Gillian Keating
I Wish Co-Founder & Partner RDJ Law Firm
Gillian Keating
I Wish Co-Founder & Partner RDJ Law Firm
Gillian leads Ronan Daly Jermyn Corporate department. She is a highly regarded deal lawyer known for her work in the healthcare and technology markets.
Gillian is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Business and Law at University College Cork (UCC) and in 2017 received an Alumni Achievement Award from UCC for her work with I Wish.
Gillian is a co-founder of the multi-award winning I WISH
Gillian is passionate about empowering the next generation of female leaders and innovators and ensuring our society enables these young women to participate fully in the economy of the future.
Gillian has held and continues to hold non-executive board and audit committee positions in the private and public sector.
Caroline O'Driscoll
I Wish Co-Founder & Partner Deloitte
Caroline O'Driscoll
I Wish Co-Founder & Partner Deloitte
Caroline is the Corporate and international tax partner with Deloitte Ireland focused on the technology sector. Caroline is a member of Deloitte’s European Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Technology Sector and a member of Deloitte Irelands Diversity and Inclusion Council.
Caroline is a member of the gender balance advisory group for the Department of Education to achieve better gender balance in STEM education at post-primary level.
Caroline is a board director of ReThink Ireland, Irelands Social Innovation Fund. And Chair of the finance committee and is also the immediate past chairperson of it@cork(2017-2019)
Caroline is Co-Founder of I Wish. Caroline says she looks to the girls who attend I Wish as they really inspire her to keep going on what has been a mad but amazing journey. She feels a huge sense of responsibility to enable every girl to live their brightest lives.
Caroline embarked on the I Wish journey with fellow co-founders because she could see the opportunity in STEM, but with less than 25% of the STEM workforce in Ireland being women she realised that there was a risk that her own daughter would not participate in the jobs of tomorrow, all she wants for her is equal opportunity of choice.
In conjunction with Cork City Council, I Wish won the 2015 Chambers Ireland Award for excellence in local government in the “promoting economic development” category, and a LAMA award in Best Education category.
2015 winner of the WMB Boots Empowering Women Award for work in promoting STEM.
Awarded one of the Top 10 outstanding young people (TOYP) of Cork in 2016 by Junior Chamber International and progressed to be named as one of the Top 10 outstanding people of Ireland in the national finals in 2016.
Along with fellow I Wish co-founders, awarded Cork Persons of the Month in March 2017,
UCC Achievement Award 2017, one of the highest honours that the university can bestow on a graduate.
American Chamber Cairdeas Award 2019
IT@Cork Chairperson Community Award 2019
Phil Healy
Olympic Finalist, European Relay Medallist, and one of the fastest female sprinters in Irish History.
Phil Healy
Olympic Finalist, European Relay Medallist, and one of the fastest female sprinters in Irish History.
The ‘Bandon Bullet’ has been one of the key figures in driving up the standard of Irish women’s sprinting over the past decade. She has made major finals, broken Irish records, and won 17 national titles. The West Cork woman has competed for Ireland in the Olympic, World, and European Championships.
In 2024, she was part of the Irish women’s 4x400m team that smashed the Irish record and finished 4th in the Olympic Games. A moment that will go down in Irish sporting history and captured the hearts and minds of the nation. Phil was also on the team that claimed a sensational silver medal at the European Athletics Championships in June and was part of the mixed 4x400m team that made Olympic final in Tokyo. During her athletics career, she has made finals at major championships, from the European Junior Championships to the World Student Games and European Indoor Championships.
As a recipient of the prestigious Waterford Institute of Technology Scholarship, Phil pursued academic interests alongside her athletic career, earning a master’s degree in Enterprise Computer Software.
Mairead McGuinness
Former European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Service and the Capital Markets Union
Mairead McGuinness
Former European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Service and the Capital Markets Union
Mairead McGuinness spans a lifetime of experience as a Politician who served the European Parliament for over 16 years. Mairead served as the European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union from October 2020 to November 2024. A member of Fine Gael, she previously served as First Vice-President of the European Parliament from 2017 to 2020. She served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for East from 2004 to 2014 and for Midlands–North-West from 2014 to 2020. In the European Parliament, she sat with the European People's Party (EPP).
Mairead McGuinness was the first female graduate of University College Dublin's Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural economics in 1980. In 1984, she completed a diploma in accounting and finance and followed a career in the media before entering politics in 2004. She worked as a researcher on The Late Late Show, as a presenter on RTÉ's Ear to the Ground and Celebrity Farm, a journalist with the Irish Farmers Journal and editor of the Irish Independent's farming supplement.
In 2014, Mairead was awarded UCD Alumnus of the Year for Agriculture and Food Science.
