Katy Deacon
Chartered Engineer | Inclusion Catalyst | Keynote Speaker
Vice President
Institution of Engineering & Technology
CEng FIET
Chartered Engineer & Fellow of the IET
Founder
Towards Belonging & BelongifAI
RAEng
Visiting Professor – Royal Academy of Engineering
Engineering Expertise. Lived Experience. Transformative Vision.
“With over two decades of professional experience spanning avionics, electrical design, renewable energy, inclusive engineering Katy Deacon, BEng (Hons) MSc, PGCert, CEng FIET, is a technical problem solver at heart.”
After her life and career were reshaped by her transition to life as a wheelchair user, Katy pivoted her expertise toward a vital mission: ensuring that ‘inclusion’ is treated as a fundamental engineering principle rather than an afterthought.
As a Fellow and Vice President of the IET and a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor, Katy bridges the gap between technical innovation and lived experience. Whether she is advising global firms through Towards Belonging or empowering architects, engineers, and planners with BelongifAI to ensure the creation of truly accessible and adaptable homes, Katy is dedicated to building a future where every individual has the power to thrive and belong.
Katy’s Work and Impact
Katy’s work spans keynote speaking, consultancy, and technology innovation. Together these activities help organisations, engineers, and planners move from accessibility compliance to truly inclusive design.
Keynotes & panels
Keynote talks, conference sessions, and panel discussions that combine engineering expertise with lived experience to inspire organisations and industry audiences.
Towards Belonging
An award-winning consultancy helping organisations embed accessibility, belonging, and inclusive design into strategy, leadership culture, and the built environment.
BelongifAI
An AI-powered platform helping architects, engineers, and planners design accessible, adaptable homes using inclusive design data and insights.
Plan your engagement
Speaking Topics & Booking
Topics, formats, and everything you need to book Katy for your event.
Media Kit for Event Organisers
Download headshots, bios, and technical rider for event organisers
Book Katy for Your Event
Bring engineering insight and inclusion leadership to your next event.
Available for UK and international keynotes, panel moderation, and virtual sessions.