Wexford’s women in business open up about resilience in inspirational panel discussion in New Ross

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The event was organised by Network Ireland Wexford and hosted by AIB New Ross.

Network Ireland is a network that helps mentor guild and support women in business. The Wexford network holds a monthly event covering different themes which enable women in business with skills to empower them.

President of Network Ireland Wexford Emer Coleman welcomed the guests and introduced the panel. Guests were treated to a very open discussion on life and how when you are thrown a curve ball you need to catch it and never give up.

The speakers at the event were: Lorraine Smyth from HSE Corporate division, personal coach Natasha Hughes, Dara O’Leary- Sunshyne Coaching and John F Kennedy Trust Ltd CEO, Seán Connick.

Lorraine, who has over 20 years’ experience in the HSE across a number of roles including Digital Health Change and Innovation, Human Resources and Logistics, has managed numerous national projects in the Digital Transformation team and was co-founder of the HSE Digital Academy Forum. She was COVID-19 Laboratories Logistics Lead during the pandemic and now works with the HSE Change and Innovation team in Acute Strategy. Lorraine was the winner of the ‘Women in Tech Awards – Innovator of the Year’ award and ‘Digital Transformation Leader of the year’ award in 2021. She completed her MSc. In Digital Transformation and was awarded ‘Student Project of the Year’ at the Irish Healthcare Awards in 2021 for her project in Digital Healthcare: ‘Remote monitoring of Covid -19 patients’.

Lorraine, who lives in Barntown, is the current holder of Network Ireland Wexford Business Woman of the Year for STEM. She is a long time human rights campaigner and is a member of Amnesty Wexford and a board member of Amnesty International Ireland, and holds a Professional Diploma in Human Rights and Equality.

Originally from Shrule, Co Mayo, Natasha outlined her story, saying she has been a Wexford resident since 2002. She’s married to Pádraig Dwyer and a proud mother of three daughters.

With a career spanning nearly 20 years at the Bank of New York Mellon, Natasha rose from a graduate position to senior leadership roles in Wexford, Ireland, and across EMEA including co-site lead of the Wexford site supporting its growth from 250 to 385 staff during her five year tenure. She is known for her commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, and community partnerships, receiving global recognition and awards for her contributions.

In 2021, after leaving BNY Mellon, Natasha pursued her passion for coaching and consultancy. She founded Natasha Hughes Coaching, specialising in emotional intelligence and sustainable leadership coaching. Natasha is an accomplished speaker and trainer in these fields.

Beyond her career, Natasha is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the President of the Rotary Club of Wexford, supports local charities, and is actively engaged in various professional networks including committee member of Network Ireland Wexford.

Dara has worked in the HR profession for over 20 years across multiple industry sectors including the public sector, education, banking, charity, sports, manufacturing, life sciences, tech and more. She holds a BSC in Human resource Management and is a Chartered member of CIPD.

She spoke of her work as a HR consultant with SME’s providing advice and support in all aspects of HR. She is also an accredited EMCC personal leadership and executive coach.

Dara is passionate about community work and volunteers through Rotary club of Wexford, Network Ireland Wexford committee member, committee member of CIPD and also sits on the Steering group of County Wexford Chamber Skillnet.

Sen spoke about his background in business and politics and current responsibility for the day to day operation of the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience and the Kennedy Homestead, successfully navigating the projects through the last decade.

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