Mairead is married to a sheep farmer and has four children.
Sinead Kennedy
RTÉ, I Wish MC
Sinead Kennedy
RTÉ, I Wish MC
Katie O' Brien
External Clinical Supply Quality Specialist, Johnson & Johnson
Katie O' Brien
External Clinical Supply Quality Specialist, Johnson & Johnson
Katie is a graduate of the J&J Global Operations Leadership Development (GOLD) Program, a 2.5-year supply chain initiative designed to develop future leaders. Katie joined the program in June 2022, beginning as an External Clinical Supply Quality Analyst in Cork. She then relocated to Belgium, serving as a Transportation Associate, and later as an Integrated Partnership Specialist, before completing the program in November 2024. Following the programs completion, Katie travelled to Singapore to participate in the Changemaker program, a J&J initiative focused on driving positive social impact. Through these diverse experiences, Katie has demonstrated her adaptability, global perspective, and dedication to professional development in STEM fields.
Katie holds a BSc in Biomedical Science from University College Cork and Munster Technological University (2021) and a Higher Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Practice from Munster Technological University (2022). During her studies, she earned two J&J WiSTEM2D Scholarships in her third and fourth years and was awarded The Peel Memorial Prize, recognizing her distinguished contributions to university life.
Katie currently resides in Belgium, where she works as an External Quality Specialist, applying her global experience to ensure excellence in supply chain operations.
Zoë Hyde
Irish Olympian, Brand Ambassador, Deloitte
Zoë Hyde
Irish Olympian, Brand Ambassador, Deloitte
Zoë Hyde is an Irish Olympian from Paris 2024 and Deloitte Brand Ambassador. While working for Deloitte as an audit associate she joined the Irish rowing team and went on to win a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in 2022 and represent Ireland in the Olympics for rowing in Paris 2024.
Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin
Managing Director of Virgin Media Television
Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin
Managing Director of Virgin Media Television
Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin is Managing Director of Virgin Media Television, Ireland’s number one commercial broadcaster offering four free-to-air channels: Virgin Media One, Virgin Media Two, and Virgin Media Three, Virgin Media Four and the Virgin Media Play. Áine previously held the role of Deputy MD and Director of Operations with responsibility for Virgin Media Television’s technical and operational activities. During her career she has held senior roles across a range of broadcasters. Prior to joining Virgin Media in 2017 she has held senior roles in UTV Ireland, Setanta Sports and Sky News Ireland, with previous experience in the independent sector and RTÉ. Áine is passionate about content creation and innovation in the broadcasting sector.
Marie Moynihan
Senior Vice President Global Human Resource Services, Dell Technologies
Marie Moynihan
Senior Vice President Global Human Resource Services, Dell Technologies
Marie is a Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources Services for Dell Technologies. She leads a team of @700 HR professionals globally who provide full life cycle services to team members, from on-boarding, to payroll, to employee relations, to site based engagement and inclusion activities, ensuring team members experience Dell as a great place to work in all 84 countries in which they operate. She is also ressponsible for Dell's HR approach to M & A, Privacy and Contingent Labor.
Marie report’s to the CHRO and influences all key HR decisions for the company.
Marie has been with Dell for over 22 years holding a range of HR roles from Business Partner, HR leader for Dell EMEA, to Talent Management and Chief Diversity officer, to Global Talent Acquisition.
Before joining Dell, Marie worked for Intel Corporation, leading HR in their European manufacturing facility for eight years. She has also spent six years consulting in Industrial Relations with the Irish Business and Employers Confederation. She is married with one child and lives in Ireland.
Claire Dunne ( née Bergin)
Strategics Projects Lead Deloitte & Dual Olympian
Claire Dunne ( née Bergin)
Strategics Projects Lead Deloitte & Dual Olympian
Claire is a distinguished athlete who has uniquely qualified for both the Summer (London 2012) and Winter (Vancouver 2010) Olympic Games, making her the first female athlete from Ireland to achieve this feat. After briefly playing with the Irish 7’s rugby team, she went on to compete for Ireland in tag rugby for a decade, participating in three World Cups and winning two silver medals with the Irish Women’s Masters team, the most recent of which was earned just seven months after giving birth to her son. Passionate about giving back to the sport, Claire was a successful captain for her athletics club, Dundrum South Dublin, and now coaches at the club. She has also served as a co-opted Director on the Board of Athletics Ireland.
Professionally, Claire has spent most of her career at Deloitte, where she has been supported in her sporting endeavours. She has held various roles at the firm, most notably building and leading the Social Impact agenda over a ten-year period. Currently, she serves as the Strategic Projects Lead, managing strategic university partnerships and playing a key role in the activation team for Deloitte’s sponsorship of Olympic Team Ireland.
