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OCTOBER 18th 2025
SIAMSA TIRE THEATRE
Despite the name, TEDxWomen events welcome everyone, not just women, as they focus on celebrating moving forward, boldly and brilliantly, while helping to shape our future...now that an Idea Worth Spreading!
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Sat, 18 Oct
Siamsa Tíre Theatre
Independently organised event, licensed by TED, will feature over 24 local, national and international voices along with performances including TED Talk videos under the theme of ‘Empowering Resilience!' . TEDxWomen events welcome everyone, not just women! Tickets €95 for Full Day & €50 for 2 Slots
Meet our Speakers for 2025
Session 1 - LINDA O'MAHONY LOGAN | The Integrated Life: From Burnout to Balance
Linda O’Mahony Logan is a dynamic Executive Leadership Coach and founder of Leadership360, dedicated to empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve sustainable high performance, measurable business results, and a life that works.
With a background in senior leadership roles across the telecoms and media sectors, Linda blends commercial acumen with behavioural science to drive meaningful transformation. She holds an MSc in Leadership & Management Practice and certifications in NLP, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.
Her signature framework—The Integrated Life—emerged from navigating the complexities of leadership, parenthood, and personal health challenges. Linda brings lived experience to her work, challenging the myth of work-life balance and guiding leaders to align their values, priorities, and actions for greater impact and fulfilment.
As the inaugural President of Network Ireland Kerry and a sought-after speaker, Linda is known for her practical, values-led approach to leadership. Her coaching and keynotes move beyond performance to purpose—transforming stress into clarity, and pressure into aligned, intentional action.
Her message is clear: stop chasing balance. Start creating the leadership—and life—that truly reflects who you are and what matters most.
With a background in senior leadership roles across the telecoms and media sectors, Linda blends commercial acumen with behavioural science to drive meaningful transformation. She holds an MSc in Leadership & Management Practice and certifications in NLP, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.
Her signature framework—The Integrated Life—emerged from navigating the complexities of leadership, parenthood, and personal health challenges. Linda brings lived experience to her work, challenging the myth of work-life balance and guiding leaders to align their values, priorities, and actions for greater impact and fulfilment.
As the inaugural President of Network Ireland Kerry and a sought-after speaker, Linda is known for her practical, values-led approach to leadership. Her coaching and keynotes move beyond performance to purpose—transforming stress into clarity, and pressure into aligned, intentional action.
Her message is clear: stop chasing balance. Start creating the leadership—and life—that truly reflects who you are and what matters most.
S1 - DEIRDRE GREANEY | Clutter Reimagined | The Three Doors of Letting Go!
Deirdre Greaney is a holistic coach and wellness practitioner dedicated to guiding individuals to improve their wellbeing through natural health practices, personal development, and mind-body awareness. After beginning her career with degrees in Arts and Law and working in insurance, Deirdre transitioned into the wellness field, earning qualifications in bio-energy therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and coaching with neuroscience.
Her work blends evidence-based strategies with holistic approaches, empowering people to make meaningful improvements in their health, mindset, and daily lives. Deirdre also leads workshops and wellness events focused on natural health, personal growth, and practical techniques for reducing overwhelm, clearing physical and mental clutter, and building supportive, lasting habits.
With a strong foundation in both scientific insight and holistic practice, Deirdre offers practical tools for lasting transformation and is committed to helping others create healthier, more purposeful lives.
Her work blends evidence-based strategies with holistic approaches, empowering people to make meaningful improvements in their health, mindset, and daily lives. Deirdre also leads workshops and wellness events focused on natural health, personal growth, and practical techniques for reducing overwhelm, clearing physical and mental clutter, and building supportive, lasting habits.
With a strong foundation in both scientific insight and holistic practice, Deirdre offers practical tools for lasting transformation and is committed to helping others create healthier, more purposeful lives.
S1 - STEPHANIE AITKEN | Is It Time to Rethink Gender Equality?
Stephanie Aitken is a boundary-breaking thought leader who invites audiences to rethink what they thought they knew about gender, equality and progress. She is also a former lawyer and gender diversity consultant. Born into a vibrant mix of Venezuelan, British and Swiss cultures, she’s always been wired for contrast, complexity and human insight.
For the past five years, she has worked on the front lines of gender diversity in corporate spaces, helping organisations apply evidence-based strategies to advance women into leadership. Her insights are drawn not just from data but from over a decade of coaching, training and listening to those navigating systems not built with them in mind.
