Ingrida Vengalyte- Looking back on 25 years of BYPY
Photo credit: Edwin Ladd
This year, we are celebrating 25 years of the iconic BYPY Awards. The awards highlight the exceptional talent and skills of young professionals across Greater Birmingham, while also giving the overall winners the chance to open doors in their careers that they might not otherwise have been able to open.
As part of these celebrations, we spoke to the overall winners of the awards, dating right back to the very first winner in 2001 to last year's winner.
Meet Ingrida Vengalyte, our GBYPY winner from 2022.
Originally from Lithuania, Ingrida's passion is centred around sustainability and inclusivity for the future. She is also a strong advocate for STEM education.
Read all about how winning BYPY felt for Ingrida below..
What category did you win?
I was honoured to win the Future Face of Sustainability category and to be named the Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2022.
Tell us about yourself..
I am a Strategy Manager at National Grid, where I help shape long-term plans to support the UK’s transition to a net zero energy system.
Originally from Lithuania, my passion for sustainability was sparked in childhood, volunteering with my father—an environmental forester—to care for wildlife in sub-zero winters. That early experience inspired me to pursue a BSc in Environmental Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Management, laying the foundation for a career dedicated to infrastructure and environmental impact.
I’m currently studying for an MBA at Aston University. I remain passionate about creating a more sustainable, inclusive future—and empowering others to do the same. I’m also a strong advocate for STEM education and will begin serving as a co-opted school governor in my local area from September 2025.
In this role, I’ll support the aims of the school, visit and get to know the school community, and work in partnership with the headteacher, senior leadership team, and fellow governors to raise standards and improve outcomes for children.
Where were you working at the time of winning your award?
From 2015 to 2024, I worked at Jacobs as a Business Consultant, contributing to nationally significant infrastructure projects across transport, energy, and water. I now work as a Strategy Manager at National Grid.
What does your career look like now?
My current role focuses on strategic energy planning, stakeholder engagement, and aligning cross-functional workstreams to meet critical business deadlines and deliver successful outcomes.
It’s a position that allows me to contribute meaningfully to the UK’s energy future—bringing together technical insight, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to driving progress in the transition to net zero.
What did winning BYPY do for your career? Have you had any other big achievements or award wins since?
Winning BYPY was a transformative milestone. It gave me visibility, confidence, and the opportunity to reflect on my career path. Since then, I’ve transitioned into a new role at National Grid, where my first year has been a discovery phase—focused on building stakeholder relationships, understanding the company’s values, and aligning with its strategic objectives. While I haven’t pursued other awards since, the impact of BYPY continues to shape my journey and inspire my growth.
Why should people apply for GBYPY?
Because it’s a chance to put yourself out there—to reflect on your journey, share your story, and be recognised for the many achievements that often go unnoticed. Winning is just one night, but what truly matters is how you use the other 364 days. GBYPY offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate your impact and inspire others through what you do next.
How did winning BYPY feel?
Winning BYPY felt like a powerful affirmation that staying true to your values and purpose can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