Laura Hanlon
Senior Advisor Solution Architect, Dell Technologies
Laura Hanlon
Senior Advisor Solution Architect, Dell Technologies
Laura is a Solution Architect at the Dell Technologies Customer Solution Center in Limerick. In her role, she designs and builds technology solutions to help companies work more efficiently. Laura collaborates with customers to identify the best ways to solve problems using advanced technologies like computers and software, ensuring everything operates smoothly. She studied Electronic Engineering in Galway. Laura enjoys playing football, is learning Spanish, and is also learning how to sew. When she was younger, her dream job was to be a fashion designer.
Aoife Raftery
First Irish Female International Rally Driver
Aoife Raftery
First Irish Female International Rally Driver
Aoife is a highly motivated and inspiring individual who can serve as a fantastic role model for young women.
As Ireland's only international female rally driver, she embodies determination, skill, and a passion for STEM.
Her achievements include:
• Holder of the Rosemary Smith Memorial Award, recognising female motorsport talent by Motorsport Ireland
• Previous speaker and guest lecturer at Munster Technological University
• Studied Construction Management at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)
• Member of the Motorsport Ireland Women in Motorsport Commission
• Selected as one of only 15 women worldwide for an international female talent-spotting programme
Aoife's background in STEM is particularly relevant to I Wish, given the crucial role of STEM fields in motorsport, including engineering, fitness, data analysis, and technological advancements.
Mark Langtry aka Mark The Science Guy
Scientist & Broadcaster, I Wish Social Media Hub MC
Mark Langtry aka Mark The Science Guy
Scientist & Broadcaster, I Wish Social Media Hub MC
Mark is a physicist, STEM education expert , former professional footballer and Head of Science & Sport at Explorium - Ireland's National Science Centre. He is an experienced broadcaster and educational content creator, working with national and international organisations, institutions, scientists and researchers, to create unique and engaging STEM exhibitions, content, training, resources, events and digital media. Mark presents 'Let's Find Out', an award winning educational science series on RTE, and leads the research, creation and delivery of engaging, visual and entertaining experiments and demonstrations for Ireland's most popular science TV series. He is a regular science contributor and commentator on national television.
Mark is a keynote speaker and headliner at international science, music & arts festivals across the world. His work and projects bring together scientists, researchers, celebrities and sports stars to inspire the next generation, with a particular focus physics, sport, weather and climate. As a former international athlete, equipped with an MSc. in Meteorology, Mark is motivated by the extremes; physical, mental & the natural world, and strives to inspire audiences to take action and communicates the challenges we face through his adventures and research.
Mark and his team create educational experiences, exhibits and shows, driven by a passion to ignite the curiosity in people of all ages, and to provide everyone with opportunities, tools and resources to discover and develop their talents and abilities.
Mark is currently pursuing climate science research at King's College London.
Jenny Galvin
Social Media Hub MC
Jenny Galvin
Social Media Hub MC
Jenny Galvin a current TY student from Scoil Mhuire Cork has been involved in I Wish for many years, this year she takes to the stage as our social media hub co-host.
Jenny will be keeping an eye on all things social media with Mark on the day 🤗🥰
Tara McCarthy
Technology & Transformation Senior Consultant, Deloitte & I Wish Alumni
Tara McCarthy
Technology & Transformation Senior Consultant, Deloitte & I Wish Alumni
I am Technology & Transformation Senior Consultant working in Deloitte Dublin. I’ve been with Deloitte just over three years and have been predominantly working on large-scale transformation programmes. Before this I went to UCD where I studied Economics & Finance. I got involved with I Wish in its very first year in 2015, taking part in some of the initial focus groups brainstorming about the event and what would appeal to girls my age.
Heidi Hopper Duffy
Operations Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Iarnród Éireann, Irish Rail
Heidi Hopper Duffy
Operations Environmental & Sustainability Manager, Iarnród Éireann, Irish Rail
Heidi has worked for the past 19 years in Iarnród Éireann has an Environmental Officer and now acting in the role of Sustainability and Environmental Manager for Operations. She has a leading role in several Sustainability Working Groups that address social and economic as well as environmental elements within the company. She also manages a team of 4 people working on environmental management for the key departments within Iarnród Éireann. Prior to working in Ireland, Heidi worked for the Port of Seattle in the US as a consultant focusing on environmental impact assessments.
Heidi has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Protection. Certifications in ISO Auditing for Environmental Management Systems, Water Management, Sustainability Leadership and Energy Management, IEMA Net Zero Certification.
Heidi grew up in Northern Idaho and used to fight wildfires for the Forest Service in her hometown for summer break during college. Heidi also volunteered at Dublin Zoo for 6 years in their Education Department giving talks to schools and visitors.