She served as lead trainer for the UK’s largest women’s personal development company, empowering thousands to lead with confidence and purpose. She also commissioned unique research that revealed deep insights into the hidden barriers women face at work and how to address them to realise meaningful change.
Stephanie’s unique perspective is fuelled by a deep desire to support a more compassionate, connected world — one where all humans have the chance to thrive together.
When not working, she’s often upside-down in a yoga pose, dancing at a sober rave or working remotely by the sea; blending wanderlust with a mission to shift perspectives and spark meaningful change.
For the past five years, she has worked on the front lines of gender diversity in corporate spaces, helping organisations apply evidence-based strategies to advance women into leadership. Her insights are drawn not just from data but from over a decade of coaching, training and listening to those navigating systems not built with them in mind.
She served as lead trainer for the UK’s largest women’s personal development company, empowering thousands to lead with confidence and purpose. She also commissioned unique research that revealed deep insights into the hidden barriers women face at work and how to address them to realise meaningful change.
Stephanie’s unique perspective is fuelled by a deep desire to support a more compassionate, connected world — one where all humans have the chance to thrive together.
When not working, she’s often upside-down in a yoga pose, dancing at a sober rave or working remotely by the sea; blending wanderlust with a mission to shift perspectives and spark meaningful change.
S1 - SUSANNA PETCHE | The Cost of Ignoring Trauma
Dr. Susanna Petche is redefining what it means to heal. An award-winning GP, trauma educator, and founder of Trauma-Sense, she brings over 25 years of clinical experience to the forefront of a movement transforming trauma care from the inside out. She has shared stages with global leaders such as Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee and Dr Stephen Porges.
After a personal experience of complex PTSD in 2016, Susanna earned a Master's in Psychological Trauma and developed the C-Sense methodology—an innovative blend of neuroscience, functional medicine, and coaching that's changing how we understand and recover from trauma.
Her NHS-funded programme, ConnectionWorks, achieved life-changing outcomes for people with complex PTSD. She has set up and commissioned mental health services in both the UK and Sydney, and is a passionate educator, training clinicians, coaches, and organisations to create safer, more compassionate ways of working.
When she's not transforming trauma care, Susanna's in the sea, dancing, or drumming at carnival in Brazil. Fun fact: she once almost ditched medicine for glassblowing at art school in Sydney!
Through Trauma-Sense, Susanna is on a mission to build a trauma-informed world—where healing is not only possible, but expected.
After a personal experience of complex PTSD in 2016, Susanna earned a Master's in Psychological Trauma and developed the C-Sense methodology—an innovative blend of neuroscience, functional medicine, and coaching that's changing how we understand and recover from trauma.
Her NHS-funded programme, ConnectionWorks, achieved life-changing outcomes for people with complex PTSD. She has set up and commissioned mental health services in both the UK and Sydney, and is a passionate educator, training clinicians, coaches, and organisations to create safer, more compassionate ways of working.
When she's not transforming trauma care, Susanna's in the sea, dancing, or drumming at carnival in Brazil. Fun fact: she once almost ditched medicine for glassblowing at art school in Sydney!
Through Trauma-Sense, Susanna is on a mission to build a trauma-informed world—where healing is not only possible, but expected.
S1 - FARZANA MAUDARBACCUS | You Have The Power to Change Your Brain
Farzana is a Work and Organisational Psychologist and Executive Coach who is passionate about the human factor in organisations. Specialising in leadership development, she has extensive experience across varied sectors, helping leaders cultivate emotional intelligence and strengthen self-awareness, thereby influencing workplaces to foster positive team dynamics.
Originally from Mauritius, Farzana pursued her studies in psychology in France and has been living in Ireland since 2011. Fluent in English and French, she works across diverse cultural and organisational contexts, delivering executive coaching and leadership initiatives that create lasting impact with a focus on nurturing people and relationships.
Farzana is recognised for her composed style and commitment to fostering human-centred leadership. Her work also extends to workplace wellbeing, where she has facilitated programmes to enhance employee wellbeing in dynamic environments.
She firmly believes that in an increasingly complex and volatile world, developing a resilient and adaptable mindset is critical to sustainable success, both at an individual level and for the workplace. Through her impactful interventions, Farzana empowers leaders and organisations not only to navigate challenges, but also to build strong workplace cultures.
Her professional mission is clear: to help people and organisations realise their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Originally from Mauritius, Farzana pursued her studies in psychology in France and has been living in Ireland since 2011. Fluent in English and French, she works across diverse cultural and organisational contexts, delivering executive coaching and leadership initiatives that create lasting impact with a focus on nurturing people and relationships.
