Pictured at the launch of a National Women’s Enterprise Day event in Killarney on October 15 were: Elaine Kinsella (Radio Kerry), Paola Kennedy (Self and Others Wellness Centre), Christina Foley (Inish Living), Fiona Leahy (LEO Kerry), Joanne Noonan (LEO Kerry), Breeda O’Sullivan (LEO Kerry County Council), and Louise Quill (Tír na nÓg Children’s Foundation). Photo: Michelle Breen Crean PhotographyFEMALE entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Kerry and Cork are being encouraged to get involved and register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day in what will be the 20th year of the event after the lineup was announced.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative will take place on Thursday, October 15 with events scheduled across the country.
The Southwest regional event – hosted by LEOs Kerry & Cork – will be a flagship gathering for women in business based in Kerry and Cork. The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney will host a full day programme designed to promote, encourage and stimulate female entrepreneurship and women in business.
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Keynote speaker on the day will be Oonagh O’Hagan, a pharmacist, award-winning entrepreneur, and global business leader transforming healthcare retail. Ably at the helm as MC for the event is Elaine Kinsella, Radio Kerry presenter and Head of Music, national radio awards winner and RTE’s Today Show panellist.
A highlight of the event will be an interactive panel discussion of “Leading Lights”, representing LEOs Kerry and Cork will feature Christina Foley, founder and director of Inish Living, an awards winning B Corp Certified wellness brand based in Kenmare; Claire Morgan, owner of McWilliam Bags, a B Corp certified handmade bag company based in Crosshaven; Shannen O’Reilly, founder of TrustDish, a digital food allergy management system and app transforming how food businesses manage allergen information and Virginia O’Gara, co-founder of the award-winning vegan food and drinks company, My Goodness and the Cork Urban Soil Project.
Paola Kennedy, a wellbeing professional, educator, entrepreneur and psychology graduate will kick off proceedings on the day by facilitating a warmup session. And introducing a new “Homegrown Hero” section to the event will see Elaine Kinsella have an inspirational fireside chat with Louise Quill, founder of Tir na nÓg Children’s Foundation whose significant humanitarian work is sure to encourage and empower us all.
Fiona Leahy, Kerry Local Enterprise Office said “For two decades, National Women’s Enterprise Day has been about more than one day of events. It has been about creating space for women in business to connect, learn, share their experiences and access the practical supports that can help them move forward with confidence.
“As we celebrate 20 years of NWED, we want to recognise the businesses that have been supported along the way and encourage even more women to take the next step, whether they are starting out, scaling up or looking to reach new markets.”
For more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day and to book your tickets please go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED
