The Local Enterprise Office (LEO ) Galway and Network Ireland Galway will collaborate to host an inspiring and energising celebration of Galway businesswomen in the Salthill Hotel on Friday, March 6th. The event, taking place to mark International Women’s Day, will form part of LEO Galway’s schedule of events for this year’s Local Enterprise Week (LEW ).
Entitled Women Empowering Women, the celebration will begin at 9.30am on March 6, and will feature Ruth Mackey, Co-founder, Chief Science Officer, and COO of MBRYONICS Ltd, as the guest speaker.
Ruth’s expertise spans system-level oversight of optics development, alongside financial management and business operations. She will take the audience on an inspiring journey from her early work in advanced adaptive optics to her role at MBRYONICS. At MBRYONICS, the team is building the internet in space through next?generation laser communication technologies that connect satellites with unprecedented speed and precision.
Ruth’s address will be preceded by a Fireside Chat, titled Women Leading The Way. Cróna Esler, Tara Canning and Elma Carew will form the panel for the Fireside Chat. They will share their stories, insights, and practical takeaways to help attendees empower their own personal business journeys.
Cróna is the Owner and Managing Director of Cróna Esler PR & Communications – a bespoke public relations and communications firm, offering a broad range of specialised and client-specific services. Cróna’s career has spanned more than 20 years across journalism, public relations and communications. She works with clients across diverse sectors to develop compelling messaging, build awareness and credibility, protect reputation, foster trust, and shape perception both internally and externally.
As Managing Director of Dr Clare Apothecary & Clinic, Tara leads the company with a strong online presence. Tara has been with the company for over 20 years, starting as a part-time retail assistant and Clinic Nutritionist. Today, Dr Clare Apothecary products are stocked in over 150 stores nationwide. A strong ethos of quality, sustainability and lean management have led Tara and the business to a strong position in the health and wellness sector, with plans to scale to the EU market in 2026.
Elma runs Elma Carew Coaching and Consulting. She is a Career and Wellbeing Coach, as well as a Fractional HR partner, helping professionals gain clarity, confidence and balance in their work and life. She holds advanced coaching qualifications across career, wellbeing and leadership and is an experienced workshop facilitator delivering sessions on burnout, resilience, mindful work, digital wellbeing and leadership skills. With two decades of HR experience including senior leadership roles, she blends insight, practicality and deep understanding to help people and organisations move forward with purpose.
Stephanie Colombani, Senior Enterprise Development Officer at LEO Galway, said attendees can look forward to an engaging event. “LEO Galway and Network Galway are coming together to celebrate International Women’s Day with what promises to be an uplifting and energising event. We have an excellent line-up of speakers and attendees can expect a vibrant morning of connection, conversation and meaningful networking with women from across Galway’s thriving business community.”
A light breakfast will be provided on the day. For tickets and further details, visit galwayleo.clr.events For a full schedule of events taking place for Local Enterprise Week in Galway, visit www.localenterprise.ie/galway
