Six Chambers of Commerce unite to host a cross border celebration of women in leadership
Women from across Dundalk and County Louth are being encouraged to save the date for a major new cross-border event, She Leads Women Shaping Economies, taking place on Friday, September 5 at The Fairways Hotel.
Organised by six Chambers of Commerce situated between Dublin and Belfast, each currently led by a female Chamber President, the afternoon tea event will showcase women in leadership, highlight their contribution to local and national economies and provide a platform for important conversations about leadership, resilience and growth.
The initiative represents a unique collaboration between Dundalk Chamber, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Drogheda and District Chamber, County Meath Chamber and WBR Chamber of Commerce. All six Chambers are headed by women who have come together with a shared vision of creating opportunities for dialogue, connection and support.
Hanna McDonnell, president of Dundalk Chamber, who spearheaded the event, said she was delighted to be taking part in the event and was looking forward to connecting with the other five chambers. She added: “She Leads is a real opportunity to be a voice of change. It brings together women from different sectors and jurisdictions, fostering the connections and collaboration that can make a tangible difference in our communities and we are very excited to launch it here in Dundalk.
The six Chamber presidents have come together to pioneer this cross‑border initiative that celebrates female leadership across our island and its an honour to be a part of it.
By sharing experiences, ideas and practical solutions, we can strengthen networks, open new pathways for mentorship and business, and contribute to policymaking that reflects women’s needs and ambitions. Our event is to showcase how focused collaboration can translate into measurable impact at local and regional levels.
I urge everyone from every industry to join us in Dundalk for an inspiring afternoon of purposeful conversation, practical networking and lasting support. Come ready to listen, share and leave equipped with new contacts, actionable insights and renewed determination to shape the future.
Importantly, all proceeds from the event will be donated to local women’s charities, so every ticket directly supports services and programmes that empower women and girls in our communities”
The She Leads event has been designed as a space for women to connect across sectors, geographies and industries. It will feature panel discussions with a range of business leaders and decision-makers, together with networking opportunities over a formal afternoon tea.
The event will begin with a prosecco reception at 1.30pm, providing an informal opportunity for participants to meet others from across the region and beyond. Guests will then take part in panel discussions featuring speakers drawn from politics, business and media. The discussions will provide insights into the realities of female leadership in today’s economic and social environment and will reflect a broad range of professional experiences.
The afternoon will conclude with a full networking tea, allowing participants to continue conversations, build relationships and form new connections that may extend far beyond the event itself.
She Leads has been created as a collaborative initiative between six Chambers of Commerce spanning both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Chambers involved are Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade (led by President Edwina Flynn), Dundalk Chamber (led by President Hanna McDonnell), Drogheda and District Chamber (led by President Naomi Tully), Lisburn Chamber of Commerce (led by President Ruth Young), County Meath Chamber (led by President Niamh Giffney) and WBR Chamber of Commerce (led by President Colleen Dowdall Tinnelly).
This cross-border approach aims to reflect the interconnected nature of the region’s economies while also celebrating the role of women in shaping future growth.
The event will be compered by Northern Ireland broadcaster Denise Watson, a well-known journalist and presenter with more than 30 years’ experience in television and radio.
Rather than delivering lengthy keynote speeches, each panellist will take part in conversations designed to highlight key themes such as resilience, breaking barriers in male dominated industries, leadership in public life and building creative enterprises. The full line-up of panellists will be announced in the coming weeks.
She Leads has been designed not only as a networking and professional development opportunity but also as a way to support women in the wider community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local women’s charities, ensuring that the initiative has an immediate and tangible impact.
She Leads is supported by Local Enterprise Office Louth, PTSB, Oriel Office, Deli Lites, Southern Regional College (SRC), Newry Mourne and Down District Council and Excalibur Press.
Tickets for the event are available now via TicketTailor at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dundalkchamberofcommerce1/1804447
Spaces are limited and early booking is advised to secure a place at this new event in the business and leadership calendar.
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Editor’s Notes
For more information contact Alex Feher, alexandra@excaliburpress.co.uk, 07526234805 or Niamh Cooper, niamh@excaliburpress.co.uk
President Hanna McDonnell, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce – president@dundalk.ie
CEO John McGahon, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce – CEO@dundalk.ie
PRO Paddy Malone, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce – pro@dundalk.ie
About She Leads Women Shaping Economies
She Leads Women Shaping Economies is an opportunity for women to come together, share their experiences and contribute to shaping a stronger, more connected economy.
Business professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and those in public life are encouraged to save the date and secure their place at what promises to be an important afternoon of dialogue, networking and collaboration.
