TWO Irish businesswomen were recognised as industry role models at the 2015 FDM Everywoman in Technology Awards in London this week.
Belfast-native Patricia O’Hagan, CEO of Core Systems, picked up the award for Entrepreneur of the Year on a night where leading business and technology figures came together to celebrate women in the industry.
Mrs O’Hagan, whose company specialises in technology solutions for high security facilities and offenders, said: "It's a long time since I started my career, and there weren't many role models when I started.
"I'm delighted to take this award back to Belfast tonight on St Patrick's night," she added, at the ceremony held on Tuesday, March 17.
Cork native Karen Egan, Director of VMware International Ltd, was also presented with an award on the night, claiming the International Leader of the Year gong.
"I'm absolutely delighted to see so many women in the audience of such a high calibre today," she said.
"I really am delighted to accept this award and will make sure I use it to bring more girls into IT and furthering their education."
Elsewhere London-based Sinéad Brophy, who is University College of Dublin educated, was named the winner of the Innovator of the Year category.
Ms Brophy was recognised for her role as Founder and CEO of MySupportBroker CIC, which brings together people with expertise in support and care for those with long-term illnesses, disability and mental health.
"I'm not a technologist, but I am an innovator," she said.
"I really recommend to women that they take their ideas and make them the best they can be, so our sisters can come up through the ranks. I hope that the award I get tonight will inspire other women as much as I feel inspired by everybody else here."
