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The 2024 Irish Women in Business Awards honored standout female entrepreneurs in fashion, technology, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, film, PR, and disability advocacy, showcasing their influence and inviting wider recognition through VIP Magazine.
The 2024 Irish Women in Business Awards marked a significant moment for female entrepreneurship in Ireland, spotlighting trailblazers from fashion, technology, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, and beyond.
Held on 20 November at the upscale Anantara Marker Hotel in Dublin, the ceremony began with a warm lunch and wrapped up with applause and accolades. A panel of experts, comprising leaders from various sectors, chose winners based on innovation, impact, growth, and influence within their respective fields. All winners were subsequently featured in a special edition of VIP Magazine, ensuring their stories reached a wider audience.
PR Leaders Shaping Irish Business
During the event, several standout business owners were highlighted for their contributions to Ireland's vibrant economy. Katie Allen, a veteran of the Irish public relations scene with more than a decade's experience, founded Agency Fourteen in 2023. With a background steeped in skincare, beauty, fashion, and luxury communications, Katie's agency climaxes with an integrated strategy that combines PR, events, and brand storytelling.
Sonia Harris, who launched Harris PR in 2009 after a decade in agency work and journalism, forged a niche by offering strategic counsel and creative campaigns to multinational brands, start‑ups, and non‑profits. She has also been a vocal proponent of diversity, equality, and inclusion in PR, championing the first DEI benchmark report for the sector. Further representation came from Presence PR, established by Sinéad Ryan and Joanne Byrne in 2003.
Leveraging 40 years of combined PR experience, the duo has worked with both independent businesses and sizeable global brands, earning acclaim for their client relationships and outcome‑driven advocacy. Lindsey Holmes, the founder of Lindsey Holmes PR, built her empire by securing high‑profile music acts such as U2 and The Cranberries. Her involvement with the Electric Picnic festival turned it into Ireland's biggest music gathering, expanding attendance from about 10,000 to 55,000.
The film industry was honoured with Edwina Forkin, head of Zanzibar Films. Since launching the company in 1998, Zanzibar has produced over 40 film and television projects, many of which have secured awards internationally. Tamber Media's founders, Carol Gunner and Jenny Buckley, received recognition as well. Their broadcast and media production company crafts compelling visual content for Irish audiences, drawing on decades of combined experience in corporate and broadcast media.
Media Success and Social Impact
In the realm of growth‑hacky communications, Ailish Cantwell's Inspire agency was celebrated for its focus on personality, purpose, and genuine connection. The agency's services span media relations, product launches, styling, and event management, all tailored to resonate across print, digital, televised, and social platforms. Lastly, the awards paid tribute to social impact through Sinéad Burke, a disability educator and author.
Founder of Tilting the Lens, she has devoted two decades to advocacy, education, and creating inclusive workplaces, leading the organization's strategic development and championing accessibility across policy and culture. Beyond honouring individual achievements, the awards also underscored Ireland's growing reputation as a hub for female leadership.
By acknowledging figures from the public relations, entertainment, fashion, and venture sectors, the event not only celebrated current successes but also encouraged the next generation of Irish women entrepreneurs to push boundaries, innovate, and create lasting impact on the national and global stage.
Female Entrepreneurship PR Industry Film Production Diversity And Inclusion Accessibility
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