The Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2023 was hosted by Hi Style at the weekend and with RTE’s Miriam O’ Callaghan as compere. The ethos of the awards is to recognise the many women from many walks of life and from all parts of the country that make such a difference to life in our country. The inaugural event saw forty women honoured from the areas of medicine, business, philanthropy, charity, health, wellness, beauty and many other sectors. 

 

Speaking at the awards, the CEO of Hi Style Mary Jane O’ Regan said, “It is a great honour for me and our Hi Style brand to recognise such incredible women for what they do and for what they contribute to life. From the thousands of nominations that the public made for these awards, our judges decided on their choice for 2023 and I think they made an outstanding selection. The amount of work and effort the nominees put in ahead of the awards supplying supporting evidence. and during the whole process it is incredible. I congratulate every one of our winners for their much deserved awards and encourage them to keep doing what they do as their contribution is immense and we all appreciate them enormously”.

 

 

The room was electric on the night and it was so heartwarming to see so many empowered women encourage each other and network so well. The sponsors on the night were Villa Maria Wines and Barry and Fitzwilliam. The associate Sponsors  were Oxendales, BYD Cork, bigwhiterabbit.ie, Wines of the World, Kara Lincoln, SOMA, Cocoa Brown, Eminence, Flourish Emporium, Nobó, “Illuminate” Naked Serum, Skinician and Supplements Made Simple

Our first award at The Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2023 was for the many women who quietly and privately do so much in life, without ever seeking recognition or publicity for their deeds
Miriam O Callaghan accepted the award for all of these amazing women, from Michael Mulcahy and this is the citation that accompanied this award that was read on the night by Michael Mulcahy –
“As we know, some of the roles that women have are public roles and much of what they do is known to many. As we also know, many incredible women do amazing things very quietly and rarely, if ever, receive, or want to be acknowledged for what they do. This event seeks to work with both models and respect the latter model fully, and that is why at each annual event that we will host for The Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards, starting tonight with this event, that there will ALWAYS be an award reserved on the evening for those women who do so much and in such a quiet way for so many. Our recognition will be public for their private deeds, but reserved as they would want it in an overall and anonymous award for them. Each of us knows, loves and respects so many of these incredible women and we fully understand the many reasons that they do what they do and why they do it in a private way. The Villa Maria Women of Vision Award 2023 that is dedicated to these incredible Women of Ireland will be accepted on their behalf this year by Miriam and will be displayed in a specially created Women of Vision unit in our offices, and promoted throughout the year, so that we can continue to say to them, THANK YOU, for what you do, for what you continue to do, in the remarkable and private way that you do it”

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN PR / Communications / Media 2023

Our first winner is a veteran PR Professional with a colourful and varied career. She leads a team of talented directors, marketing strategists, brand storytellers, digital innovators and creative visionaries. With vast industry experience and a proven ability to perform, her team deliver the perfect combination of passion and affinity to maximise results.To her credit in the last fifteen years she has over 500 launches, 250 front covers , 500 million plus media value and over a billion social media impressions for her brands, Her professionalism and dynamic attitude has seen her business grow into a multi award winning agency.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR PR / Communications is Valerie Roe

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN MEDICINE 2023

Professor Mary Horgan who is being recognised in The Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2023 for her role as the first female President in the history of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. 363 years after the College was founded, Professor Horgan was elected as President in 2017 as the 142nd President, to serve a three year term and is now serving a second term as President of the College, the first President to be re-elected in over a century. Professor Horgan is a Consultant in Infectious Diseases and practices in Cork University Hospital and is the former Dean of University College Cork Medical School. Professor Horgan, who is originally from Kerry attended University College Dublin and graduated with a MB BCh in 1986 and trained as a specialist in infectious diseases at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She received an MD in 1995 and was appointed Dean of University College Cork School of Medicine in 2013 and was the first woman to hold this office. Professor Horgan became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI) in 1997 and became involved in the RCPI’s administration in 1999 and was elected President of the college in 2016, beginning that term in October 2017 leading on new governance structure in the College, Ireland’s largest and oldest postgraduate medical training and professional affairs body. In 2019, she was awarded The UCD Alumnus of the Year in Health & Agriculture Science and in November 2019, she was appointed to NPHET by the Minister of Health. She chaired the Rapid Antigen Expert Advisory Group with the subsequent implementation of antigen testing in 2021.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN MEDICINE 2023 – PROFESSOR MARY HORGAN