Farzana is recognised for her composed style and commitment to fostering human-centred leadership. Her work also extends to workplace wellbeing, where she has facilitated programmes to enhance employee wellbeing in dynamic environments.
She firmly believes that in an increasingly complex and volatile world, developing a resilient and adaptable mindset is critical to sustainable success, both at an individual level and for the workplace. Through her impactful interventions, Farzana empowers leaders and organisations not only to navigate challenges, but also to build strong workplace cultures.
Her professional mission is clear: to help people and organisations realise their full potential and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
S1 - LOUISE KELLY | Who Turned the Music Down?
Music is the driving force in Louise Kelly’s life. A Consultant Music Therapist and co-founder of Resilient Rhythms, Louise has spent over 25 years harnessing music’s transformative power to connect, regulate, and heal across all ages and settings.
Alongside her clinical practice, she lectures at university level on therapeutic music-making in education, equipping future teachers with creative, evidence-based tools for the classroom. A qualified ADHD and autism diagnostician, Louise also delivers neurodiversity training to businesses, schools, and organisations, helping them build inclusive cultures that celebrate difference.
Her work extends across the UK and Ireland, where she leads staff training and workshops designed to strengthen resilience and wellbeing. With a foundation in counselling and a career rooted in both therapy and education, Louise brings a unique blend of professional expertise and human warmth to every stage and setting.
Audiences describe her talks as “eye-opening, energising, and refreshingly human.” Whether she’s speaking about resilience, the nervous system, or why we all need a bit more rhythm in our lives, Louise brings humour, heart, and a clear message: music is not a luxury!
Alongside her clinical practice, she lectures at university level on therapeutic music-making in education, equipping future teachers with creative, evidence-based tools for the classroom. A qualified ADHD and autism diagnostician, Louise also delivers neurodiversity training to businesses, schools, and organisations, helping them build inclusive cultures that celebrate difference.
Her work extends across the UK and Ireland, where she leads staff training and workshops designed to strengthen resilience and wellbeing. With a foundation in counselling and a career rooted in both therapy and education, Louise brings a unique blend of professional expertise and human warmth to every stage and setting.
Audiences describe her talks as “eye-opening, energising, and refreshingly human.” Whether she’s speaking about resilience, the nervous system, or why we all need a bit more rhythm in our lives, Louise brings humour, heart, and a clear message: music is not a luxury!
Session 2 - ELIANA FERNANDEZ | Journaling from a Child's Perspective
Eliana Fernández is a bilingual 11-year-old artist and creative entrepreneur. Eliana has spoken and performed on stages around the world about Your 12 Superpowers, including Mexico, the Bahamas, and to 700,000 people in India. She recently designed her own website: Your12Superpowers.com, and is the author of “Your 12 Superpowers: Discover Your True Self and Change Your Life.”
Eliana loves her mom, her sisters, and all animals. She loves to write songs and poems, read, draw, and play the piano. Her favorite place to be is in nature, especially in the Dominican Republic.
She has been a YouTube creator since the age of 3, and her content at “Eliana’s Planet” has been sponsored by many prestigious brands. She is homeschooled, and she loves to learn about business and marketing.
With the support of her family, she continues the "not-so-top-secret" mission to empower others every day to discover and activate their superpowers daily so they can transform their life and others’ lives to make the world a better place.
Eliana loves her mom, her sisters, and all animals. She loves to write songs and poems, read, draw, and play the piano. Her favorite place to be is in nature, especially in the Dominican Republic.
She has been a YouTube creator since the age of 3, and her content at “Eliana’s Planet” has been sponsored by many prestigious brands. She is homeschooled, and she loves to learn about business and marketing.
With the support of her family, she continues the "not-so-top-secret" mission to empower others every day to discover and activate their superpowers daily so they can transform their life and others’ lives to make the world a better place.
S2 -
EMER SHOVLIN | Not Monsters but Masterpieces
Marine scientist and ocean advocate Emer Shovlin is taking the TEDxTralee stage to challenge one of the ocean’s biggest misconceptions — our fear of sharks.
In her talk, Not Monsters, But Masterpieces, Emer blends science, personal experience, and myth-busting storytelling to challenge the villain narrative shaped by Hollywood and media. Drawing on her own dive with bull and tiger sharks in Fiji, she reveals how her fear gave way to awe — and how these apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans.
Emer highlights the devastating ecological consequences of shark decline, from coral reef collapse to disrupted carbon stores and declining fisheries. “We’re not just losing sharks — we’re disrupting the systems that regulate climate, food, and biodiversity that we all depend on.”
