The third eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards launched today, in Dublin’s Anantara The Marker Hotel, where the awards will also take place on Friday, November 17th at an inspiring lunch event.
The awards MC Maïa Dunphy and Susan Brady of award sponsor eir, were on hand to speak to former winners.
Caroline Kennedy (Kennedy PR), Keilidh Cashell (KASH Beauty), Áine Kerr (Kinzen), Ceira Lambert (Hair Consultancy), and Blanaid Hennessy (Folkster) chatted about the power of winning, the power of being nominated, and the power of being seen and recognised.
This year, over 100 more enterprising Irish women will be nominated across 11 different categories which you can check out here. A special award will also be presented on the day to the Entrepreneur of the Year.
A panel of judges will decide upon winners made up of Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business; Lily O’Donoghue, eir’s Small and Medium Business Director; Aimee Connolly, last year’s winner of Entrepreneur of the Year; Rebecca Brady, Commercial & Events Director of VIP Publishing; and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of VIP magazine.
Sponsors for the event include eir, Very, Dr Hauschka, AYA supplements, Penneys, Lindt, Boots, Great Lengths, Fenero, aparto, and Malfy.
Aimee Connolly, last year’s winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award said: “I think it is such a special awards because of the judges behind it, because of VIP, and because it is celebrating women.
“I also think when you work for yourself you can have moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome and these accolades really give you a boost that you’re doing the right thing. Winning Entrepreneur of the Year last year was definitely one of the biggest shocks and one of my biggest wins.”
Speaking at the launch, VIP Commercial & Events Director Rebecca Brady said: “VIP Publishing are thrilled to be welcoming eir back for a second year as title sponsors of the Power of Women awards, their support helps us to amplify this event year on year.
“Women are the backbone of everything we do at VIP, so we are very proud to provide a platform that shines a spotlight on the drive and determination of Ireland’s leading female entrepreneurs and we look forward to honouring their successes once again this year.”
Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business commented: “We are extremely proud that eir is once again the title sponsor of these awards. The eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards shine a light on the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs across Ireland, recognising and celebrating the real impact of women in business.
“At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and by highlighting the tangible contributions women make to innovation, economic growth, and society at large, we hope to inspire a next generation of women who will create a brighter future for us all.”