Powerhouse Women in Business Network is excited to announce the third annual Powerhouse Picnic, a dynamic networking event designed to celebrate and empower women in business.
This year’s event will take place on Thursday, 27th June 2024 at The Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow with renowned TV personality Lucy Kennedy as the Master of Ceremonies and a host of enterprise talent sharing their stories.
Powerhouse Women in Business Network are proud to announce that this event is in association with Network Ireland Carlow for the second year, and are excited to be collaborating together once again.
Businesswomen from across Ireland are invited to the Powerhouse Picnic for this unique opportunity to connect, share experiences, and advance collaborations. The Powerhouse Picnic coordinated by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office is an excellent opportunity to build new connections and expand your professional network while enjoying a fun and relaxed atmosphere. By attending this event, you may meet potential customers, clients, or business partners that could help your business grow, all while enjoying a delicious barbecue picnic spread.
This year, there are two panel events - Women Supporting Women Panel: featuring Edel Maher (Bank Manager Bank of Ireland), Gemma Purcell (Enterprise Development Manager, SETU Carlow), Megan Manning (President of Network Ireland Carlow), Stacey Phelan (EU Coordinator Carlow Local Enterprise Office), and Melissa Doyle (Business Advisor Carlow Local Enterprise Office) and
Her Story, Her Success Panel: featuring Lucy Mullins (Manager at MMPS Carpentry), Lucy Gernon (3SIXTY Leaders Club), Niamh Hogan (Holos founder & CEO), and Shauna Doyle (former Beauty Therapist turned Tarmacadam Professional).
Welcoming the event, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said "As a society, we thrive when we create inclusive spaces that empower women in business. I extend a cordial invitation to businesswomen from across Ireland, representing diverse career paths, to join us at the Powerhouse Picnic. This event embodies the spirit of unity and empowerment, offering a platform for networking, inspiration, and growth. It is a space where entrepreneurs, executives, innovators, and leaders alike come together to learn, grow, and inspire one another to reach new heights of achievement and fulfilment. I urge you to seize this opportunity to connect with fellow businesswomen, share insights, and forge new paths to success”.
Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor Local Enterprise Office, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to host the third annual Powerhouse Picnic and continue providing a platform for women to come together, support each other, and celebrate their achievements. This event represents not just a gathering, but a convergence of ambition, resilience, and shared purpose. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of women in business. The event is open to business owners and their key staff members throughout Ireland, providing a platform for networking and knowledge sharing in a semi-formal environment.”
The event is run in partnership with Network Ireland – Carlow Branch and Megan Manning, President of the Carlow Network said “As the President of our Women's Networking Group, I wholeheartedly encourage women to join us at the Powerhouse Picnic. This event is an opportunity for personal and professional growth, offering a platform to build valuable connections, expand knowledge, and embrace our full potential. Let's come together, support each other, and make a lasting impact on the world."
The Powerhouse Picnic for Women in Business is not just an event; it's a catalyst for change, growth, and empowerment. Your engagement and participation for this year's event is crucial in fostering a supportive community where women can thrive. Register now and be part of a movement that celebrates the achievements and potential of women in business. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Powerhouse Picnic.
To book your free place at the unmissable Powerhouse Picnic log onto www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or by calling 059-9129783
For further information contact Melissa Doyle Business Advisor on email mdoyle@carlowcoco.ie
Event Agenda:
5.30pm Registration & BBQ
6.15pm Welcome to the Powerhouse Picnic – Lucy Kennedy MC
6.20pm Women Supporting Women Panel
6.45pm Networking Bingo
7.15pm Her Story, Her Success Panel
8.00pm Closing Words & Thank Yous
The event is free of charge and includes BBQ on arrival by the award-winning team at Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow
Bio of Speakers
Lucy Kennedy - Irish radio and television presenter
Lucy Kennedy is a popular Irish radio and television presenter. Lucy currently co-hosts her own breakfast radio show with Colm Hayes on Radio Nova “The Colm and Lucy Breakfast Show”, apart from radio Lucy also currently presents “Ireland’s Got Talent” on Virgin Media One.
