Meet the Judges
In order to ensure impartiality and to maintain the integrity of the evaluation process, all judges are independent from TrailblazHER™, it's partners and collaborators.
Adjudication Committee
Holding responsibility for the judging process, the Adjudication Committee ensures that all evaluation procedures are transparent, impartial, and aligned with the values of the Excellence Awards. It reviews criteria, safeguards the credibility of the results and is responsible for the first-round of shortlisting of candidates.
Dr Kara McGann
Dr Kara McGann is Head of Skills & Social Policy at Ibec. Her role involves regular analysis of social and educational policy issues for a business audience, and as a strategic advisor to employers providing support on skills, labour market, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and social sustainability policy and practice. She is a member of the National Skills Council and Chair of its NTF working group, a member of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, a board member of the Open Doors Initiative, represents Irish business on the Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Committee of Business at the OECD (BIAC), a member of the Social Affairs Committee at Business Europe and Chair of their Employment Working Group, and a member of the Labour Market Advisory Council. Prior to joining Ibec in 2008, Kara held roles in industry as a Career Development Manager, Organisational Psychologist, and lectured at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive level.
Dr Aisling Soden
Dr Aisling Soden is an experienced public sector professional with a strong focus on client relationship management, strategic innovation, and talent development. Aisling joined IDA Ireland in 2017 as part of the strategic policy team. Currently, she leads the talent development pillar within the Talent Development & Digitalisation Department. In this role, she designs and manages workforce development programmes for IDA client companies and collaborates with government and education stakeholders to address the future talent needs of MNC’s in Ireland. Previously, she managed research portfolios at Research Ireland in the areas of technology and engineering. Aisling’s qualifications include a PhD in Earth Sciences, a postgraduate business certificate, and a professional diploma in coaching and mentoring. She is an active Carmichael mentor and serves as a Board Member of Mental Health Ireland.
Dr Philip Owende
Dr Philip Owende is Assistant Head of Academic Affairs, TU Dublin. He is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland (FIEI), and previously a member of Engineers Ireland Accreditation Board. He was a University College Dublin (UCD) Newman Scholar and Adjunct Professor, School of Biosystems Engineering UCD. External to TU Dublin, he has chaired and participated in international verification reviews of undergraduate engineering programmes on behalf of the International Engineering Alliance towards mutual recognition of awards supporting engineering graduates’ mobility in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. He served as a member of the 2022 National Expert Group that carried out the 2nd HEA National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions. He is member of the HEA-Athena Swan National Intersectionality Working Group, and Co-Chair of TU Dublin’ EDI Working Group on Interculturalism.
Sinéad Brady
Sinéad Brady is an accredited Irish work and organisational psychologist and founder of The Career Psychologist, she is dedicated to creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces. Her work actively challenges conventional career models that have traditionally excluded diverse talent, advocating instead for courageous, sustainable, and human-centred careers. With over 20 years' experience, Sinéad partners with organisations and individuals to build evidence-based strategies that foster genuine inclusion. She encourages people to bring their best self to work, encouraging them to align professional ambition with personal identity in a way that is both authentic and effective. A passionate advocate for gender equity, Sinéad's current research explores the lived experience of returning to work after maternity leave. This work seeks to dismantle systemic barriers and redesign career paths that are supportive for working parents. Her number 1 bestselling book, Total Reset (HarperCollins), provides a powerful framework for navigating the complexities of modern work. Through her programmes and writing, Sinéad continues to champion a new vision for professional life, one where careers are not just successful, but are meaningful, humane, and truly diverse in shape and rhythm.
Dr Maureen Walsh
Dr Maureen Walsh is a Lecturer in the School of Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Science at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and a Principal Investigator within the Molecular Design and Synthesis Group. With more than two decades of experience across academia and industry, she brings a strong record of research, mentorship, and leadership to her role. A committed advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), Dr Walsh actively champions the participation and advancement of women in STEM. She works to create inclusive research and learning environments, ensuring students and colleagues alike can thrive. She is a member of the University’s EDI council and has held the role of EDI Champion within her School. Her leadership reflects a belief that scientific excellence and EDI go hand in hand, broadening perspectives and driving innovation.
Judging Panel
The distinguished judging panel undertook the challenging task of evaluating an exceptional shortlist of candidates, applying their expertise and insight to select this year’s winners. Find out more about the panel below.
Margot Slattery
Margot Slattery is the Global Group Head of Social Sustainability at ISS World Services, leading global initiatives that advance social sustainability and align with the company’s ESG goals. She champions diversity, equity, and inclusion across cultures, abilities, genders, and generations, and represents ISS in The Valuable 500 movement for disability inclusion. A former chef turned business leader, Margot previously served as CEO and Country President of Sodexo Ireland and later as Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Sodexo Group, where she co-founded Ireland’s first Diversity Charter. Renowned as a pioneer in DEI, she is a trusted advisor to global leaders and a respected advocate for social and climate justice. Margot combines strategic leadership with deep expertise in human capital, corporate responsibility, and wellness, helping organisations link culture with performance. She lives in Ireland with her wife Sarah and enjoys rugby, golf, community engagement, and time with friends.
