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Careers in STEM
Inspiring young women with Real-World STEM Careers and Role Models – I Wish When people think of STEM, they often think of laboratories, coding and engineering — but STEM also powers industries like motorsport, aerospace and modern agriculture.
A
t I Wish, we’re passionate about showing young women that STEM exists in every part of modern life. Through the I Wish Festival, we inspire secondary school girls to explore opportunities in STEM by connecting them with relatable role models and real-world careers.
Aoife Raftery Ireland’s only international female rally driver
by the speakers and opportunities there, Mary chose higher-level Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Applied Maths before studying Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Limerick. After taking part in NASA’s United Space School programme, she became the youngest and only Irish engineer on the TREK Performance Research Team in the US, working as an aerodynamics engineer while also advocating for women in STEM and sport. We want girls to
STEM role models We challenge girls to Dream, Dare, Do — to dream big, dare to be different and become something remarkable. We want them to understand that see that the possibilities are endless. STEM careers beyond the usual path STEM isn’t one One inspiring example is Aoife Raftery, As a dairy farmer myself, I also see single path — it’s a Ireland’s only international female firsthand how agriculture has become a rally driver. Motorsport is driven by real-world STEM career. Farming today gateway to endless engineering, mechanics, technology and relies heavily on technology, sustainability, opportunities. data analysis. lab testing and data analytics. Having studied Construction Every day involves science, innovation Management and serving on the Motorsport Ireland and problem-solving, from monitoring animal health Women in Motorsport Commission, she’s an incredible and nutrition to using data and technology to improve role model for young women considering unconventional efficiency and sustainability. Agriculture has evolved into a STEM careers and proving there’s a place for women in career where women can thrive and lead within a positive every industry. and supportive community. We want girls to understand that STEM isn’t one single path Another example is Mary O’Donnell, who attended the — it’s a gateway to endless opportunities. Dream, Dare, Do. I Wish event in Cork in 2017 with Loreto Fermoy. Inspired
The next I Wish Festival takes place on February 4 at the RDS Dublin, with registration opening on August 15th www.iwish.ie.
Women in STEM: Ireland’s blueprint for tech growth As Ireland competes globally for high-value technology investment, skills development, female leadership and collaboration with government and academia are becoming essential for long-term competitiveness in a dynamic, AI-driven economy.
I Anne-Marie Tierney Le Roux Divisional Manager for Technology, Content, Consumer and Business Services at IDA Ireland
reland has some of the highest levels of STEM education and participation, reflecting a strong national focus on technical skills and innovation. Anne-Marie Tierney Le Roux, Divisional Manager for Technology, Content & Consumer Business Services, IDA Ireland, reinforces the importance of continuing to develop STEM skills as central to Ireland’s growth and competitiveness. “Global technology investors are keen to understand Ireland’s AI readiness, including our stability within a diverse and fast-moving sector,” explains Le Roux. “Driving digital skills ensures that as a country, we can attract the highest calibre of foreign direct investment.” IDA Ireland’s upskilling initiative has reached 35,000 unskilled individuals in its first year, against
a 40,000 four-year target, reflecting the scale and momentum of Ireland’s growing talent pipeline. Diversity as a strategic imperative Le Roux explains that narrowing the digital skills gender gap within Ireland is becoming an economic necessity, following recognition that “a diverse skill base is critical to a growing dynamic economy.” Diverse companies are more likely to outperform their peers, and Le Roux highlights this as a strategic imperative for IDA Ireland. “Ireland is fortunate to have several incredible women in senior leadership across many of the largest technology companies in Ireland, including Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland, Catherine O’Doyle, General Manager at Microsoft Ireland, Anne O’Leary, Head of Meta
Ireland, and Sabrina Casalta, CEO of Vodafone Ireland,” explains Le Roux. “Having strong female role models in industry instils confidence in young women to pursue similar career paths, enhancing the diversity of Ireland’s workforce.” Innovation and collaboration Graduates throughout Ireland, male and female, are being equipped with state-of-the-art skills, with many IDA clients working in tandem with universities to deliver programmes specifically geared towards this, such as its Qualcomm partnership with UCC. “Looking ahead, the countries that will succeed in attracting high-value investment will be those where government, industry and academia work in collaboration,” concluded Le Roux.
To find out more, go to: idaireland.com
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