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN FOUNDED BRANDS 2023

Our next winner started her business as a salon, working with people and growing her customer base. A decade ago she moved into product development creating one of Ireland’s best loved beauty brands and the world’s first one hour tan. The brand is now internationally recognised.She made a great quality product affordable and attainable and added to her portfolio with an affordable makeup brand too . She is an open, honest leader and a passionate advocate for the industry. She is also involved in the initiative, Starting Strong. She believes in supporting the female entrepreneur community in Ireland. Starting Strong is an initiative pioneered by Paula Fitzsimons and backed by Enterprise Ireland, which aims to support female entrepreneurs in Ireland.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN FOUNDED BRANDS Marissa Carter from Cocoa Brown Cosmetics.

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN CHARITY 2023

Our next winner is the CEO of a charity close to our hearts. Founded in Cork by the late Prof Gerry O’Sullivan in late 90’s, under her leadership in this last decade the charity has grown exponentially. Breakthrough Cancer Research funds world-class cancer research into poor prognosis cancers, which are poorly served by current treatment options. They facilitate collaboration between scientists and clinicians across Ireland and internationally to fulfil their mission to make more survivors of cancer. Using her scientific and business background Orla has presided over the charity’s expansion in reach and significance to today by supporting over 160 researchers in 13 institutions in Ireland and beyond. In February of this year they launched their first All-Ireland Cancer Research Network, characterised on RTE News as game changing for oesophageal cancer patients. She has provided national leadership as a former board member of Ireland’s National Cancer Registry and is currently a member of the National Cancer Control Programme’s Cancer Research Group.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN CHARITY ORLA DOLAN FROM BREAKTHROUGH CANCER RESEARCH


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESS WOMAN 2023

Our next winner is a woman with a portfolio of successful businesses stretching across hospitality, product production and development and fitness. Already an award winner at national level her team and customers have great admiration and respect for her accomplishments so far. She owns some of Cork’s best loved businesses over the last two decades and has exciting plans for further growth across the various brands in the coming year. Her businesses are always one step ahead of trends and she is involved in giving many small businesses collaborative opportunities. Her portfolio of businesses is further evidence of her entrepreneurial, dynamic spirit

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESS WOMAN is Irene Twohig of Soma Coffee, Burnt Pizzas, The Black Market and Ketogym

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY 2023

Our next winner is already a multi award winning entrepreneur and superb Irish success story. To her credit she has been a teacher, journalist, editor, lecturer, executive coach, accidental entrepreneur and platform executive.She is a two-time graduate of Dublin City University with a Bachelor of Education (B’Ed) and Masters in Journalism (MAJ). She is a Fellow of the Sulzberger Leadership Program in Columbia University, NYC and will graduate with a Masters in Business (MSC) from University College Cork in 2023. A former Global Head of Journalism Partners at Facebook in New York, she has also worked for Ireland’s main broadsheet newspapers The Irish Times, The Irish Independent and The Irish Examiner. Last year she successfully and smoothly transitioned a small Irish startup into one of the most groundbreaking and respected platforms in the world today. Her favourite parts of her job are seeing people hired or promoted, knowing she’s helping elevate the next generation of leaders. Overall her mission is to help the next generation of women via The Shona Project, Gaisce, Rethink Ireland, Founders in NDRC and more.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Aine Kerr of Spotify

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY 2023

Our next winner is an energetic management professional with over two decades of experience within the hospitality industry. She specialises in brand development, planning and implementation of marketing & PR campaigns, event management and social media for the hotel that she works in. She was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Marketing Institute of Ireland FMII in 2009, in recognition of her dynamic and engaging year as Chairperson of the South East Branch in 2008. Under her marketing stewardship the hotel has received many accolades and her colleagues had a lot to say about her management style and vision for the property.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR FOR WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY – DEIRDRE HOULIHAN


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 2023

Our next winner is a barrister and accomplished female but it is her charity work that brings her here this evening. Sepsis is your body’s extreme reaction to an infection. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to organ failure, tissue damage and death. The Irish Sepsis Foundation is a non-profit charity organisation founded and launched in September 2022 by barrister Doireann O’Mahony after she witnessed first hand through her clients the devastating effects of Sepsis. The Irish Sepsis Foundation is a member of both the Global Sepsis Alliance and the European Sepsis Alliance.and we are delighted to honour Doireann here this evening for her work in raising awareness and providing support and information to families devastated by this killing disease.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Doireann O’Mahony to the stage.