With over 90% of large predatory fish wiped out since industrial fishing, Emer’s TEDx talk is a timely call to action grounded in both research and real-world experience. Her mission is clear: to replace fear with understanding, and to show that when we protect sharks, we protect ourselves.
In her talk, Not Monsters, But Masterpieces, Emer blends science, personal experience, and myth-busting storytelling to challenge the villain narrative shaped by Hollywood and media. Drawing on her own dive with bull and tiger sharks in Fiji, she reveals how her fear gave way to awe — and how these apex predators play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our oceans.
Emer highlights the devastating ecological consequences of shark decline, from coral reef collapse to disrupted carbon stores and declining fisheries. “We’re not just losing sharks — we’re disrupting the systems that regulate climate, food, and biodiversity that we all depend on.”
With over 90% of large predatory fish wiped out since industrial fishing, Emer’s TEDx talk is a timely call to action grounded in both research and real-world experience. Her mission is clear: to replace fear with understanding, and to show that when we protect sharks, we protect ourselves.
S2 - JENNY BUTLER | Samhain and the Origins of Halloween
Dr Jenny Butler is a Lecturer at University College Cork where she teaches courses on mythology, folk religion, new religious movements, and Western esotericism. Her research interests are the folklore of otherworldly beings, legends and landscapes, sacred geographies, and the study of rituals, festivals and magical practices. She is a Principal Investigator of UCC's Environmental Research Institute (ERI) and Co-Convenor of UCC's Eco-Humanities Research Group and the President of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR). She is also a writer with numerous publications in literary journals and magazines. Her first book, a collection of short stories, Limerence for Lost Souls, was published by House of Pomegranates Press (2021).
S2 - SHONAGH SULLLIVAN | Behind the Selfie, Who are We Really ?
The Perfect Life of a Teenage Girl beautifully highlights Shonagh's inspiring journey. Her passions for public speaking, community service, and the joy she brings to children through the Kilflynn Enchanted Fairy Festival showcase her vibrant character.
Her love of the sea, fitness, and reading adds depth to her personality. Moreover, her awareness of the pressures faced by teenage girls in today's social media-driven world reflects maturity beyond her years.
Through her efforts, Shonagh embodies the type of female leadership that can guide young girls towards authenticity and connection. It's a compelling narrative of ambition, compassion, and growth!
Shonagh hopes her TEDx talk will give a voice to other teenage girls and help adult's understand the pressures they face everyday, often in silence behind the closed door of their bedroom.
Her love of the sea, fitness, and reading adds depth to her personality. Moreover, her awareness of the pressures faced by teenage girls in today's social media-driven world reflects maturity beyond her years.
Through her efforts, Shonagh embodies the type of female leadership that can guide young girls towards authenticity and connection. It's a compelling narrative of ambition, compassion, and growth!
Shonagh hopes her TEDx talk will give a voice to other teenage girls and help adult's understand the pressures they face everyday, often in silence behind the closed door of their bedroom.
S2 - AKA DEE | Become the Hero you Admire
Aka is a cosplayer, composer, and academic from Ireland with a strong background in creative and performance-based work. Over the past five years, Aka has brought more than 100 characters to life both online and at conventions across Europe as both a guest and performer. Their work explores the relationship between character, identity, and self-expression.
As a synth-pop musician, Aka is currently preparing to release a debut EP. Their creative practice blends visual performance and music to express ideas around anemoia and emotional retro aesthetics.
Aka holds a BSc in Multimedia, an MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and is currently working towards becoming a professor in the humanities and social sciences. In this TEDx talk, Aka will discuss the creative process behind cosplay as an art form and a tool for empowerment, exploring identity and strengthening confidence.
This talk invites audiences to think differently about creativity, self-expression and the everyday ways people can step into roles that help them to grow.
As a synth-pop musician, Aka is currently preparing to release a debut EP. Their creative practice blends visual performance and music to express ideas around anemoia and emotional retro aesthetics.
Aka holds a BSc in Multimedia, an MSc in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and is currently working towards becoming a professor in the humanities and social sciences. In this TEDx talk, Aka will discuss the creative process behind cosplay as an art form and a tool for empowerment, exploring identity and strengthening confidence.
This talk invites audiences to think differently about creativity, self-expression and the everyday ways people can step into roles that help them to grow.
