Southern Regional College was one of the three proud Principal Sponsors of the International Women's Day celebrations hosted in Killeavy Castle Estate on Friday 6th March, with Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade.
This year’s Guest Speaker was Newry-born Actor & Writer, Valene Kane, a past pupil of Scared Heart Grammar School who has an unbelievable catalogue of TV series, movies and theatre performances to her name.
Alongside a Fireside Chat with Valene, MC, Deborah Loughran oversaw three engaging panel discussions, the first with three incredible ladies from the three Principal Sponsors on this year's theme, #GiveToGain.
• Libby Shackels, Director, Southern Regional College
• Susan Smyth, Tax Director, KPMG Ireland
• Áine Larkin, Clinical Director, Younique Aesthetics
Then guests heard about the dreams, ambitions and aspirations from a panel consisting of the Head Girls and the Senior Leaders from local schools including St. Mary's, Sacred Heart, St. Paul's, Our Lady's and Newry High School.
Our final discussion on the day was with five of Newry Chamber’s female Chamber Board members, who between them are responsible for 1000 jobs locally in the region, discussing what Newry Chamber have done to ensure gender equality within their organisation, where they now have 10 female Board members out of 15 Board members as well as more opportunities than ever for women to shape the local business community.
• Mairéad McParland, Canal Court Hotel & Spa
• Edwina Flynn, Wood Innovations Ltd
• Paula Maguire, BT
• Gemma Murphy, Jack Murphy Jewellers
• Jackie Reid, DELI LITES Ireland
Thanks to the generosity of guests, a total of £3,000 was raised for Charity Partners, Parkinson's UK & Breast mates Newry