As part of her very own show “Livin’ with Lucy” on Virgin Media One, now on its sixth season, Lucy has lived with an array of stars including Nathan Carter, Gemma Collins, Ivan Yates, David Guest, Kerry Katona to name a few. Previous to this Lucy has presented several television shows with RTE and Virgin Media One including “The Seven O’Clock Show” with Martin King, The Lucy Kennedy Show and Charity Lords of the Ring.”
Lucy has also undertaken various radio work with RTE 2FM including “The Colm and Lucy Show and Weekend Breakfast with Baz & Lucy.”
Edel Maher – Manager – Bank of Ireland – Carlow
Manager of Bank of Ireland Carlow, Edel Maher has over 10 years’ experience working in Financial Services. As a Carlow native, she was delighted to be appointed Bank manager of Carlow area earlier this year, having previously managed Bank of Ireland Baggot St. amongst various other roles across the organisation. Within her current role she is dedicated to promoting employee wellbeing and development, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. She strives to create a supportive and thriving work environment which prioritises employee growth.
Edel is highly passionate about supporting local enterprise, understanding the crucial role they play in driving economic growth and vitality locally. Through her work, she strives to empower entrepreneurs in reaching their business goals and is constantly seeking new ways to support and collaborate with local businesses on a meaningful level.
Edel is a Qualified Financial Advisor and holds numerous academic qualifications in financial services. Perhaps not a traditional pairing, she also has a degree in English and Sociology and a MA in Journalism. Edel continues to combine her interest in English and journalism with her professional experience and knowledge of the finance and banking sectors by writing on a freelance basis, specialising in financial affairs as well as current affairs and lifestyle matters. Her varied interests will bring an original viewpoint to the Powerhouse Picnic Panel.
Gemma Purcell – Enterprise Development Manager, SETU Carlow
Gemma Purcell has a varied background in Design Management and Enterprise Development. Originally hailing from Wexford, she now calls Carlow home. Gemma holds an honours degree in Industrial Design from NCAD (National College of Art and Design) and furthered her education with an MBA from SETU Carlow.
Gemma has over two decades of industry experience. She spent over 10 years as a Design Management specialist with both Tesco and Dunnes Stores. In these roles she led multifunctional teams across various design projects, from conceptualisation to execution, driving innovation in the retail sector across Europe and Asia.
Since 2020, Gemma has been making significant contributions as an Enterprise Development Manager at SETU Carlow Campus. In this role, she manages the promotion, management, and expansion of the Institute's Enterprise & Research Incubation Centre, particularly focusing on the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers programme. Gemma is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation within businesses in the south east region.
Gemma also serves as a valued board member of the Carlow Chamber of Commerce, bringing her wealth of expertise in design management, enterprise development, and entrepreneurial growth to the table.
Megan Manning – President of Network Ireland Carlow
Megan Manning is Jewellery designer with over 16 years’ experience in the Jewellery industry, she launched her business Creative Spark with teaching people how to make jewellery, with a deep understanding of personal growth, her Jewellery workshops help people discover their inner spark and express themselves through creativity. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by commitment to excellence, creativity and making a positive impact on the community.
With a commitment to learning she has embarked on many programmes to excel her entrepreneurial journey. With a passion for empowering women, Megan is the founder of Network Ireland Carlow, and in her role as president she supports and connects women across various industries, Megan has a deep commitment in fostering empowerment and collaboration within Network Ireland Carlow, her journey is marked by empowering women, and making a positive impact with a vision to inspire all women in all walks of life.
Stacey Phelan – EU Coordinator - Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Council
Stacey Phelan is the EU Project Coordinator for the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council, where she manages the Interreg InnoCom Project, the Enterprise Europe Network, and other collaborative projects like 3Scences. She recently coordinated Craft Hub, a €1.5 million Creative Europe project with eight EU partners.
Stacey holds a degree in Politics and Public Administration from the University of Limerick. Her academic experience included practical work in a civil service department, which sparked her interest in public service.
Internationally, Stacey spent a year in Toronto, Canada, working as an administrator and customer service specialist in a medical device company. Upon returning to Ireland, she applied her public service administration expertise in various roles within the civil and public sectors, including working in COVID-19 test centres. Notably, she became the youngest female driver tester employed by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland.