S2 - Samhain Chiarraí | The Veiled One (Performance)
Samhain Chiarraí - A Kerry Halloween extract from the premier of the upcoming production of 'Cailleach Chiarraí The Awakening Spectacle' which will take place in Tralee (27th Oct.), Killarney (30th Oct.) and Listowel (2nd Nov.) as part of the 'Samhain Chiarraí Festival celebrations marking Ireland Home of Halloween
Session 3 -
KAREN RONAN | From Bathrooms to Boardrooms
As a business leader and current CEO, Galway Chamber of Commerce, Karen's experience is in driving strategic growth, business advocacy, and regional economic development. As CEO of Galway Chamber of Commerce, she champions innovation, enterprise, and collaboration across Galway's business ecosystem working with stakeholders to create a thriving, future-focused region.
Karen's career spans leadership roles across the hospitality, business events, and sports tourism sectors, most recently as General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau. Her work has consistently focused on building partnerships that deliver real impact both economically and socially across the west of Ireland.
A strong advocate for women in business, Karen also serves as the Vice President of Network Ireland, where she is committed to empowering enterprise, fostering meaningful connections, and shaping a bold, inclusive future for the organisation and its members.
Whether it's leading policy initiatives, promoting the west of Ireland on a global stage, or mentoring the next generation of business leaders, Karen brings vision, authenticity, and a deep understanding of place and people to every role she undertakes.
Karen's career spans leadership roles across the hospitality, business events, and sports tourism sectors, most recently as General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau. Her work has consistently focused on building partnerships that deliver real impact both economically and socially across the west of Ireland.
A strong advocate for women in business, Karen also serves as the Vice President of Network Ireland, where she is committed to empowering enterprise, fostering meaningful connections, and shaping a bold, inclusive future for the organisation and its members.
Whether it's leading policy initiatives, promoting the west of Ireland on a global stage, or mentoring the next generation of business leaders, Karen brings vision, authenticity, and a deep understanding of place and people to every role she undertakes.
S3 - HELENA LYNE | Compassion as an Act of Radical Resistance
Helena Lyne is a biochemist and STEM educator with a Master’s in Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing from University College Cork. Her academic research and personal journey sparked a deep interest in compassion - as a powerful catalyst for personal resilience and social change.
She is both tender-hearted and straight-talking, combining a scientist’s curiosity with warmth, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. This TEDx talk questions cultural norms around stress, productivity, and worth, alongside the narratives that keep us apart, locally and globally.
Helena speaks not from a place of authority but presents compassion as a human strength we all have in common, inviting you to let go of perfection and explore this practice alongside her.
Real change begins with compassion: for ourselves, for others, and for the world we share. It’s an act of radical resistance to the systems that profit from our insecurity and disconnection — with the power to reshape both our inner lives and our collective future.
She is both tender-hearted and straight-talking, combining a scientist’s curiosity with warmth, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. This TEDx talk questions cultural norms around stress, productivity, and worth, alongside the narratives that keep us apart, locally and globally.
Helena speaks not from a place of authority but presents compassion as a human strength we all have in common, inviting you to let go of perfection and explore this practice alongside her.
Real change begins with compassion: for ourselves, for others, and for the world we share. It’s an act of radical resistance to the systems that profit from our insecurity and disconnection — with the power to reshape both our inner lives and our collective future.
S3 - MARY McAULIFFE | Revolutionary Women
Dr. Mary McAuliffe is a historian, lecturer, and Director of Gender Studies at UCD. She specialises in Irish women's / gender history, traumas histories of gendered and sexual violence of Ireland's revolutionary period and histories of sexualities. She completed her BA (Hons), MA, and PhD at the School of History and Humanities, Trinity College, Dublin (TCD)
She is on the advisory committee on the representation of women's stories in the National Cultural Institutions. She is also on the advisory board of the Irish Association of Professional Historians (www.iaph.ie) and is a past President of the Women's History Association of Ireland (WHAI).
As well as publications, she contributes to documentaries, radio, tv, news media, and has an active online presence.
She is on the advisory committee on the representation of women's stories in the National Cultural Institutions. She is also on the advisory board of the Irish Association of Professional Historians (www.iaph.ie) and is a past President of the Women's History Association of Ireland (WHAI).
As well as publications, she contributes to documentaries, radio, tv, news media, and has an active online presence.
S3 -
AIMEE BARNES | The Silent Epidemic of Modern Singlehood
Aimee Barnes is a life coach, facilitator, and trainee psychotherapist with a background in learning and development. She is the founder of Ganbaru, a wellness and education practice focused on self-development, mindfulness, and mental health. Through a blend of coaching, psychoeducation, somatic work, and grounded spirituality, she supports individuals in nurturing emotional wellbeing and self-trust, deepening self-awareness, and living with greater authenticity.
