CelebrateHER This International Women’s Day

After the phenomenal success of recent years, the organisers are delighted to unveil the exciting plans for this year’s CelebrateHER Conference – an inspiring and uplifting day dedicated to celebrating women and their incredible contributions across the community.

On Tuesday 4 March, the conference will take place at Ulster University, Coleraine, featuring thought-provoking keynote speakers, a panel of motivational ladies, and opportunities for over 200 like-minded women to connect through facilitated networking.

Caroline O’Neill (Digg Mama / Digg for Success) returns as the conference host, ready to explore the theme of Accelerate Action – celebrating achievements, exchanging game-changing ideas, and building the confidence to pursue new goals.

The event is open to all – whether an individual is an entrepreneur, considering starting a business, unemployed, a caregiver, on a career break, a dedicated volunteer, or a community leader or member. It is an inclusive event for everyone.

Among the accomplished and motivational speakers are Olympic medallist Lady Mary Peters and homegrown champion Hannah Scott, who will join host Caroline to share the triumphs, challenges and defining moments of their extraordinary careers. Their combined experiences and unbreakable spirit promise to serve as a genuine source of inspiration and empowerment.

Marie Gleeson, former Irish Navy Ships Captain and Founder of NavMar Leadership – one of the first female officers in the Irish Navy – will explore the topic of leadership and discuss how resilience can be built to improve team performance even in the most challenging environments.

Emma Burdett, Founder of Digital Culture, will delve into authenticity in the digital age and examine what the future of storytelling holds.

Each speaker is set to bring unique perspectives and stories to the stage, ensuring that every attendee leaves inspired to take bold steps in their own journey.

Discussing the conference, Jayne Taggart, CEO of Enterprise Causeway, remarked that CelebrateHER is back and that this year’s event is shaping up to be bigger, bolder and more empowering than ever. Taggart noted that the event has steadily grown over recent years into a must-attend occasion, particularly significant for the North Coast where events of this scale are a rare and valuable opportunity. She emphasised that the day offers the perfect chance to step away from the daily grind, absorb wisdom from extraordinary speakers, and connect with individuals dedicated to making a difference – whether the goal is to find inspiration, make new friends, or leave with actionable advice.

Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University, also reflected on the event with enthusiasm. He expressed delight in partnering with Enterprise Causeway to bring the conference to the Coleraine campus, describing it as a wonderful opportunity for Ulster University graduates to unite with the wider community in celebration of International Women’s Day. He shared particular excitement about hearing from UU graduate Louise Adams, who is achieving great success with her Cultshe clothing brand, and noted the honour of having graduate Caroline O’Neill return as host.

Looking ahead, Councillor Tanya Stirling, Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, expressed her anticipation for the CelebrateHER Conference in Coleraine. In her role, Stirling supports women who undertake a variety of roles – whether as community members, mothers, caregivers, entrepreneurs or business professionals. She looks forward to joining women from across the Borough and beyond to celebrate their achievements and foster ideas, aspirations and collaboration. Stirling also extended her gratitude to Enterprise Causeway for the invitation to what promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring day.