31 women finalists for Network Cork branch awards ceremony

Over 30 women from across Cork have been recognised for their professional achievements across eight different award categories for the upcoming Network Ireland Cork branch Businesswoman of the Year awards.

Taking place at at Fota Island Resort toward the end of the month, the winners of each category will be announced during the organisation’s annual blacktie dinner which will be hosted by Emmy-winning former CNN correspondent Gina London and guest speaker Minister Michael McGrath.

President of Network Cork Maria Desmond congratulated this year’s finalists and paid tribute to sponsors AIB, Cork City LEO and the judging panel for their support.

“The most important aspect of the annual Network Cork awards is that it highlights the careers and work of women in business in Cork. The process serves to showcase women’s careers, strengthen confidence and promote their role in the business community. We are extremely grateful for the time and support provided by this year’s judging panel in addition to the long-standing support of AIB and Cork City LEO.”

The winners in each category will be determined by the judging panel of Linda Kiely, co-founder Voxpro; Vicki Crean, AIB and Dr Niall O’Keeffe, LEO Cork City.

FINALISTS

The categories and finalists for each category are the following:

Solo Businesswoman - Cathy Fitzgibbon MBus, DipLCM (The Culinary Celt); Judie Russell (The Vidacademy); Karla Goodman (Made To Measure Films) and Melissa Curley (SocialBe Communications).

Emerging New Businesswoman - Una Buckley (Blossom4Life); Fiona Walsh (Imagine Coaching); Claire Keane (Second Street Bakeshop); Linda O’Connell (Digi Nomad); Áine McLoughlin (AML Property Services); Lolah Annabel Limah (Bezateli Ltd.); Noella Carroll (Pinnaklo Ltd.)

Established Businesswoman - Anne O’Doherty (Quintas Wealth Management Caroline O’Brien (Erin Hampers); Sandra Looney (To Have and To Hold).

Rising Star Employee - Sandra Gilligan (Pinnaklo Ltd); Niamh Drohan (Hopkins Communications); Aoife Behan (The Montenotte Hotel).

Shining Star Employee - Gillian Roche – (GE Healthcare); Helen McGonagle ALAI - Comhairle Cathrach Chorcaí - Cork City Council); Lynda McAuliffe (Quintas Wealth Management); Paula Daniela Scopetta (Eli Lilly and Company); Jean Cotter - GE Healthcare.

Creative Professional - Izabella Sikora (Funky Cakes by Architect); Maura Mackey (Maura Mackey Design); Monika Nowakowska (Lady of the Valley); Orla McAndrew (Orla McAndrew Food).

STEM - Hilary Quinn (Proximo Web Design); Lena Ni Mhurchu Angland (Wanderful); Sinéad O’Flynn (Health 4 U Cork).

Power Within Champion - Cathy Fitzgibbon (MBus, DipLCM - The Culinary Celt); Orla McAndrew (Orla McAndrew Food); Anne Marie McIlwraith (Just For Men); Maura Mackey (Maura Mackey Design); Diane Higgins MIDI (Diane Higgins Design); Linda O’Connell (Digi Nomad); Karla Goodman (Made To Measure Films); Lolah Annabel Limah (Bezateli Marketplace).

New for 2022 will be ‘ The President’s Award’, which will acknowledge the work of one exceptional person who has inspired Network members.

The event takes place at 7pm on Friday, May 27th.