Amy Jane Keating
TV Presenter & MC, I Wish Virgin Media Podcast Hub MC
Amy Jane Keating
TV Presenter & MC, I Wish Virgin Media Podcast Hub MC
Amy Jane Keating will join us as MC for this year’s I Wish Virgin Media Podcast Hub ! Amy a TV and Podcast Presenter and founder of the popular Podcast series Go Do You. Amy is no stranger to I Wish, and we know she will bring her usual incredible energy, fun and insight. We can’t wait to see her shine again at this year’s I Wish Podcast hub in association with Virgin Media.
Jacqui Kennedy
Chief People & Corporate Services Officer, Translink
Jacqui Kennedy
Chief People & Corporate Services Officer, Translink
Jacqui will be joining us as we welcome for the first time girls from Northern Ireland who have travelled down with Translink from Belfast Central Station to Dublin.
Jacqui and her team have been instrumental to making this happen so Jacqui will officially open Session B
Grainne Power
RGN, BAMkt, MBA, Senior Director, Global Programme Operations Lead for haematology, oncology, Regeneron
Grainne Power
RGN, BAMkt, MBA, Senior Director, Global Programme Operations Lead for haematology, oncology, Regeneron
Grainne has circa 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, gained from clinical research roles with major companies. Grainne studied Biology and Chemistry in secondary school which allowed her study nursing through Trinity College in Dublin.
Grainne started working in clinical research in 1995 with ICON clinical research and discovered she loved every aspect of clinical trials. Grainne used to work mainly in France while at ICON, having also studied French in secondary school.
Grainne spent 10 years with GlaxoSmithKline as Head of Clinical Operations in Ireland, before taking a Global Director of Clinical Trial Management Role at Regeneron in January 2016.
Grainne currently manages a large programme of global blood cancer trials as Senior Director Programme Operations Lead at Regeneron and manages a team of circa 30 staff.
She also holds a degree in Marketing and a master’s degree in business administration.
Izzy McPoland
Specialist 3, Inside Product, Dell Technologies
Izzy McPoland
Specialist 3, Inside Product, Dell Technologies
Izzy is a Data Centre Solutions Engineer working with Public and Private sector customers in Northern Ireland. In her role, Izzy helps customers design and implement their data centre projects. She studied Global Business and Spanish in college, where she spent two years in Dublin and two years in Madrid. She then completed her Masters in Digital Innovation, which is where her love for tech really came about. Izzy loves going to gym classes with friends and is hugely passionate about giving back to local communities. She co-leads Dell Community team and is an active volunteer and football coach with Special Olympics Ireland.
Kirsten Lee
Digital Health Analyst for Engineering, AI & Data, Deloitte
Kirsten Lee
Digital Health Analyst for Engineering, AI & Data, Deloitte
Kirsten is a Digital Health Analyst in the Engineering, AI & Data department of Deloitte Ireland. She graduated from Dublin City University with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electronic & Computer Engineering in 2024, coming 2nd in her class overall. She was the only girl from the Engineering Faculty to make the Dean’s Honours List in her graduating year. Coming from a working-class family who never had the privilege of attending further education, Kirsten is a huge advocate for working-class women succeeding in academia and beyond. Before working in Deloitte, Kirsten worked with the DCU School of Electronic Engineering & Centre of Talented Youth, Ireland (CTYI) to develop courses for gifted children between the ages of 8 and 16 to explore engineering through interactive learning and hands-on laboratories. Her goal is to help inspire young women and girls to explore careers in STEM and to recognise their talents at an early age.
Niamh Hennessy
Process Engineering Manager, Merck
Niamh Hennessy
Process Engineering Manager, Merck
My current role is as Process Engineering Manager for membrane manufacture in Merck Cork. However, leaving secondary school I never envisioned myself in Industry not to mind in a Process Engineering role. I studied to be a Chemistry and Biology teacher after which I realised teaching wasn’t for me. I then went on to complete a MSc in BioMed Engineering in NUIG after which I was lucky to get into Merck for a short work experience period. What started as 8wks work experience ended with permanent contract as Research Scientist in R&D. I spent 7 years in R&D after which I moved to the Process Engineering group where I have had numerous opportunities to develop, grow and take on roles of increasing responsibility. I am currently part of the Merck International Management Programme where I continue to learn from others and develop my leadership skills.
Irene Odunsi
Senior Business Analyst, Bus Éireann
Irene Odunsi
Senior Business Analyst, Bus Éireann
Over the past 20 years, Irene has had the privilege of working in various sectors including utilities, manufacturing, and banking. Each of these experiences enriched her skills and broadened her perspective. Transitioning into the bus and coach industry was an exciting new chapter for Irene , she was drawn to this sector because of its dynamic nature and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on public transportation.
