DEI: From strategy to reality

In today's fast-paced workplace, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are no longer just buzzwords; they are essential components of thriving workplaces, across all sectors. To foster a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered, it's imperative to move beyond DEI strategies and into practical implementation.

Our keynote speaker, Bernie O'Connor, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist with the ESB, will share firsthand how the ESB has successfully cultivated a DEI-centric culture. Bernie will discuss the strategies they've employed to create a psychologically safe environment, enhance employee well-being, and drive innovation through diversity.

This is followed by a panel discussion, where our panellists, experts in their fields, will discuss their experiences of innovative and practical implementation of DEI Strategies.

This carefully curated event, kindly sponsored by The Gleneagle Hotel, is designed to empower you with actionable insights and practical examples of how to create an inclusive culture that benefits your organisation in numerous ways, including improved employee morale and engagement, enhanced creativity and innovation, increased productivity and efficiency, strengthened employer brand, and enhanced customer satisfaction

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders and discover how to make DEI a tangible reality in your workplace.

The event commences at 9.30 am and doors open from 9 am onwards.

Speaker & Panel bios:

Speaker Bios:

Bernie O’Connor - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist, ESB & Lead of ESB Employee Resource Groups - A qualified business coach and mentor - Chair of Ibec Diversity Forum and previous member of AHEAD Board. Champions and influences inclusive action and culture to deliver positive people experience and business results. Leads key strategic programmes and initiatives that support the implementation of DEI Strategy to build and sustain an increasingly diverse workforce, ensuring equitable experiences, and culture of inclusion and belonging.

Catherine Tierney - with over 17 years experience in Social Care, now a facilitator with Workability: Inclusive Pathways to Employment, an employment focussed programme to support individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce and supporting employers in increasing diversity and inclusivity within their teams.

Edel McSorley - Operations Director at MrPRICE Branded Bargains, responsible for strategic direction, vision, growth and performance of MrPRICE. As a seasoned professional with over 25 years experience in retail management and tactical business leadership, Edel is known for her drive and expertise in operations and change management that grants the ability to inspire and cultivate inclusive leadership in the organisation. MrPRICE Branded Bargains is a multi award winning organization in the area of Diversity and Inclusion, whose culture empowers diverse talent to think differently and share their experiences and perspectives, which in turn is a key driver for our innovation, development and engagement.

Madina Zikare - with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, is currently a People & Culture Manager at the prestigious Muckross Park Hotel & Spa Hotel, part of the iNua Collection. The iNua Collection was recently awarded the Investors in Diversity Silver Award, recognising its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. This year, the Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, along with the iNua Collection, celebrated five years of partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland. As a member of the Diversity Strategy Group within the iNua Collection, Madina plays a key role in advancing the company’s initiatives to promote an inclusive, diverse, and equitable culture across the organisation.

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