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN HAIR 2023

Our next winner is an internationally acclaimed hairdresser first, but has recently stepped into product development after spending 25 years behind the chair in a hugely successful salon. Her salon is renowned for superb hair and phenomenal customer service.She has worked internationally and with some of the world’s most celebrated brands. She identified a huge gap in the hair market and used her personal and professional experience to bring a range of unique products to the market whilst juggling her salon and family life. Launched in 2023 her brand is making a huge impression with customers and the media alike.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN HAIR 2023 IS Denise Walsh from CurlyCo

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023
Dr. Laura Cuddy who is being recognised in The Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2023 for her role as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and American and EBVS Specialist in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and as the Co-Founder with her husband Dr. Turlough McNally of Veterinary Specialists Ireland. Laura graduated from University College Dublin in 2008 with a first class honours degree in Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery, followed by a Masters of Science and residency in small animal surgery at the University of Florida (UF).In 2013, Laura joined University College Dublin as Assistant Professor in Small Animal Surgery. She was welcomed as a Diplomate of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons in 2014, and as a Diplomate of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Laura is actively involved in teaching and regularly delivers lectures and practical workshops nationally and internationally.
To add to the exceptional growth of the state of the art hospital that Veterinary Specialists Ireland operates in County Meath, a planning application has been made in recent months for a new Specialty only Small Animal Veterinary Hospital in Little Island, Cork. The application is for a state of the art hospital that will again see a multi million euro investment being made by Dr. Cuddy and Dr. McNally with the vision of patients in Ireland South being referred to Veterinary Specialists Cork from their general practitioners for advanced diagnostics, including CT and MRI, and procedures such as orthopaedics and neurosurgery.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023 – DR LAURA CUDDY

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD – THE ARTS & CULTURE AWARD 2023
Our Arts & Culture Award this evening is going to a woman that has recently launched her first novel. With the title of ‘THERE’S SOMETHING I HAVE TO TELL YOU’, it was published in April by Hachette Books and since its launch has regularly featured in the Top 10 of best selling books in Ireland. I am told it is a fascinating read and I am so looking forward to reading it. Our recipient is a well known journalist and has now submitted her second novel to her publishers which will be out next year. Oh my what a future star we have!!

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR ARTS & CULTURE 2023 – MICHELLE MCDONAGH

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD – THE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL AWARD 2023
Our recipient this evening is no stranger to awards and has been recognised here in Ireland, in Europe and in the USA for her leadership in business. As an experienced Operations Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry, she is an exceptional operations professional skilled in Business Planning, Engineering, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Quality and Supply Chain Management and leads one of Ireland’s most respected businesses, Horner Ireland which is
part of world wide Horner Electric Group that is family owned and was founded almost 75 years ago in the USA. Horner Ireland is the European Headquarters of the Horner Group and was founded in Cork just over 25 years ago. The company prides itself in being the industry leader in all in one control solutions for end users.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL 2023 – BRENDA COOPER

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR C.C.O of the Year 2023

Our next winner has been with her organisation for almost eight years and was appointed Chief Commercial Officer in that time. She brings to her current role a vast range of experience with over 15 years of management positions in a broad spectrum of business functions, ranging from sales and marketing strategy to product innovation, operations, projects, and events. She is responsible for driving and overseeing business and product development, sales and commercial operations across the business.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR CCO OF THE YEAR Lianne Kavanagh from Iconic Offices

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in the Beauty Industry 2023

Our next winner opened a beauty salon when she was just 21 years of age, which has now grown and expanded into one of the largest beauty & skin clinics in Ireland . She was one of the first to bring Hydrafacial to Ireland – in her 16 years of working in the industry she has trained with leading brands and suppliers – always adding new treatments to the salon. When covid hit, and she had to close her doors, she realised her clients were going to struggle to keep up the professional results they were achieving in salon. This led her to creating her own advanced skin-tech brand October 2021, she launched with her first two award winning products, followed by a third this year.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in the Beauty Industry 2023 Anna Forde of Haumea Skincare

