Kildare finalists go forward for 2024 Women in Business Awards
Karen Leavy, Ruth Connolly, AnneMarie Whelan, Sharon Farrell, Maureen McCowen, Julie Nicholson, Susanne Martin, and Melissa Hayward. Photo: Les Kelly Photography
THE Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2024 will take place on Friday 27 September in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny – with a number of Kildare finalists in the running.
The Awards are designed to recognise the achievements of women and are divided into eight categories. Kildare’s eight businesswomen going forward to the National Awards Finals are:
- Networker of the Year 2024, Maureen McCowen, Soft Skill Success
- Emerging Businesswoman, Susanne Martin, Shine Through Supports
- Solo Businesswoman, Melissa Hayward, Hair Extension Training Ireland
- Established Businesswoman, Sharon Farrell, FACE Credit Consultancy
- Creative Professional, Ruth Connolly, Ruth Connolly Photography
- STEM Professional, AnneMarie Whelan, Regsol
- Employee Rising Star, Karen Leavy, Career Vision Recruiters
- Employee Shining Star, Julie Nicholson, Bidvest Noonan.
“Our finalists are richly deserving of recognition, and I'm so proud that we can offer a platform to all women,” said President of the Kildare Branch Anita Meenehan. “Congratulations to all the very worthy members in their respective national awards categories. Seeing women in our organisation acknowledged for their achievements sends a powerful message; that their efforts are seen, valued and worthy of aiming and repeating. Women's awards not only encompasses personal success, but also community and workplace impacts.”
Almost 460 applications for the awards were received from members across its branches, highlighting female-led entrepreneurship figures around the country. The winners from 17 local branch finals go forward to a national level round where a panel of business experts select the winners in the eight categories. The successful businesswomen will be announced at the gala awards ceremony on 27 September.
The event coincides with Network Ireland's national conference which offers networking opportunities, interactive sessions and focused masterclasses. Founded in 1983, Network Ireland now has almost 1,300 members and the organisation has 18 branches – 17 local branches and one virtual branch.
