Five-chamber collaboration raises funds for Women’s Aid and refuge services across the Corridor

She Leads, the annual half-day conference for women in corporate leadership and management, brought senior leaders from both sides of the border together on Friday 11 September 2026 for an afternoon of lively discussion, practical insight and meaningful networking at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.

Now in its second year, the event was organised by five Chambers of Commerce across the M1 Corridor – Dundalk, Drogheda, Meath, Newry and Lisburn – under the theme Leadership in the AI Era. Speakers and panellists shared honest perspectives on the changing workplace, reflecting on the opportunities presented by technology while emphasising the enduring importance of human judgement, authenticity and collaboration.

‘Over 150 delegates attended on the day.’

The programme opened with a welcome address by Hanna McDonnell, President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, followed by a keynote from Miriam Simon, President of Drogheda Chamber, on Thriving in the Age of AI – Practical Tools for Today’s Leaders. The afternoon continued with two panel discussions, speed networking and afternoon tea.

Panel 1: Adapt, Lead, Thrive – Understanding AI’s Role in Our Working Lives

  • Martina Gribben, Audit Director & Head of ESG and Sustainability, UHY FDW
  • Kate Nicholl MLA
  • Pauline Clarke, Business Owner, Kookee & EatLoadedCookies

Panel 2: Still You – Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI

  • Louise Keenan, Leadership Communication, Executive Presence and Business Influence Specialist
  • Lyndsey Kenny, Owner and Founder, Pet Bliss
  • Barry James, Owner, Blink Blue

Meath Chamber President Niamh Giffney led the charity auction and raffle, raising much-needed funds for Women’s Aid and refuge services across the M1 Corridor, with a named local beneficiary in each of the five Chamber areas.

The event was closed by Ruth Young, President of Lisburn Chamber of Commerce.

Quotes from the organising Chambers:

“She Leads is about the women in the boardroom and the women in the refuge. Both matter. Both are in this room today. And we are not leaving either of them behind.”

Hanna McDonnell, President, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce

was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors: main sponsor UHY FDW; gold sponsor SRC SECBA; silver sponsors Overhaul, Dundalk Credit Union, Pet Bliss and Bright Beginnings; and reception sponsors Ruthless Media and Hanna McDonnell Marketing.

About She Leads

She Leads – Women Shaping Economies is an annual female leadership conference organised by five Chambers of Commerce on the M1 Corridor. She Leads is not a profit-making event. All proceeds from the charity auction and raffle go to Women’s Aid and refuge services local to each of the five participating Chambers. For more information contact president@dundalk.ie.

Women didn’t wait for the frontier. We built it.