Andrew Campbell-Edie
Andrew brings over 20 years of experience to his Communications role with Irish Centre for Diversity. With ‘lived experience’ gained in the UK and Ireland, Andrew is a FREDIE™ (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement) champion with a special interest in positive role models. Andrew’s career is built on collaborative working and he is skilled at clearly communicating complex messaging. He has had articles about FREDIE issues published in the Business Post, Marketing.ie and others He recently completed the MSc Marketing programme at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. His study included Marketing for Social change, Leading corporate reputation and he also gained a Certificate in Intercultural Development. Andrew is a TED talk fanatic, crossfitter, fast car enthusiast and an avid Ru-Paul’s drag race follower.
Dr Michelle Cullen
Michelle is a managing director at Accenture in Ireland, and executive sponsor for inclusion and diversity. For over 30 years, Michelle has worked at the intersection of technology and humanities. She is a strong advocate for diversity and co-founder of Accenture’s Women on Walls initiative which seeks to make women leaders visible through a series of commissioned portraits to inspire future generations. She serves on the Board of the National Gallery of Ireland and is a DCU Alumni Achievement honouree.
Samuel Riggs
Samuel is the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager for Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, Ireland’s national railway. He’s passionate about creating accommodating environments for customers and staff alike, and is an advocate for compassionate, person-led practice in the HR space. Samuel joined Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail in 2022 after 3 years in the finance industry, working across the globe in the Corporate Social Responsibility space. He has previously worked in marketing communications in the gaming and tourism industries, and is currently a law student at the Honorable Society of King's Inns. Samuel sits on the Business In The Community Social Leaders Group, acts as a Diversity Ambassador in Transport for the European Commission, was the winner of the Diversity Champion category at the CIPD HR Awards 2024, and lead Iarnród Éireann to success in the Advancing Gender Equality category at the National Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2025.
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Sabrina Staunton
Sabrina Staunton is a senior technology leader with over 15 years of experience driving transformation across people, process, and technology in global tech and financial services. As Director of Workplace Experience and Dublin Tech Hub Lead at Mastercard, she leads strategic initiatives focused on culture, leadership development, and organisational transformation. A passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, STEM, and neurodiversity, she has coached over 120 women and actively supports outreach to schools, colleges, and marginalised communities. Sabrina has served on multiple Women in Tech boards and helped shape employee resource groups and talent forums that promote inclusive leadership. A certified Enterprise Agility, Executive, and Leadership Coach, she guides individuals and organisations through change in complex, regulated environments. She also serves as CWIT Integration Lead, co-leading Mastercard’s involvement in Connecting Women in Technology to advance collaboration and gender equity across the sector.
Daniel Kelly
Claire Hayes
Claire Hayes is the Head of Research & Policy at the Open Doors Initiative, where she works to create equitable access to employability for people experiencing systemic barriers and supports businesses in embedding inclusion in their practices. With a Master’s degree in Social Policy from University College Cork, Claire’s research is focused on participatory governance, the use of public consultation and the role of citizen engagement in shaping effective and inclusive public policy. Prior to joining the Open Doors Initiative’s team, Claire worked with Women for Election. Here, she championed increased political participation and leadership by women, helping to challenge structural barriers and create pathways for more diverse voices in decision-making processes. At the Open Doors Initiative, she leads research, policy and government engagement initiatives that embed equity at the heart of systems change. Claire is passionate about ensuring that those most at risk of exclusion are central to shaping solutions.
Christian Sweeney
Christian Sweeney is CEO of Institute for Studies in Social Inclusion, Diversity & Engagement (INSIDE EU), an Ireland-based education and research organisation promoting inclusion and diversity across Europe. He has spearheaded projects such as the Erasmus+ “Houses4Autism” initiative, focusing on independent living and support systems for young adults with high-functioning autism in multiple European countries. Under his leadership, INSIDE EU advances community-led initiatives for marginalised groups, aligning education, research and advocacy to foster social inclusion. Christian brings a strategic outlook to the intersection of diversity, disability inclusion and cross-cultural engagement, leveraging networks across policy and academic spheres. Recognised for his continuous work and advocacy, he regularly contributes to conferences and publications centred on inclusion and social justice.
Emer Currie, TD
Emer Currie is the Assistant Government Chief Whip and Fine Gael Spokesperson for Childcare and is a member of the Children & Equality, Education & Youth, and Transport Oireachtas Committees. She was elected as a TD for the Dublin West Constituency in November 2024; she was previously appointed as a Senator in June, 2020, as a Taoiseach’s Nominee. She was Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson for Special Education and Inclusion & Northern Ireland, served on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement Committee and Chair of Sovereign Matters on the British Ireland Parliamentary Assembly. Emer was elected to Fingal County Council as a first-time candidate on the first count in May 2019 for the Castleknock Local Election Area in Dublin West. She became a Business Director in Ireland’s largest marketing and communications company at 31. As part of her work she helped drive behavioural change through public awareness campaigns for the local environment, public health and Ireland’s domestic tourism market.