Network Ireland has officially launched its Businesswoman of the Year awards for 2022. The annual programme recognises the achievements of women who understand business, who are passionate about their career, and show a determination to succeed no matter what life throws at them.
The launch coincided with Network’s International Women’s Day celebration, which drew hundreds of women from Network Ireland branches across the country to Glasson Lakehouse in Co. Westmeath. The theme of the event was the “Power of Belief” with keynote speeches from international best-selling authors Anna McPartlin and Sinéad Moriarty. They spoke about how they had to believe in themselves to become writers and how building relationships with fellow writers has helped them to survive in the industry.
National President of Network Ireland Noreen McKenzie said, “International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of Ireland’s most inspirational women. I am passionate about the ‘Power of Belief’ and would not be in my position today were it not for the belief of my Network Ireland colleagues. You only need one person to believe in you when you might be doubting yourself, to give you the courage to take that risk and rise to any challenge. I am encouraging members across Ireland to believe in themselves and to apply for our annual awards. Our members have successful careers, run successful businesses, but in many cases also juggle the needs of their families and have other voluntary commitments in their local communities. We want to recognise them and what they have achieved.”
Preparation is underway across 14 Network Ireland branches nationwide ahead of their local finals, from which winners will be selected to go forward to the national awards in Galway on Friday, October 7th. The gala event is a major highlight of the group’s calendar and will coincide with Network Ireland’s annual conference.
This year’s awards are divided into 8 categories:
Emerging New Business
Solo Businesswoman
Established Businesswoman
Creative Professional
STEM Professional
Employee - Rising Star
Employee - Shining Star
‘Power Within’ Champion - this award was first introduced in 2020 and is the only one of the awards open to all members who have used the power within themselves to great impact
Maura Glynn is Network Ireland’s National Awards Co-ordinator. She says, “Previous applicants have benefited from publicity in print media and social media, both locally and nationally. Throughout the process of applying for these awards, applicants get a chance to review their current position, think about their future direction, improve strategic focus and learn more about themselves and what they would like to achieve in the future.”
AIB has supported Network Ireland since 2013 as its official partner and has signed a new two-year agreement which will include Network Ireland’s 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023.
Catherine Moroney, Head of Business Banking Market at AIB, says, “It is an honour to continue to be the official partner of Network Ireland, an organisation that has done so much to champion and support the professional and personal development of women in business across Ireland for almost 40 years. We are both fully aligned with, and firmly committed to seeing more women in business succeed and thrive in Ireland, and by harnessing the power of belief in each other we continuously fuel and empower sustainable and thriving communities and societies.”
The closing date for receipt of online applications is 6pm Thursday, 7th April 2022. For more information visit www.networkireland.ie
