Network Ireland West Cork hosts ‘Women in STEM’ event in Clonakilty

Network Ireland West Cork held its April event entitled ‘Women in STEM’ yesterday evening in The Whale’s Tail, Clonakilty, Co Cork.

The guest speaker Gillian Keating, co-founder at I WISH and partner at Ronan Daly Jermyn, was joined by Gráinne Bagnall of All Things STEAM, Niamh Shuley, Department of Health Women’s network, Queensland, and Jennifer McCarthy, 6th-year student of Kinsale CS, BT Young Scientist and BT Business Bootcamp 2019 Awardee.

Speaking at the Network Ireland West Cork event, Gillian Keating said:

“I WISH is about harnessing the power of the next generation of female leaders and creative thinkers to shape a better world through STEM; it is a privilege to play my part.  75% of teachers said they need to know more about STEM to influence the female generation to grow the skills gap and inspire young women to select careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).  In this way, we will build foundations for equality, gender balance and inclusion in the workplace.”

Speaking at the event, Gráinne Bagnall said:

“Adding the A to STEM education is a key ingredient to defining one’s personal story to stand out from the crowd. Building core differentiating skills like resilience and confidence are essential for creating a foundation of authenticity and legitimacy for the youth today.  SUCCESS is now driven by our connection to others; Simple, Unexpected, Credible, Connecting, Emotional and being able to tell a Story.”

Speaking at the event, Niamh Shuley said:

“I am committed to creating a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive.  As leaders in our field we must leave a pathway for inspiration, change and equality for our youth, women and men connecting with all on equal levels in our own and wider communities.”

Speaking at the event, President of Network Ireland West Cork, Ciara Lucy said:

“The power of the network is incredible, especially if you are doing something for change and inspiring others to raise awareness, which has amazing results in our communities. As President of Network Ireland West Cork, my aim is to raise awareness for Cork Simon Community and support the charity through action by having a sleep out on Sherkin Island in October 5, 2019 to raise funds, and bring awareness to open our minds to homelessness and the many challenges individuals face when they fall on hard times or get lost along the journey of life.”

Network Ireland West Cork holds networking events for members and guests in different locations in West Cork on the last Wednesday of every month. The organisation currently has over 135 members and is one of the largest branches of Network Ireland.  It welcomes new members from across West Cork. For further information and to stay up-to-date with the latest news, subscribe to the monthly newsletter by emailing westcork@networkireland.ie or follow the branch on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Photography by Dermot Sullivan.