Network Ireland Limerick partnered with AIB to host a conversation about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace. Women in business from across the city and county attended the event at AIB’s head office in Limerick.
Guest speakers on the night, Denis Doolan and Caoimhe Scolard from AIB, spoke about the initiatives that they are rolling out across the bank to create psychological safety and realise their ambition to have Universal Inclusion.
They then facilitated a panel discussion with Noel Gavin, Northern Trust, Billie Stoica, Susan Peña, Villiers School and Jackie McCarthy O’Brien, former Irish International Soccer & Rugby Player and Tik Tok Sensation. Each of the panellists shared their lived experiences and gave tips on how to move from an unconscious to conscious mindset and hold more open conversations about diversity and inclusion.
The event was opened and closed by a moving performance by the Hands in Harmony Deaf Community Choir.
Caoimhe Scolard, Group Inclusion & Diversity Lead, said, “Every single person deserves to be celebrated and given the opportunity to show up and be themselves. At AIB our Inclusion and Diversity ambition is to have Universal Inclusion. By embracing diversity of experience and thought, we’re encouraging a positive challenge to group think and creating a better place to work and do business.”
Karen Ronan, president of Network Ireland Limerick said, “The fear of saying the wrong thing, can often prevent people from embracing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Education and awareness is the only way we can improve our confidence in this area. This event was all about providing our community with tips and guidelines on how to start the journey to achieving equity in the workplace and in society. I would like to thank AIB for hosting this important event and give a special thanks to all our guest speakers for their openness, for sharing their story and for their encouragement.”