Aimee brings a unique, compassionate lens to modern challenges around identity, belonging, and purpose. Her work is especially informed by her own journey through societal expectations and her ongoing exploration of what it means to live a meaningful, aligned life. She is committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces that foster emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Currently completing her clinical training in psychotherapy, she integrates trauma-informed, relational approaches into her work across one-to-one sessions, group programmes, workshops, and retreats. She is passionate about creating safe, transformative spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Based in Ireland, Aimee continues to explore how coaching, therapy, and community can work together to support both personal healing and wider cultural transformation.
Aimee brings a unique, compassionate lens to modern challenges around identity, belonging, and purpose. Her work is especially informed by her own journey through societal expectations and her ongoing exploration of what it means to live a meaningful, aligned life. She is committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces that foster emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Currently completing her clinical training in psychotherapy, she integrates trauma-informed, relational approaches into her work across one-to-one sessions, group programmes, workshops, and retreats. She is passionate about creating safe, transformative spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Based in Ireland, Aimee continues to explore how coaching, therapy, and community can work together to support both personal healing and wider cultural transformation.
S3 - DESTINY AYO VAUGHAN | How Trauma Impacts Identity
Destiny Ayo Vaughan is a dedicated scholar and activist, recently graduating from the University of Aberdeen with an MSc in Psychological Studies and a Bachelor's honours degree in Social Science, both earned through scholarships. She also holds a Level Five qualification in Early Childhood Education. Currently, Destiny is pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Health Psychology at Queen's University, supported by another academic scholarship. Alongside her studies, she works as a public speaker with the London Speaking Bureau.
In 2019, Destiny founded Mind the Gap Ireland (MTGI), the country's first anonymous storytelling platform for survivors of sexual violence. MTGI has since become a vital support network, helping hundreds each year and giving voice to many previously unheard. Her social impact has earned her a place in the 2023 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Ideas Academy and the sheGenerates program for female founders.
Destiny was selected as a delegate for the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) and featured in Dr. Sam Collins' book Rebellious. She was named Activist of the Year at the Black and Irish Gala Awards and included in the Irish Independent's "50 Ones to Watch" list in 2023. She also received nominations for the Gossie Women of the Year and VIP Magazine's Power of Women Awards.
In 2019, Destiny founded Mind the Gap Ireland (MTGI), the country's first anonymous storytelling platform for survivors of sexual violence. MTGI has since become a vital support network, helping hundreds each year and giving voice to many previously unheard. Her social impact has earned her a place in the 2023 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Ideas Academy and the sheGenerates program for female founders.
Destiny was selected as a delegate for the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) and featured in Dr. Sam Collins' book Rebellious. She was named Activist of the Year at the Black and Irish Gala Awards and included in the Irish Independent's "50 Ones to Watch" list in 2023. She also received nominations for the Gossie Women of the Year and VIP Magazine's Power of Women Awards.
S3 - EILEEN HOPKINS | Living Beyond Your Labels
Eileen Hopkins has dedicated over 30 years to nursing and nurse management, focusing her career in caring for others. In 2016, she felt the powerful call of her lifelong passion—the desire to empower others to reclaim their best lives—compelling her to take a transformative leap. Eileen embarked on a remarkable journey to become an accredited Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychotherapist, College Lecturer, Professional Life, Career & Public Speaking Coach, and Certified Trainer.
Public speaking has always fuelled Eileen’s passion, and she has fearlessly pursued opportunities to share her insights and experiences on various platforms. Her commitment to empowering others has garnered her notable recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Overcoming personal challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD, Eileen has carved a path to success, proving that obstacles can be surmounted with perseverance and support. Having successfully completed her MSc in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy recently, Eileen firmly believes in the potential for personal growth, regardless of life's challenges.
Eileen’s mission is to make a difference, one person at a time. Through her TEDx talk, she aims to connect with individuals, offering support and encouragement as they navigate their own aspirations and redefine their identities beyond labels.
Public speaking has always fuelled Eileen’s passion, and she has fearlessly pursued opportunities to share her insights and experiences on various platforms. Her commitment to empowering others has garnered her notable recognition, both nationally and internationally.
Overcoming personal challenges such as dyslexia and ADHD, Eileen has carved a path to success, proving that obstacles can be surmounted with perseverance and support. Having successfully completed her MSc in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy recently, Eileen firmly believes in the potential for personal growth, regardless of life's challenges.