"The move felt like a natural progression, allowing me to leverage my diverse background to contribute to something meaningful. It’s been a rewarding journey so far, and I’ve enjoyed every challenge and new opportunity that has come my way."
Emer O' Connell
Staff IT Data Engineer, Qualcomm
Emer O' Connell
Staff IT Data Engineer, Qualcomm
Emer has over 8 years' experience working with data, in the Business Intelligence & Analytics space. Her current role in Qualcomm is Staff IT Data Engineer, specialising in visualisation. She has been working in Qualcomm, based in Cork, for over 2 years. Her role centres around helping users in the IT function to create a suite of operational & executive reporting, and enabling faster, data-based decision making in the organisation. She studied Business Information Systems in University College Cork.
Aisling Cronin
Director Technology Strategy and Transformation, Deloitte
Aisling Cronin
Director Technology Strategy and Transformation, Deloitte
Aisling’s career spans coding, business analysis, project management and technology strategy. In her current role at Deloitte, she advises CIOs on technology strategy and transformation. She’s a trustee for Spear Islington, helping young people gain employment or further education, she supports WorkEqual in Ireland with strategy development to encourage more women to (re)enter the workforce and she is on the board of Women in Technology and Science Ireland. Aisling loves music festivals and concerts, swing dancing, is recently re-learning Irish and spending time with her four nephews.
Laura Nagle
Grid Engineer, Statkraft Ireland
Laura Nagle
Grid Engineer, Statkraft Ireland
Laura Nagle is a Grid Engineer at Statkraft Ireland working with the Grid, Wind and Solar team
She completed her BSc in Mechanical Engineering at University College Dublin in 2021, followed by a Masters of Engineering in Energy Systems Engineering. During her academic journey Laura received academic scholarships, including the Intel Women in Technology, Ad Astra Academic Academy and the Intel-UCD Masters. Laura was also honoured with the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Memorial Bursary, recognising her outstanding achievements and potential in the field.
Before joining Statkraft Ireland, Laura gained valuable experience working on the project team at Terra Solar for two years.
Amanda Burridge
enior Site Reliability Engineer, Google
Amanda Burridge
enior Site Reliability Engineer, Google
Amanda graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. After working for a couple years as a software developer, she started her career at Google in the Pittsburgh office in 2014. In 2016, Amanda transferred internally to Google Ireland in Dublin and has worked there since. Over her career at Google, she worked for several teams focused on building and supporting reliable software for Google's datacenters and global network. In her free time, Amanda is also a Mentor for Code Club (or "CoderDojo") in Gorey, Co. Wexford, which is an after school club for primary-secondary students to learn coding and create their own computer programs.
Sinead Lonergan
Economic Development, Connector, NED, Enterprise Ireland
Sinead Lonergan
Economic Development, Connector, NED, Enterprise Ireland
Sinead Lonergan’s career is marked by her extensive experience in advising Irish companies on growth strategies and her significant international exposure. She previously managed Enterprise Ireland’s France office, where she led a team to grow Irish company exports to France, maintaining its position in the top 5 companies for Irish exports globally. During this time she expanded its presence in Lyon. More recently she has led initiatives like the Women in Business Strategy, aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs and leaders in the Irish industry and manages a portfolio of large food companies. She also worked in Enterprise Ireland New York office and as an advisor to Irish Scaling companies in the 2000’s.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sinead is a proud mother of three and has a diverse range of interests, including cycling, hiking, gardening, and theatre. She has recently been appointed as the Board Chairwoman of Siel Bleu Ireland, an organization dedicated to promoting health and well-being among older adults and those with chronic illnesses, leading the board to provide guidance and oversight as the structure further expands its services across Ireland.
Anne-Marie Tierney Le-Roux
Senior Vice President Enterprise Technology, IDA Ireland
Anne-Marie Tierney Le-Roux
Senior Vice President Enterprise Technology, IDA Ireland
Anne-Marie has 22 years’ experience in the global investment environment with IDA Ireland, working across a number of key roles in Ireland and abroad.
Anne-Marie took up her current position as Senior VP, Enterprise Technology in October 2021. Prior to this role, she held positions as Department Manager, Regional Development, Director of Europe, based in Paris and Project Manager in the Technology Division. Prior to IDA Ireland, Anne-Marie worked for the Consultancy business of PricewaterhouseCoopers in London in the retail and CPG global industry sectors.
Anne-Marie is a Law graduate and holds an MSc in International Marketing, as well as being an Associate Practitioner of the European Chartered Institute of Marketing. Anne-Marie is a Board member of CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for Applied AI and a Board Member of Cyber Ireland.
