There’s one group consistently ignored in most companies’ diversity strategies, but which could be your business’s secret weapon. Professional women over 50 are faced with a triple-whammy of discrimination: they are not male, young, or linear in their career paths. As a result, they are leaving corporate life and taking their career into their own hands.
2025 Agenda
8:00am
Registration, Networking and Exhibition Viewing
9:00am
WELCOME
Conference & Awards Director, Business Post
9:05am
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur
SUPERCHARGING THE DRIVE FOR A MORE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORLD
9:15am
INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Revolting Women: why midlife women are walking out
Author and Founding Director, Mindspring Consultancy
9:30am
KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION
Leading a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) awareness in business
Despite broad policy efforts to increase female representation, and the acceptance that gender equality is instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing problem-solving skills across an organisation, the gender divide is stark. Tackling gender disparity needs to be a business imperative if we are to drive innovation and investment in Ireland’s tech sector. Organisations must create business frameworks that nurture female talent. Otherwise they will miss out on culture, growth and the ability to thrive. It is particularly concerning, that recent news about President Trump cancelling DEI initiatives in the public sector has sparked critical conversations, especially as some private organisations follow suit.
Senior Vice President Global Enterprise Technology, IDA Ireland
Director of Commercialisation, Enterprise Ireland
Head of Strategy, Research Ireland
Executive Director, People and Sustainability, ESB
10:00am
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Never Too Young for STEAM: the missing link in early childhood education
Ireland Regional Chair & Senior Vice President Technology, Fidelity Investments
10:15am
PANEL DISCUSSION
Educating young girls and women for jobs that don’t even exist yet
The panel will outline the educational programmes and initiatives designed to inspire, engage and encourage female participation in STEM subjects, from early childhood through primary, secondary and third level educational system. It will also discuss some innovative partnership-driven approaches where industry is working closely with third level education bodies across the country to create tailored courses that will reflect the skills needed for jobs of the future.
Topics will include:
- Role of educators in equipping girls and women to take on leadership roles
- Initiatives at pre-school, primary, second & third level institutions
- Supporting companies to accelerate digital capacity, transformation and strategic innovation
- The need for organisations to look beyond immediate needs to anticipate skills for the next one to three years in order to foster a pipeline of female STEM talent
- The importance of “human skills” including collaboration, teamwork, and adaptability in fostering a resilient workforce as technological transformation accelerates
Trainer, Technology Ireland DIGITAL Skillnet and CEO, Krisolis
President, Technological University Dublin
Associate Director of Global Talent Acquisition, MSD Ireland
Teacher, Loreto College
10:45am
PRESENTATION
Future-proof yourself: navigate your career journey
In today’s fast-changing job market, students need more than just degrees – they need the skills, confidence, and mindset to navigate their careers proactively. This presentation explores how students can become self-agents and take ownership of their own career paths. By shifting from passive job-seeking to active career-building, we can empower students to thrive in an evolving world of work.
Head of the Career Development Centre, University of Galway
11:00am
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition Viewing
Stream 1
SUPERCHARGING THE DRIVE FOR A HEALTHIER AND MORE EQUITABLE WORLD
11:30am
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
Sci-tech journalist, editor and broadcaster
11:35am
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The power of diversity in leading the drive to net zero
Chief Information Officer, ESB
11:50am
PRESENTATION
Championing inclusivity, mentorship and leadership development
Director of Technology, Carelon Global Solutions Ireland
12:00pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
Women in STEM: Paving the way for innovation in healthcare
Women can gain more control over their health by utilising digital technologies. By facilitating easy access to information, support, and health-care services in a safe and private manner, digital solutions can help women increase their autonomy and decision-making concerning their own health and well-being. Whilst technology is helping us make rapid advancements in healthcare, there’s still a low number of women in leadership roles at technology companies. Fewer women in leadership positions make it less likely for women’s healthcare causes to get championed. The future of women’s health relies not only on technological advancements but also on well-designed, inclusive, and patient-centred care.
