The Ireland Funds Great Britain hosted their annual Women in Business & Philanthropy Lunch on Thursday 1st February, St Brigid’s Day, in London. Joined by over 200 business leaders from across all sectors, they celebrated female entrepreneurship and leadership and came together to raise funds for The Ireland Funds No Mind Left Behind scholarship programme which has been developed to give undergraduate students the opportunity to complete their college educations, when they might otherwise be prevented from doing so.
A panel of inspiring female entrepreneurs, Chaired by Rosaleen Blair one of the leading female entrepreneurs in Ireland and the UK, consisted of Noella Coursaris Musunka: Founder & CEO at Malaika, Sam Smith: Champion of UK Entrepreneurship & NED, Professor Maura McAdam: Professor of Management/Director of Entrepreneurship at Dublin City University and Aimee Connolly: Founder & CEO at Sculpted by Aimee. They shared their words of wisdom and differing experiences of what it means to be a female leader. ‘Follow your gut’ was one experience shared amongst the panel and advice included the importance of creativity, being curious, having an open mind and constantly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
During the lunch, Bev Genockey, a recipient of The Ireland Funds George Moore scholarship programme, shared her experience of attending university in London and the opportunities for learning, growth and development that she is enjoying during her studies.
The lunch also included a brilliant performance from poet, author and performer, Eva O’Connor, performing a piece she had written for The Ireland Funds Great Britain titled ‘Home’. The event was then closed by the talented musician, Kiera Dignam, performing a selection of her own songs and classic Irish hits.
This event was sponsored by EY & Matheson.
Photography by Noel Mullen.
