineering and technology.
Our Team
Dr Nike Folayan
Co-Founder and Chair of AFBE-UK
Dr Folayan is a leading figure in promoting diversity in engineering across the UK. His work focuses on addressing barriers faced by BME engineers and fostering an inclusive environment in the engineering industry.
Dr Nike Folayan
Co-Founder and Chair of AFBE-UK
Dr Folayan is a chartered engineer and advocate for diversity in STEM. Her leadership in AFBE-UK has been instrumental in building programmes that support young engineers and creating lasting industry partnerships.
Annual Reports and Impact
Since its founding, AFBE-UK has hosted numerous programmes, seminars, and networking events specifically designed to support BME engineers. Our initiatives have gained recognition and support from key players in the engineering industry, government bodies, international embassies, and the broader community. Download our latest annual report to learn more about our achievements and the impact of our work.