This panel will discuss:
- the transformative potential of technology in healthcare
- using data and technology to make the world a healthier place
- enhancing women’s lives with health tech innovations
- the challenges facing female entrepreneurs in securing venture capital funding
- why investment in women’s health technology is critical for the future
Commercial Lead, UCC-based FemmeBiome project
Partner, Healthcare AI & Data Lead, EY Ireland
CEO, Children’s Health Ireland
Founder & CEO, IntuVu Health
12:30pm
SPOTLIGHT ON…ONES TO WATCH
In this session we turn the spotlight on ones to watch and hear some quick-fire presentations on their experiences.
Advancing women’s healthcare
– Dr Brooke Tornifoglio, Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin
Navigating a navy career as a woman in STEM
– Aoife Lynch, Able/ Engine Room Articifer, Irish Defence Forces
Inclusion at its best
Ruth will be talking about Diversity and Inclusion in a personal capacity, and the influence and changes that came about following the willingness of one local company in her community to be open to a diverse hire.
– Ruth D’Alton, Human Resources Director
Able/ Engine Room Articifer, Irish Defence Forces
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin
Human Resources Director
Stream 2
BREAKING BARRIERS IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
11:30am
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
Chair, Women in Technology & Science (WITS)
11:35am
INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Cybersecurity leadership: mobilise and not paralyse
The parallels between cybersecurity and inclusion are striking. Just as cybersecurity is often only noticed after a breach, inclusion is often only recognised when exclusion happens. This keynote will highlight the challenges leaders face in understanding the depth and impact of exclusion within their organisations. It will introduce actionable initiatives that mobilise, not paralyse, a community of advocates and allies to drive meaningful change.
Executive Director, Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS)
12:00pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
How artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionise the financial services market
Financial institutions, from global conglomerates to local credit unions, are increasingly harnessing the power of automated data-driven processes and artificial intelligence (AI) to create groundbreaking products and services that redefine customer experiences and reshape their industry. This panel will discuss the integration of AI and emerging technologies with focus on cybersecurity, hyper-personalisation and other future-forward approaches. It will also discuss building our workforce for jobs of the future and the impact of AI on careers and employability in Ireland.
Topics will include:
- fostering a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape
- regulating AI while boosting innovation, ethical standards and trust in technology
- using data to provide a deeper understanding of customer behaviour, market trends and risk management
- how AI is revolutionising careers and employability in Ireland
- digital tools and pathways to help students to become self-agents of their own career journey
Ambassador, Women in AI Ireland
Partner – AI & Data Technology, and Financial Services AI Leader, EY
Head of Enterprise IT Services, PTSB
AI & CloudNative solutions lead, HCLTech
12:30pm
SPOTLIGHT ON… WOMEN LEADERS AND ROLE MODELS
In this session we turn the spotlight on women leaders and role models in their organisations and hear some quick-fire presentations on their experiences
AI Leadership: Bridging continents, enabling net zero
– Sadaf Zaheer, Senior Data Scientist, Enterprise Services, ESB
The Death of Diversity & Inclusion. Is it all over?
Cutting through the noise
– Ciara Garvan, Founder, WorkJuggle.com
School leaver to pilot: my journey in the Irish Air Corps
– Hannah McMenamin, 2nd Lieutenant, Irish Defence Forces
Founder, WorkJuggle.com
2nd Lieutenant, Irish Defence Forces
Senior Data Scientist, Enterprise Services, ESB
Stream 3
PUTTING THE STEAM INTO STEM
11:30am
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur
11:40am
11:55am
PANEL DISCUSSION
Putting the STEAM into STEM
STEAM education is about applying creative thinking to STEM projects, igniting students’ imagination and creativity through the arts. It is also about exploring where art naturally fits into the STEM subjects. Studying art subjects enhances a student’s flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility, and innovation. Our expert panel will discuss what the arts have to offer science, technology, engineering and maths and how by changing STEM to STEAM, we can unlock a world of creativity to approach some of the world’s most pressing problems in unique ways.
