Carmel Owens, the CEO of Athlone based Sidero, Ireland’s software, cloud and digital transformation specialist, has been named Diversity Role Model of the Year at the Diversity in Tech Awards 2022.
Carmel received the award during a special ceremony at the RDS in Dublin. The awards programme recognises individuals and organisations who are striving to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace in the tech sector.
Carmel was commended for her work to inspire change across all areas of the business, her diversity of thought and her passion for forging an inclusive ethos. Carmel ensures that diversity and inclusion are an integral part of Sidero’s company objectives including increased gender diversity in leadership roles, underpinning an inclusive company culture, ensuring fair and unbiased recruitment, and championing outside-the-box thinking.
Sidero prides itself on being a culturally diverse company, with its team comprising 26 nationalities. Carmel leads the Senior Management team which consists of a 60/40 male/female split. She shapes the company’s overall strategy including its focus on diversity and inclusion, which has already created a positive and lasting impact on the organisation.
In order to build a pipeline of diverse talent, Carmel drives collaboration with all levels of education in Ireland. The aim is to narrow the IT skills gap and show students that a career in technology is achievable for anyone, from any background.
Earlier this year, Carmel was chosen as one of a select group of Irish female business leaders who travelled to Washington D.C. alongside the Taoiseach and the rest of the Irish trade delegation in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. Here, she took part in a variety of roundtable discussions and networking events focusing on female leadership in business.
“I’m honoured to be named Diversity Role Model of the Year for 2022. Diversity is a key focus for us at Sidero, and I’m thrilled that our efforts have been recognised. As CEO, I strive to make diversity and inclusion an integral part of the decisions we make as a company – from internal culture and the hiring process to internships and celebrations.
“The culture we’ve harnessed is testament to the dedication of the entire Sidero team and we will continue to go that extra mile to diversify our workforce. Awareness is one thing, but action is what really counts,” Ms Owens stated, upon receipt of her prestigious accolade.