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD – THE INSPIRING WOMAN AWARD 2023
Inspiring a nation is not an easy thing to do, but without doubt our next recipient has that gift. She is the owner of Ireland’s longest established modelling agency and has been modelling for close to 60 years at local, national and international events and for some of the biggest and most prestigious brands. Her enthusiasm for all things fashion and style is legelegendary and she is one of those women that just oozes inspiration for everyone.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR INSPIRING WOMEN 2023 – CELIA HOLMAN LEE

 


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN Women in Education 2023

Our next winner is an educator and advocate for those with dyslexia. She provides ongoing support to people with learning differences, offering a range of support from online courses to individual assessments to diversity and inclusion programs for universities and corporations.While she has been running her business for the past numbers of years, she has also completed her qualification in child psychology having previously received a BComm. and MSc from UCC in Ireland where she received Scholar of the Year award. She left the corporate world to make a difference in education. She also guest lectures at MTU University

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN EDUCATION – Una Buckley.

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE Leader of A Dream Team 2023

Our next winner stepped into her leadership role after being on the team for only a few short months. This leader was nominated by her team.On a day-to-day level, her job is to manage workloads, welfare, input into creative briefs and spot opportunities for growth but her team see her as a dedicated compassionate leader!. She encourages and motivates to not just do the job but to utilise each team member’s individual skills, talents and perspectives to create assets that will give other departments what they need . She is based in Dublin, while the team is spread across Ireland and the UK, but her management style and the teamwork skills of the perfectly curated team make working together a seamless experience that allows the team to get on with doing great work. Under her leadership the copy team has tripled and become renowned across the entire global enterprise.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE LEADER OF A DREAM TEAM Leona McDaid of Johnson Controls.


THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 2023

A career spanning over three decades has seen our next winner grow her business hugely after starting the very first of its kind at the time in Ireland. . A seasoned hair and beauty professional with a keen eye for details has seen her family business grow from strength to strength. She empowers her team and 34 years on. still holds her management role. She serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Hairdressing Council of Ireland. Also actively involved in the community, she is a member of both the Wexford Chamber and Network Ireland. Not content with fulfilling her career obligations she also contributes her time and expertise as a member of the Fundraising Committee for the Forde Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD for THE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR 2023 Fiona Gainfort of Gainforts Hair and Beauty.

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN WELLNESS 2023

Our next winner offers individual & team coaching and development, wellbeing workshops & programmes, and HR consultancy services to organisations across all industries. Her goal is to support organisations to invest in their most vital asset – their people and truly believe that investing in employees from a coaching, development or wellbeing perspective will pay dividends to the organisation and allow employees to lead a more happy, fulfilled life and career. To date her team has delivered wellness workshops and programmes to over 100 clients, coached over 40 coaching clients, provided team coaching and development to 8 teams and provided HR consultancy services to 5 clients on a retained basis.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN WELLNESS – Donna Reilly People and Wellness

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD – THE CHANGE MAKERS AWARD 2023

This evening we are delighted to be honouring two women that have made a phenomenal contribution to politics on a collective basis and to Cork city and to Cork county on an individual and collective basis. Last night, Cllr. Deirdre Forde stepped down as Lord Mayor of Cork after a brilliant year in office and also last night Cllr. Deirdre O’Brien stepped down as the Deputy Mayor of Cork county after an equally brilliant year in office. With Cork City Council as the local authority that the Lord Mayor represented and Cork County Council that the Deputy Mayor represented, both Deirdre’s worked so well in their individual and collective roles over the past year. Both women have so much in common as they are both natives of Mitchelstown and both have served in their time on Cork County Council. Both will now resume their Councillor positions at Cork City Council and Cork County Council respectively. Encouraging more women to consider entering politics at local, national and European level is an objective of many people and organisations around Ireland, and this is an objective that our judges fully endorse.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR CHANGE MAKERS IN IRISH LIFE 2023 – CLLR. DEIRDRE FORDE AND CLLR. DEIRDRE O’ BRIEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Inspiring the Future Award 2023

Our next award is for a trio of women that have set up an initiative to inspire, encourage and motivate young female students to pursue careers in STEM. I WISH features annual conferences, interactive exhibitions and campus-based programmes. It is a community committed to showcasing the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths to teenage girls. Additionally they run outreach activities, mentorship programmes, TechForGood laptop donations, twinning programmes, further education programmes and showcase events reaching a global audience.