Vice President UX Design, Fidelity Investments
Former Head of Education, Poetry Ireland
Lecturer, Department of Design and Visual Arts, IADT
Director, Creative Ireland
12:30pm
SPOTLIGHT ON… FENDERS, FASHION & FINE ARTS
In this session we turn the spotlight on creative heads in STEAM who demonstrate where art naturally fits into STEM subjects and we hear some quick-fire presentations on their work
POETRY ALOUD
Celebrating the art of poetry recitation
‘Mushrooms’ Sylvia Plath
‘Mushrooms’ (1959) by Sylvia Plath is about the struggle for women’s rights. It uses mushrooms as a symbol for women and their determination.
Ciara Higgins, Loreto High School Beaufort With an introduction by Dr Jane O’Hanlon, Former Head of Education, Poetry Ireland
Loreto High School Beaufort
Former Head of Education, Poetry Ireland
12:35pm
PRESENTATION FROM A MALE ALLY
Crossroads – the intersection between art and technology
Musician & Co-Founder, Always Press Record, Band Member, Kodaline
12:45pm
JUNK KOUTURE SHOWCASE
Celebrating creativity, sustainability and innovation
Watch as the next generation of forward-thinking designers ignite their creativity and innovation for a more sustainable future.
MC, Junk Kouture Fashion Show
1:00pm
Networking Lunch Break & Exhibition Viewing
MAIN STAGE
2:00pm
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur
2:05pm
EMPOWERMENT IN MOTION
Get ready to move, empower, and ignite your inner strength in this dynamic, high-energy movement experience
Somatic Therapist and Movement Facilitator
2:15pm
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
#ShePowersProgress: Leading the way in Tech
EVP & Head of Cloud Native CoE, HCLTech
2:30pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
Pathways to parity – supercharging the drive for a more diverse and inclusive world
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not about giving anyone an unfair advantage—it’s about intentionally including those often overlooked. It’s not a checkbox or trend; it’s a principle that unlocks the power of diverse perspectives and builds environments where everyone can thrive.
This panel will explore how to supercharge female leadership in business and society to make it more attractive for women to join, and stay in the workforce. It will also discuss how to inspire women with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic and religious groups as well as those from less well-off socio-economic backgrounds to reach leadership roles in organisations. Expert speakers will focus on the pathways and tangible actions that organisations can deploy today, to have a measurable and positive impact on the number of women in senior leadership positions tomorrow.
DEI is essential. Not just for those being included, but for all of us. Inclusion elevates everyone.
Topics will include:
- supercharging female leadership in business
- inspiring women with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic and religious groups, and those from less well-off socio-economic backgrounds to reach leadership roles
- pathways and tangible actions that organisations can deploy today
Diversity and Inclusion Expert and Programme Director, Balance for Better Business
AI & Data Partner, EY, Chair of Industry Steering Board, CeADAR, Member of Ireland’s AI Advisory Council
CEO, AkiDwA - Migrant Women's Network In Ireland
Co-Secretary, Proud to Work for Ireland Network; Chairperson, NSSO LGBTI+ Network, National Shared Services Office
SUPERCHARGING THE DRIVE FOR A MORE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORLD
3:00pm
LOCKNOTE ADDRESS
Omid: Leading with Hope and Resilience
On a journey to become the first Afghan woman to climb Mount Everest, Freshta’s expedition is about far more than reaching the summit of the world’s highest peak—it’s a deeply personal mission. Having left her home, family, and friends behind, this climb symbolizes the resilience and strength of those facing extraordinary challenges. For so many in Afghanistan navigating hardship, Freshta aims to demonstrate that even in the darkest moments, hope and determination can lead us to remarkable heights.
Mountaineer & Women’s Rights Advocate and Founder & Leader, The Unstoppable Project
3:15pm
CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR – SUMMIT ENDS