Jim Meade
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann
Jim Meade
Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann
Jim Meade was appointed Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail in in May 2018. He had previously been Director, Railway Undertaking since 2013 responsible for all passenger and freight services.
Jim began his railway career as an apprentice fitter in 1979, joining the company as a fitter in Limerick Locomotive Shed upon completion of his apprenticeship in 1983.
Since then Jim has worked in a range of roles including fleet maintenance management, strategic change programmes, District Manager in Limerick, and Regional Manager in the west of Ireland, before becoming Director of Train Operations.
Jim leads the management team in ensuring that the railway is operated and maintained in a manner that prioritises safety for passengers, employees and third parties; provides a quality customer service to all who use the rail network; strengthens the productivity and performance gains that have been achieved in recent years to secure a sustainable financial position; and delivers rail’s contribution in support of the Government of Ireland’s policies on sustainable development.
Kate McCarthy
Commercial Analyst, Orsted
Kate McCarthy
Commercial Analyst, Orsted
"Kate works for world leading renewable energy developer Ørsted as a Commercial Analyst based in Cork. She collaborates with teams across the UK and Ireland to inform the business of financing and investing in renewable energy projects. Without Kate and her team Ørsted's solar and wind farms can't get built! Kate holds a Finance degree from University College Cork, class of 2020. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym with friends and travelling, with her most recent adventure being a trip to Indonesia.”
Barbara Fogarty
Senior Associate Director, Jacobs
Barbara Fogarty
Senior Associate Director, Jacobs
With a background in Environmental Science and Technology Development (B.Sc., Ph.D.), Barbara has led multi-disciplinary teams delivering solutions at the interface of Science, Engineering, Technology, Digital, Stakeholder Engagement and the Arts.
Working in the Public and Private Sector in the areas of Water & Environment, Maritime, Energy and Manufacturing, she has led the successful delivery of operational, technical and R&D focused projects, programmes and strategic tenders (€80k to €80M).
In her current role with Jacobs, she works with colleagues from across the organisation to challenge today and reinvent tomorrow and provide innovative and sustainable solutions for our partners and clients. She is particularly interested in supporting partnerships and coalitions that deliver positive economic, environmental and community focused outcomes.
Emma Dalton
Director Quality Control, Alexion
Emma Dalton
Director Quality Control, Alexion
Bethany Carson
Women in Sport Manager, Sport Ireland
Bethany Carson
Women in Sport Manager, Sport Ireland
Bethany Carson is the Women in Sport Manager at Sport Ireland, tasked with promoting women and girls’ involvement in sport from participation to leadership to high performance. Bethany is passionate about providing equal opportunities to women and girls in sport to achieve their full potential, while enjoying a lifelong involvement in sport!
Bethany is a former Irish International Swimmer, former Irish record holder and finalist at multiple European Championships, World University Games and the Commonwealth Games. Bethany was also Assistant Swim Coach at the National Centre, Dublin from 2017 to 2021, contributing to the national performance system at events like the 2019 European SC Championships. Prior to becoming Women in Sport Manager at Sport Ireland, Bethany spent six years working at Swim Ireland as Women in Sport Lead, leading out on all WIS programmes, initiatives and events from grass roots up to performance level.
Emma O' Gorman Wall
COO, Director, Co-Owner, Crown
Emma O' Gorman Wall
COO, Director, Co-Owner, Crown
As COO, Director and co-owner at Crown, Emma has a wide breadth of responsibilities, leading the company and its teams on HR and recruitment; health, safety and employee wellbeing; marketing; quality management and operational excellence; sustainability; compliance; and corporate governance.
With a background and education in Business and PR, Emma joined the family business in 2004, taking up a leadership role in 2010. For the past 15 years, Emma has been a key driver of the success of the company, including growing to 300+ direct and subcontracted employees, operating in 10 countries, and earning Crown's position as the leading external envelopes provider in Europe.
Mollie Hanlon
4th Year Electrical Apprentice, Jones Engineering
Mollie Hanlon
4th Year Electrical Apprentice, Jones Engineering
Mollie is a 4th Year Electrical Apprentice with Jones Engineering since her commencement in September 2021. She has successfully completed her first 4 phases of her apprenticeship and is due to attend her Phase 6 in the coming months. She has been involved with on commercial, blue chip and large-scale industrial projects. Mollie is a talented and much esteemed member of the electrical team and has just received distinction level on her Phase 4 exams. Mollie has a bright future ahead with Jones Engineering.