Please welcome Caroline O Driscoll and Sharon Lombard to the stage to accept the award. Caroline will also say a few words on behalf of the team.

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Emerging New Business Woman  

 

Our next winner is a solicitor with over 18 years experience in the legal profession. She worked in one of Cork’s most prestigious firms until last year. Then she took a massive leap of faith and opened her own law firm with the vision of creating a welcoming space for people that were seeking legal services and to employ a team that she could empower and mentor. Her approach to clients is to help them as much as possible utilising her vast experience, knowledge and empathy.  

 

 LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR EMERGING NEW BUSINESS WOMAN IS KATHERINA WHITE 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women of Dream Teams – Customer Service Champions 2023

Our next winners are leaders in innovation and a team of expert professionals in the beauty and healthcare sector ranging from an exceptional front of house team to a group of skin experts and surgeons. With a state of the art clinic that is accredited with a JCI accreditation their ability to offer confidence and help their patients everyday is what really sets them apart.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN OF DREAM TEAMS CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPIONS The CHRC at the Bons Tralee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Rising Star – Employee Category 2023
Our next winner is a Warehouse & Operations Manager who has gone above and beyond for her employers (who nominated her) and also for each and every team member to help, guide , train and advise.She also is exceptional at customer service and looks after each client like they are the only client. Everyone always comments on how kind and helpful but also has exceptional management skills. She is a crucial part of the team and under her leadership the operations side of the business has become more efficient and agile.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE RISING STAR EMPLOYEE Jennifer Regan to the stage from Kare Cosmetics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Rising Star Business Woman 2023

Our next winner has been a hairdresser for over 25 years and a businesswoman for over a decade. She has worked with international brands travelling the world educating in colour as well as teaching in renowned businesses for staff upskilling. She recently expanded her offering and opened a second state of the art premises offering clients a super luxurious experience whilst maintaining the warm and welcoming ambience. Her way with conversation helps them feel comfortable and valued through the entire process. She has vast knowledge of products and is a pro at determining the perfect home regimen for the specific needs of her clients’ hair.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE RISING STAR BUSINESS WOMAN 2023 Simone Best

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in Professional Services 2023

Our next winner is a seasoned HR professional with a varied career in HR having worked all over Ireland for the last 18 years. Working & volunteering in the not for profit sector for a number of years, her most recent transition is to head of people in her current role within a large tech company. The company she represents here this evening are pioneers in remote & virtual academic conferencing. Passion for people is her main career focus and she has already enjoyed many highlights including being a regular panellist for CIPD and often speaking about People & Hr Issues in the commercial and Social Enterprise space.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE WOMEN IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 2023 Barbara Coughlan from Ex Ordo

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in the Culinary World 2023

Our next winner is a visionary in the culinary world having set up her business 34 years ago. Her vision came from her childhood in Sweden. She believes in a flat based structure where her Team are all equally important in their job roles and dependant on each other to keep the business afloat. Fairness, equality and respect for each other is the base of the business. She now supplies a huge number of hotels, restaurants and retailers with her creative vision. Her management team is 90 per cent women with 18 full time staff. She also operates Food Tourism with 35,000 visitors yearly.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR THE WOMEN IN THE CULINARY WORLD Birgitta Hedin- Curtin from THE Burren Smokehouse.

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Creative Business Woman 2023

Our next winner is the creative director of a distillery and moved from the world of tech to Cork to open its first new distillery in over five decades. The creative and brand building side of business is something that is her strength ,right from identifying the raw materials , to distilling the spirit with the right flavour profile , to bottling , creating the brand design which conveys the story of the liquid , to marketing it , the whole process was under her direction. She is also passionate about sustainability and equality. Procurement choices within the distillery are ethical and they ensure that marginalised communities are supported . All raw materials for their Gin are sourced from a farming Co-Op run by women in Kerala , South India . They are paid fair prices and all raw materials are sustainably produced.