Eileen’s mission is to make a difference, one person at a time. Through her TEDx talk, she aims to connect with individuals, offering support and encouragement as they navigate their own aspirations and redefine their identities beyond labels.
Session 4 - LAURA DOWLING | Your Vulva Deserves Better PR
Laura Dowling, widely known as The Fabulous Pharmacist, is a passionate advocate for women's health, a trusted pharmacist, and a dynamic content creator dedicated to breaking down taboos around female well-being. With years of experience in the pharmacy industry, Laura has built a strong reputation for her science-backed, engaging, and empowering approach to health education.
Through her extensive work, Laura has carved out a space where important but often-overlooked conversations about women’s health can take center stage. She is best known for her groundbreaking showViva La Vulva, where she sheds light on intimate health topics with warmth, humor, and expert knowledge. Her ability to communicate complex medical topics in an accessible and entertaining way has garnered her a devoted following across social media and beyond.
Through her extensive work, Laura has carved out a space where important but often-overlooked conversations about women’s health can take center stage. She is best known for her groundbreaking showViva La Vulva, where she sheds light on intimate health topics with warmth, humor, and expert knowledge. Her ability to communicate complex medical topics in an accessible and entertaining way has garnered her a devoted following across social media and beyond.
S4 - NIAMH DEVINE | Your Body Isn’t Failing You. It’s Talking to You
Niamh Devine is a mind–body mentor, meditation teacher, healing facilitator, and former television broadcaster. She invites people to recognize symptoms as the body’s way of speaking—signals that, when heard, can bring resolution. Through her work, she teaches the language of the body—how it communicates—and how to apply this knowledge in ways that can transform both health and identity.
Her approach is built on a 4-step process: guiding people in meditation to build awareness, teaching Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) to safely release stored stress, helping to rewire the inner stories that shape perception, and using energy work to restore balance.
Niamh first gained international recognition through Twin Strangers, a viral documentary project in which she met three of her lookalikes. That exploration of identity and appearance sparked her deeper inquiry into how self-perception shapes health and well-being. Today, she works globally, creating spaces where people can release long-held patterns and reconnect with their innate capacity to heal.
In her TEDx talk, Your Body Isn’t Failing You. It’s Talking to You, she shares how she healed paralysis by speaking directly to her brain—inviting audiences to discover the body’s remarkable capacity to respond.
Her approach is built on a 4-step process: guiding people in meditation to build awareness, teaching Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) to safely release stored stress, helping to rewire the inner stories that shape perception, and using energy work to restore balance.
Niamh first gained international recognition through Twin Strangers, a viral documentary project in which she met three of her lookalikes. That exploration of identity and appearance sparked her deeper inquiry into how self-perception shapes health and well-being. Today, she works globally, creating spaces where people can release long-held patterns and reconnect with their innate capacity to heal.
In her TEDx talk, Your Body Isn’t Failing You. It’s Talking to You, she shares how she healed paralysis by speaking directly to her brain—inviting audiences to discover the body’s remarkable capacity to respond.
S4 - KATHY HEUSTON | What Lies are You Telling Yourself Everyday
Kathy Is the Run Your Life Coach. Her motto: Don't Let Life Run You. She identifies as Lesbian and she/her. She specialises in increasing your mental fitness to improve health and wellness, and relationships for mature women of power in and out of the LGBTQ+ community.
She knows first hand how hard it can be to live fully as yourself. When she began to embrace herself and accept herself for who she really was, a weight was lifted and joy filled her life.
She ended a marriage of 35 years, downsized a home, and moved in with her amazing wife.
Kathy was a retail store manager for 30 years and left to follow her heart and create a business that she felt excited and passionate about. She is a certified Positive Intelligence Coach for the PQ program by Shirzad Chamine. The program uses neuro based science to change the brain and positive changes that stick.
Kathy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army.
She knows first hand how hard it can be to live fully as yourself. When she began to embrace herself and accept herself for who she really was, a weight was lifted and joy filled her life.
She ended a marriage of 35 years, downsized a home, and moved in with her amazing wife.
Kathy was a retail store manager for 30 years and left to follow her heart and create a business that she felt excited and passionate about. She is a certified Positive Intelligence Coach for the PQ program by Shirzad Chamine. The program uses neuro based science to change the brain and positive changes that stick.
Kathy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the Army.
