Last night, Optimal was honoured to attend the AFBE Gala & Awards 2025, hosted at the stunning P&J Live in Aberdeen. The event, themed “Tapestry of Impact,” brought together some of the most inspiring talents and industry leaders to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and innovation within engineering.
The evening began with a warm welcome drinks reception, creating the perfect atmosphere for networking and connecting with peers and industry pioneers. Guests then enjoyed a beautifully prepared three-course gala dinner, followed by an inspiring awards ceremony that recognised individuals and organisations making a real difference in promoting inclusion across industries.
Throughout the night, the incredible Velvet Notes, a powerhouse collective redefining luxury live music, spanning a range of contemporary and classic genres (from Chart, RnB, HipHop, Afrobeat, House, Garage, Dancehall and more!) added vibrancy and showcased the richness of diversity that AFBE champions.
One of the standout highlights was the Aston Martin F1 AMR23 car on display, which drew plenty of attention and photo opportunities before the programme began. The Gala also featured a charity spotlight on International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organisation working to end slavery and protect vulnerable communities. Supporting such causes reinforces the importance of engineering not just as a profession, but as a force for good.
Leslie Moyo, Director at Optimal, reflected on the event:
“Attending the AFBE Gala this year felt both nostalgic and deeply inspiring. When I first engaged with AFBE over twelve? years ago, the conversations around diversity in engineering were just beginning to take shape; more aspiration than reality.
Today, seeing how far the industry and the country have come is extraordinary. AFBE has evolved from a pioneering movement into a powerful institution, shaping not just representation but redefining excellence itself. The energy, the confidence, and the breadth of talent on display tonight reflect an engineering community that truly mirrors the society it serves.
It’s a reminder that inclusion isn’t an initiative – it’s progress in action.”
At Optimal, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and progress. Events like AFBE’s Gala remind us of the incredible impact that collaboration and representation can have on shaping the future of engineering.
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