Veronica Milligan

Veronica “Ronnie” Jean Kathleen Milligan (11 March 1926 – 3 September 1989) was an electrical engineer with expertise in construction management and president of the Women's Engineering Society.

Early life and education Veronica Jean Kathleen O’Neil was born on 11 March 1926 in Pontypridd, South Wales to Jennie K. and Gilbert O'Neil. She attended the Pontypridd Girls' Grammar School. She studied English and Economics at the University College of South Wales and then undertook teacher training. She married Francis Milligan in 1945. Her mother had made her promise not to neglect her career when she married. When her husband and brother began studying for a Higher National Certificate in electrical engineering, Milligan joined them part-time whilst raising her children.

Milligan became a chartered engineer in 1959 with the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Milligan was appointed as a manpower advisor with the Department of Employment and Productivity, She was then re-appointed in 1976. She was also a member of the National Water Council and sat on an industrial tribunals panel.

In 1978, Milligan became a member of the newly created Commission on Energy and the Environment. She was awarded a bursary by the Caroline Haslett Memorial Trust to attend the First International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists in 1964. At the third International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists in 1971, Milligan presented on construction management practices.

Milligan played a significant role in the society, particularly with regards to delivering careers talks to school girls to encourage them into careers in engineering, she did this through her role as Career's Officer. Milligan later became the President of the Women's Engineering Society (WES) in 1978, succeeding Henrietta Bussell in the role. Milligan's successor as president was Maria Watkins.

Milligan also supported careers counselling through her membership and role within the Institute of Electrical Engineers. She was vice chair of the South Wales branch.

Milligan spent her whole life living in South Wales and died in Newport in 1989.