S4 - HILARY ROSE | The Rest Reset — Rethinking Resilience
Hilary Rose is an IFTA nominated actor, speaker, and podcast host with a passion for storytelling, wellness, and authentic connection. Best known for her role as Mairead in the hit comedy The Young Offenders, Hilary has worked across film, television, and theatre, earning acclaim for her emotionally rich and grounded performances.
Off-screen, Hilary is a sought-after speaker who brings her experience in performance and creativity to the corporate stage, delivering TED-style talks that explore topics such as rest, resilience, leadership under pressure, the power of language and creativity.
She is also the creator and host of the Live Wild podcast, where she interviews artists, changemakers, and thought leaders about living with purpose and courage in a chaotic world. Hilary's unique blend of artistic insight, lived experience, and heartfelt curiosity allows her to inspire audiences to rethink the way they approach work, wellness, and creativity.
A former university lecturer in acting and an advocate for well-being in the arts, Hilary uses her voice to spark important conversations both on and off the stage. Her TEDx Talk, The Rest Reset — Rethinking Resilience, challenges society's obsession with over-productivity and invites us to reclaim rest as a radical act of self-leadership.
Off-screen, Hilary is a sought-after speaker who brings her experience in performance and creativity to the corporate stage, delivering TED-style talks that explore topics such as rest, resilience, leadership under pressure, the power of language and creativity.
She is also the creator and host of the Live Wild podcast, where she interviews artists, changemakers, and thought leaders about living with purpose and courage in a chaotic world. Hilary's unique blend of artistic insight, lived experience, and heartfelt curiosity allows her to inspire audiences to rethink the way they approach work, wellness, and creativity.
A former university lecturer in acting and an advocate for well-being in the arts, Hilary uses her voice to spark important conversations both on and off the stage. Her TEDx Talk, The Rest Reset — Rethinking Resilience, challenges society's obsession with over-productivity and invites us to reclaim rest as a radical act of self-leadership.
S4 - BETTINA GORDON-WAYNE | How to Age Backwards Naturally
Bettina Gordon-Wayne is an international journalist, Certified Mental Strength Trainer, and host of the Younger With Age podcast. She leads transformational retreats around the world, helping women get biologically younger, boost their energy and joy, and thrive in business and life. Through BettinaGordon.com, she shares science-backed strategies on longevity, mindset, and the power of midlife.
Bettina's own journey took a pivotal turn when she became a first-time mother at 44 — and faced a cancer diagnosis just a few years later. Drawing on her journalistic skills, Bettina spent thousands of hours researching optimal health, neuroscience, and how to slow, maybe even reverse biological aging through the power of beliefs, nutrition, and lifestyle transformation. She now lives by the proven principles she once investigated, inspiring others to do the same – and have lots of fun doing so!
Bettina's own journey took a pivotal turn when she became a first-time mother at 44 — and faced a cancer diagnosis just a few years later. Drawing on her journalistic skills, Bettina spent thousands of hours researching optimal health, neuroscience, and how to slow, maybe even reverse biological aging through the power of beliefs, nutrition, and lifestyle transformation. She now lives by the proven principles she once investigated, inspiring others to do the same – and have lots of fun doing so!
S4 - Laura Daly (Artistic Performance)
Laura Daly is a creative entrepreneur, performer, and passionate advocate for the arts and community impact. She is the founder and director of LD DANCE, a thriving studio where young dancers discover confidence, creativity, and belonging.
Believing in the power of dance to help people process and express emotions, Laura uses movement as a tool for resilience and healing — a principle that drives her teaching and creative work.
Her love of the arts has taken her beyond the studio, from performing and speaking on stages like TEDx to collaborating on international campaigns with Fáilte Ireland, using dance and storytelling to connect with audiences worldwide.
This year, Laura is proudly representing Kerry as the Kerry Rose in the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Through media appearances, public speaking, and community engagement, she shares messages of hope, resilience, and creativity, inspiring others while giving back in meaningful ways.
Laura’s journey is grounded in the belief that creativity and especially dance can unlock resilience, connection, and hope.
Believing in the power of dance to help people process and express emotions, Laura uses movement as a tool for resilience and healing — a principle that drives her teaching and creative work.
Her love of the arts has taken her beyond the studio, from performing and speaking on stages like TEDx to collaborating on international campaigns with Fáilte Ireland, using dance and storytelling to connect with audiences worldwide.
This year, Laura is proudly representing Kerry as the Kerry Rose in the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Through media appearances, public speaking, and community engagement, she shares messages of hope, resilience, and creativity, inspiring others while giving back in meaningful ways.
Laura’s journey is grounded in the belief that creativity and especially dance can unlock resilience, connection, and hope.
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