TU Dublin Announces TrailblazHER Excellence Award Winners
On Thursday, 06 November, TU Dublin announced the winners for the inaugural TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards, a national initiative celebrating women redefining leadership, driving innovation and shaping a more equitable future across Ireland.
The winners were revealed last night at a celebration hosted by social entrepreneur and advocate Sonya Lennon in TU Dublin’s panoramic Concert Hall. The ceremony honoured the outstanding achievements of more than 50 finalists and welcomed over 300 guests, showcasing creativity, vision and determination that are transforming communities and industries nationwide.
A national platform celebrating women’s contributions, leadership, and innovation, the Excellence Awards form a cornerstone of TU Dublin’s TrailblazHER™ initiative and exemplify the University’s commitment to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
“At TU Dublin, we’re committed to building a future where gender equality isn’t just an aspiration, but a reality. That’s why initiatives like TrailblazHER™ and the Excellence Awards are so important—they shine a light on the women, allies, and changemakers who are driving change, breaking barriers, and redefining leadership across every sector. These awards remind us that when we celebrate women’s achievements, we inspire the next generation to believe that they too can lead, create, and succeed,” said Dr Aoife Blowick, TrailblazHER™ Senior Manager.
From pioneering researchers and changemaking educators to visionary entrepreneurs and community champions, the 2025 winners exemplify the spirit of innovation, inclusion and leadership that defines the TrailblazHER™ movement:
- TrailblazHER™ Businesswoman Award – Melissa Hayward, Melissa Hayward Academy
- Technology TrailblazHER Award – Joanna Frivet, LegalMoov
- Sustainability TrailblazHER Award – Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens, DKIT
- TrailblazHER™ Community Hero Award – Anita Whelan, Doras Buí
- TrailblazHER™ Allyship Award – Melissa Hayward, Melissa Hayward Academy
- DEI TrailblazHER Award – Richelle Flanagan, My Moves Matter
- DEI Research and Development Award -Dr Fionnuala Darby, TU Dublin
- TU Dublin TrailblazHER Award – Giada Franzolini, TU Dublin
- TrailblazHER™ Future Leaders Award – Phuong Vu, Talexa AI
- Trailblazing Alumna Award - Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole, RSCI
- Trailblazing Returners Award – Lucy O’Reilly, Designs For Growth Ltd
- TrailblazHER of the Year Award - Richelle Flanagan, My Moves Matter
A full list of finalists and winners is available at www.TUDublin.ie/TrailblazHER/Excellence.