Edel Cashman
Solutions Engineer, Cadence Design Systems Ireland
Edel Cashman
Solutions Engineer, Cadence Design Systems Ireland
Edel works as a solutions engineer at Cadence Design Systems Ireland. This involves collaborating with colleagues and working closely with customers to help ensure the quality and safety of the next generation of automotive electronic hardware. She has worked in a variety of different roles across the global electronics sector, since graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in Microelectronics from UCC in 2004.
She enjoys pilates, running with friends, gardening, reading and good podcasts.
Adi O' Sullivan
Cheese Technical Specialist, Carbery
Adi O' Sullivan
Cheese Technical Specialist, Carbery
Im currently working as a Cheese Technical Specialist in Carbery. My journey in STEM started when I attended this I Wish event. I think its important to encourage young women to pursue Careers in STEM as there is endless opportunities.
Leanne Broderick
Managing Director, Sisk
Leanne Broderick
Managing Director, Sisk
Leanne Broderick has been promoted to Managing Director for Regional Building, officially taking on the role on November 1st 2024. With over 20 years of experience at Sisk, Leanne has established a robust track record in project delivery. She was an integral part of the team delivering landmark projects such as Spencer Dock and the Convention Centre in Dublin, while taking a leading role in the successful delivery of Rathbone Market in London and, most recently, 2-4 Wilton. Prior to her promotion, she served as Regional Director for Ireland East and also spent two years in the Business Performance Team. Throughout her career, Leanne has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a commitment to both her colleagues and clients, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within the company.
Anne Carrigy
Chief Information Officer, Logitech
Anne Carrigy
Chief Information Officer, Logitech
Anne Carrigy, Logitech’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), is a people-first leader with over 30 years of experience in the consumer tech industry. Having worked and lived across Europe and North America she now leads a global IT organization of 350 people in 10+ countries.
Anne cultivates a strong team of talented individuals and fosters a mindset of openness, agility, and innovation. To her, empowerment and trust in your team are the keys to success.
Before entering IT, Anne held leadership positions in Supply Chain and her focus on partnering with the business and understanding company priorities is reflected in her leadership and vision for IT: An organisation with an in-depth understanding of business realities and goals, creating value through deep partnerships and a harmonious balance between business-focused and IT technology services.
As one of the few women holding a CIO position (19% of Fortune 500 and 27% of FTSE 100 companies), she is committed to driving gender equality. Within her IT leadership team at Logitech, 44% are women.
Emma O' Brien
Senior Process Engineer, Exyte
Emma O' Brien
Senior Process Engineer, Exyte
I am a Senior Process Engineer at Exyte, with over eight years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. I graduated with a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering from University College Cork (UCC) in 2016 and have been passionately advancing pharmaceutical processes and design ever since. My career has spanned a diverse range of projects, from small-scale initiatives to multi-million-dollar ventures, showcasing my versatility and expertise. Beyond my professional career, I am deeply committed to STEM education and outreach. Throughout my career, I have actively participated in various STEM events, from the annual I Wish event to engaging with Transition Year and Fifth Year students in secondary schools about engineering, to captivating young minds in primary schools with exciting science lessons. These experiences have fueled my passion for fostering a love for STEM and inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals. I am excited to share my journey and insights at this event, hoping to motivate others to pursue their own paths in science and engineering.
Sinead Rogan
MEP (Mechanical Electrical Plumbing) Manager at NCH, BAM
Sinead Rogan
MEP (Mechanical Electrical Plumbing) Manager at NCH, BAM
Sinead is the MEP Manager for the New Children’s Hospital (NCH), the largest healthcare project in Ireland. With over five years in this role, she brings extensive experience from her previous work with Mercury Engineering, where she managed significant healthcare projects across the UK and Ireland.
Sinead began her career managing the commissioning of mechanical systems for a Dublin-based company, working on major hospital extensions. Her 15-year tenure at Mercury Engineering saw her rise from assistant project manager to project manager, overseeing projects like the DCU Genome Research facility and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
At BAM, Sinead applies her methodical and process-driven approach to the NCH project, ensuring seamless delivery of complex MEP systems on this 160,000m² healthcare campus.
She actively mentors others and advocates for women in STEM, guiding and motivating her team to achieve common goals. Sinead’s leadership style is characterised by her ability to inspire confidence and drive excellence in her field.
Criona Turley
CEO, Capella
Criona Turley
CEO, Capella
With a background in workplace design a passion for employee experience, Criona is the co-founder and CEO of Capella. Capella is transforming how companies manage hybrid work environments. Their AI-powered platform optimises office space usage and enhances collaboration, addressing modern workplace dynamics with cutting-edge technology. Criona is a mentor in the Smurfit Business School and has studied at UCD, TU Dublin and Harvard University.
