Rachel’s move into Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) space started with a role as co-chair of her local disability employee network, NestAbility and she has now progressed to Global DE&I Manager at Nestlé – the world’s largest food and beverage company.

“I look back on my career to reflect on the change that I have supported – stem cell research approved into UK law, the New Deal for Lone Parents, health finance transparency and inclusion in Malawi. All now making material differences to people’s lives.”

Rachel is an advocate for the power of coaching and mentoring as part of Inclusion & Belonging.

“I’m proud of the lasting impact I’ve made across my career to colleagues with disabilities or those who are introverts in particular.”

Aideen is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive workplaces where people can perform at their best and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Aideen leads the development of strategies that bring together inclusion, wellbeing and employee experience, with a strong focus on practical, evidence-based approaches.

Aideen’s work has contributed to a number of award-winning programmes across the public sector.

Sharon is a member of BnM’s Senior Leadership Team and she leads the company’s people, culture and communications agenda, with a strong focus on Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and organisational performance.

Sharon has championed a data-informed strategy that has advanced employee engagement, inclusive workplace practices and wellbeing across BnM, including supporting Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation, progress in representation, and enhanced employee-focused supports.

Sharon plays a key role in shaping an inclusive, values-led culture that helps people thrive and supports BnM’s continued growth and transformation.

Siobhán leads inclusive workforce policies that strengthen Diversity, Equity & representation across the civil service. Previously, she was Head of ED&I at Publicjobs, embedding equitable recruitment practices and widening access to public service careers. She returned to Dublin in 2021 after two decades in London’s non-profit and public sectors, working across education and youth inclusion, social policy, violence reduction, and ED&I workplace reforms for the Mayor of London.

Siobhán sits on the Board of Black & Irish

John is Director of Human Resources at St Vincent’s University Hospital, where he leads a broad range of strategic HR and organisational development initiatives. With extensive experience across the Irish public health service and civil service, John is committed to fostering inclusive workplace cultures that support staff wellbeing, engagement and professional development.

John has played a key role in advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at St Vincent’s University Hospital, supporting the organisation’s achievement of Investors in Diversity Bronze Accreditation from the Irish Centre for Diversity. He has also supported the establishment of the hospital’s EDI Council and the development of its EDI Strategy, helping to embed inclusion, belonging and equity across the organisation. He is passionate about creating workplaces where diversity is valued, inclusion is embedded in everyday practice, and all staff have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to excellent patient care.

“I am delighted to take part in this panel and highlight the work being undertaken at St Vincent’s University Hospital as part of our ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion & progress.”

Edima is an inclusion champion for workplace equity, and President of the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI), one of Ireland’s leading networks for Black and Afro-Irish professionals & entrepreneurs.

With a career spanning technology, marketing, strategic partnerships, and social impact leadership, she advises organisations on leveraging diverse talent, advancing equity, and building inclusive environments. Under her leadership, APNI won the prestigious Diversity in Tech Award for Cultural Inclusion and was a finalist for the Business & Finance ESG Award.

Edima has led initiatives connecting thousands of professionals to career opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development programs across Ireland. Recognised for advancing workplace equity and social mobility, Edima is a sought-after speaker on leadership, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and the future of work. 

Jeanne has over 30 years award winning experience in inclusion, politics, campaigning, mental health and LGBTQ+ issues, and board membership. She has bipolar which informs her work through lived experience.

Kerrie is an Irish Paralympic archer who has represented Ireland at 5 European Championships, 4 World Championships, the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games where she finished 9th and 17th.

Kerrie is the only competitive archer in Ireland who is in a wheelchair and yet has been the Open National Champion on 5 different occasions, where she competed against archers of all abilities. Archery is a great leveller and she would love people to understand that with her results, the standard of para archery is so high in Ireland that it is one of the most inclusive sports on the island.

Growing up on a farm means she has had to have been very adaptive and loves to face challenges head on. Professionally has worked with global tech multinationals, working in analytics, sales, and marketing on top of which she works closely with government bodies and organisations to raise the awareness of farm safety and raise the profile of para sport in Ireland.

Michael is the ESF+ Social Innovation in Sport Officer for Longford County Council and was selected as an EU Expert for the European Roma Rights Centre’s ‘EU Moving On’ project.

As a neurodiverse professional and a member of the Irish Travelling community, Michael combines vital lived experience with strategic expertise to drive authentic, community-led inclusion. He sits on Sport Ireland’s National Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and serves as a Trustee and Advisory Board member to the UK Traveller Movement.

A prominent advocate and activist for Irish Travellers and Roma, Michael is a recognised leader in his field with extensive experience co-designing grassroots sporting initiatives that dismantle structural barriers and foster genuine progression for marginalised groups.