Melissa Doyle – Business Advisor - Local Enterprise Office, Carlow County Council
Melissa Doyle is a Business Advisor at the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County Council. She oversees several programs, including the Powerhouse Women in Business Network, Start-Up Programs, and Short Programs, and provides financial and strategic advice to small and mid-sized companies. In her role with the Powerhouse Network, Melissa supports members through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs, helping women expand their professional networks, enhance their skills, and gain valuable knowledge to advance their entrepreneurial journeys.
Previously, Melissa worked as a Legal Executive for over thirteen years before joining the Local Enterprise Office. During her legal career, she developed a thorough understanding of legal procedures and honed her administrative skills, attention to detail, time management, and ability to produce professional correspondence. Additionally, she served as an Office Manager. Before her legal career, she gained customer service and communication skills in the hospitality sector. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Law from the Carlow Institute of Technology and recently completed a Diploma in Local Government Studies with the IPA.
Lucy Mullins - MMPS Carpentry
Lucy Mullins, a dynamic manager at MMPS Carpentry for nearly five years, leads with innovation. She's pioneered digital advancements, significantly boosting efficiency. Lucy recently co-founded a premium home furniture venture, Wood Sense, prioritizing quality and functionality. Her leadership drives growth and success in both businesses.
Lucy is a graduate of Maynooth University and has used her college experiences to identify new opportunities to diversify MMPS Carpentry’s product offering and approach to customer engagement. This has led to MMPS Carpentry becoming an award winning company with its most recent success being the ‘Digitalisation’ Award at the Carlow Enterprise Awards 2024. Lucy’s reputation as a digital business leader lead to her being invited to be a panellist at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment’s ‘Building Better Business’ South East regional event in 2023.
Lucy Gernon – 3SIXTY Leaders Club
Lucy Gernon is a Multi Award-Winning Executive Coach and acclaimed international speaker supporting women in leadership and their teams to accelerate their career progression with confidence and develop as leaders while achieving work-life balance. She also delivers masterclasses and keynotes for corporate events, women's networks (all levels not just leaders) as well as corporate leadership training. She is sought out by Fortune 500 companies and is the Founder of 3SIXTY Leaders Club—the only online membership focused on career progression, leadership development and work-life balance.
Lucy holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Science and had a 20 year career in senior leadership roles in multinational pharmaceutical companies. Her experiences at the top of the corporate ladder provoked an interest in the importance of Work-Life balance for business leaders, particularly female leaders. She retrained as an executive coach and become a certified Member of the International Coaching Federation. Her corporate CV, combined with her knowledge of executive coaching, gives her a unique perspective on the needs and ambitions of females at all stages in their career journeys.
Niamh Hogan - Holos founder & CEO
Niamh Hogan, the founder and CEO of Holos Skincare, is no stranger to a career change with a move from Restaurant Management, into Natural health & wellness, in her late 20's. She pivoted again in her mid 30s when she spent 2 years researching and developing Skincare production before launching Holos Skincare in 2014. Driven and not afraid of a challenge, Niamh ascribes to the school of "just do it and learn as you go". Twice shortlisted for Image Entrepreneur of the year, Niamh is a strong advocate for women in mid life saying no to the humdrum and yes to what they want. In 2016, Niamh won investment for Holos Skincare from Enterprise Ireland through the Female Competitive Start Fund and through RTE's Dragons Den. She has driven Holos to be a profitable business through the production of an excellent product range supported by strong brand building and digital strategy.
Shauna Doyle – Former Beauty Therapist turned Tarmacadam Professional
Shauna Doyle is a dedicated professional with a passion for driving Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV), operating Pavers, and contributing as a general on-site labourer at Doyle's Tarmacadam. After making a significant career change from the beauty industry, Shauna brings a unique blend of skills, adaptability, and a strong work ethic to every project.
She has recently become involved in a new Government initiative called Building Heroes to try encourage more young people into apprenticeships and construction based work. She is a passionate advocate for women working in the construction industry.
Prior to her role in the tarmacadam industry, Shauna excelled as a Beauty Therapist, where she honed her customer service skills and attention to detail. Her journey showcases her ability to embrace change and thrive in diverse environments.
Outside of work, Shauna is a loving mother to two children and a stepdaughter, balancing her professional ambitions with her commitment to family life.