 

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR CREATIVE BUSINESS WOMAN 2023 Bhaghya Barrett from Rebel City Distillery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Family Business

Our next winners are a dynamic pair of women that started their business from home. The business grew to such a size that they have relocated twice in a decade to accommodate their expansion. They recently added product development to their portfolio and are about to expand further. The core of their business has always been customer focus and their business evolution has not altered that. They are big investors of time and resources in their team and business. We are excited to see what comes next.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR FAMILY BUSINESS ARE Maureen and Frances McCarthy

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in Partnership 2023

Our next winners run a successful business in Dublin which is celebrating five years in business this year. Each of them have their individual strengths and contribute to the business in different ways albeit equally. Every client they see is made to feel special and attended to.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN PARTNERSHIP Katie and Kristine Roche

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR 2023

Our next winner is a skilled young entrepreneur that set up a services business but recognised a gap in the market for a product that would complement her services. Launched less than a year ago the product frequently sells out and has featured on RTE and in Social and personal. We are excited to see what the future holds for this young entrepreneur

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR IS
Shauna Fitzpatrick

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Empowering CHANGE IN SPORT 2023

Our next winner is centred around empowering girls and women in sport, creating a cultural change and dedicated to changing the conversation around women in sport.Sport is critical for personal development, promoting positive mental and physical health, building confidence and teaching life-long skills.. Leading a passionate team she is dedicated to advocating for more coverage for women’s sport and she brings workshops all over Ireland to schools to help open the conversation about the importance of sport for women and girls .

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR EMPOWERING CHANGE IN SPORT Niamh Tallon – Her Sport

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in Wellness Solopreneur 2023

Our next winner is on a mission to change your relationship with your gut. Not just content with working with her clients to get them moving more this winner is an overall health and nutrition coach that works with individuals and groups to help them regin health and confidence

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Women in Wellness Solopreneur 2023- Stephanie Healy

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Creative Sustainability Champion 2023

Our next winner is a stylish dedicated fashionista that creates slow fashion pieces for a variety of different occasions. continuously striving to push boundaries and make bespoke pieces that are handmade, embrace sustainability and present themselves as wearable art pieces. Her aim is to capture audiences around the world and show them that millinery can be for everyone, there is a design out there to suit your style and to bring millinery back to the forefront of fashion all in a sustainable way.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR CREATIVE SUSTAINABILITY Sarah O Rourke.

 

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Small Business Superstar Connaught 2023

Our next winner is already a multi award winning business in Portumna in Galway and The team although small is perfectly formed with hundreds of five star reviews from their customers for excellence in customer service . The owner strives to bring the latest trends and technology to her clients and invests heavily in her team.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR Small Business Superstar is Melissa Hogan

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR SMALL HEALTHCARE BUSINESS 2023

Our next winner set up her business with children in mind having worked in the healthcare system for almost three decades. She saw a problem that she could solve and created a product that is now distributed all over Ireland in pharmacies.

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR SMALL HEALTHCARE BUSINESS 2023

Our next winner set up her business with children in mind having worked in the healthcare system for almost three decades. She saw a problem that she could solve and created a product that is now distributed all over Ireland in pharmacies.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR SMALL HEALTHCARE BUSINESS 2023 is Sinead Crowther

 

 

 

The Villa Maria Women of Vision Networking Champion 2023

Our next winner is a small business owner who loves to network and empower women . She is actively involved in local networking events and is always thinking of new ideas to work collaboratively with other business women.

Ladies and gentlemen our winner of the Villa Maria Women of Vision Award for networking champion 2023 is Louise Moran of the Imaginarium.

 

 

 

THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN AESTHETICS 2023

Our Next Winner is a highly acclaimed entrepreneur, renowned for her successful ventures in the dynamic aesthetic healthcare sector. With a focus on innovation and progress, she owns and manages a diverse portfolio of businesses. Her leadership style is results-driven and visionary, and she is a leading advocate for establishing thriving aesthetic clinics. She recognizes the paramount importance of education in aesthetic medicine and surgery, as well as digital literacy, in elevating global economic and social standards within the field. Boasting over 25 years of international experience in pharmaceuticals, aesthetic practice, and education, she is a seasoned and accomplished founder. Her expertise encompasses strategic leadership, business development, branding, digital marketing, and international partner management, cultivated across various industries ranging from start-ups to large multinational corporations.

LADIES & GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME OUR RECIPIENT FOR THE VILLA MARIA WOMEN OF VISION AWARD FOR WOMEN IN AESTHETICS is Pyn Lim of European College of Aesthetic Medicine.