Anita Koitka
Associate Cost Manager, Linesight
Anita Koitka
Associate Cost Manager, Linesight
Anita Koitka is an Associate Cost Manager at Linesight in Dublin, which she initially joined in 2014. With over 15 years of experience in quantity surveying, Anita has built a career that spans a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, education, student accommodation and data centre developments. Her expertise includes estimating, cost control, value engineering, tendering, evaluation and negotiation, making her a well-rounded professional in the construction industry.
Anita is a Chartered Member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCSI) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Her pursuit of professional growth and her commitment to the highest standards of her profession set Anita apart. Always keen to expand her skills, she recently embarked on a course in Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveying, following her completion of a carpentry course just the year before. This drive for life-long learning highlights her belief in staying ahead in the ever-evolving construction industry.
Beyond her technical expertise, Anita is a strong advocate for gender equity in construction and STEM. She firmly believes that encouraging women to pursue education and careers in STEM is not only essential for creating a balanced workforce, but also critical to improving communities as a whole.
Sofiia Sarana
Intern at Qualcomm
Sofiia Sarana
Intern at Qualcomm
My name is Sofiia Sarana, I am 19 years old and I am currently a third year Computer Systems student at MTU Cork.
I worked in UCC research team over the summer 2024, where I was working on the F1tenth racing car automation and control. I am currently an intern at Qualcomm, working with robotics project, which is one of my main interests in tech. Other tech interests include automation, wireless communications and data analytics.
Computer science is not my only interest, I have many hobbies not related to computers. These are baking, embroidery, and reading. This is what I do if I am not working.
Neele Kruijsse
Contract Administrator, Dornan
Neele Kruijsse
Contract Administrator, Dornan
Neele is a Contract Administrator with Dornan. She has an LLB in International and European law and is currently a part time student at ATU Sligo studying Quantity Surveying whilst working on multiple Data Center projects across Europe.
Olivia Fitzgerald
Technical Manager Chemistry Metals Dept, Uisce Éireann
Olivia Fitzgerald
Technical Manager Chemistry Metals Dept, Uisce Éireann
- Uisce Éireann is investing €60+ million euros in the Scientific and Technical Serveries Programme to deliver the first dedicated National Water Laboratory for Ireland and a centre of excellence for the analysis of drinking water and wastewater. I work in Uisce Eireann in this Programme as the Technical Manager in Metals chemistry laboratories. The new laboratory will deliver many benefits including improved water quality data, regulatory compliance, generate high skilled employment opportunities and increased transparency to the public.
Sarah Ryan
Food Safety & Quality Graduate, Dawn Meats
Sarah Ryan
Food Safety & Quality Graduate, Dawn Meats
- Name – Sarah Ryan
- Location – Co. Mayo
- Education – Bachelor of Science (Honours) Human Nutrition ATU Sligo.
- Job Role – Food Safety & Quality Graduate Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis (August 2023 – Current)
Rachael Purcell
Biomedical Engineer, Stryker
Rachael Purcell
Biomedical Engineer, Stryker
Rachael is a biomedical engineer with 1.5 years of experience at Stryker, where she began as an intern working in developing digital solutions for customized patient implants. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from University of Limerick and is currently completing her master's in Medical Device Technology and Business.
As part of Stryker's graduate program, Rachael gained diverse experience through four rotations: enhancing manufacturing processes with digital solutions, R&D of materials to develop bone cements, improving inspection processes in manufacturing through digital solutions, and designing and simulating the behaviours of shoulder implants. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, attending concerts and music festivals, and doing craft projects!
Niamh McGrath
Actuarial Consultant, Deloitte
Niamh McGrath
Actuarial Consultant, Deloitte
Niamh McGrath is an Acturial consultant at Deloitte and is also I Wish Alumni. Niamh went on to be part of the I Wish Deloitte Mentorship Programme 180 Days to make a difference
Aoife Marie Murphy, PhD
Global Sustainable Nutrition Manager, Kerry Group
Aoife Marie Murphy, PhD
Global Sustainable Nutrition Manager, Kerry Group
As Sustainable Nutrition Manager at Kerry, Aoife’s role involves assessing Kerry’s global ingredients portfolio for nutrition and sustainability impacts. Aoife is passionate about science communication and manages the Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute, a non-commercial thought leadership platform that disseminates the latest insights in nutrition science for the food industry. She also provides nutrition expertise for Kerry’s corporate partnership with the World Food Program, delivering sustainable nutrition to communities in Burundi.
A graduate of University College Dublin with a PhD in nutrigenomics, Aoife has a keen interest in nutrition research and education. She has also lectured on the BSc Food & Nutrition degree at Newcastle University in Singapore.
