Powerhouse International Women’s Day 2026: Building Your Own Path, In Conversation with Emma Maye

Join Carlow County Council for International Women’s Day to celebrate the achievements of women in business and connect with the Powerhouse Network at a special event with a keynote address from Emma Maye, IMAGE PwC Business Woman of the Year 2024, and hear from a panel of industry experts and local businesswomen.

What is Powerhouse?

The Powerhouse Network is supported by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office and our partners in Carlow Library Service, County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet and South East Technological University. We also welcome our new partner: KCETB. It’s a dynamic community designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals with the connections, tools and inspiration needed to succeed.

As part of the wider South East support ecosystem, Powerhouse helps women to grow sustainably, increase turnover and address long-term resilience and sustainability goals through peer learning, networking and strategic collaboration.

About our keynote speaker: Emma Maye

Emma Maye is CEO of Ardale Property Group and former CEO, now Chairwoman, of Core Building Providers, leading businesses that employ over 100 people across multiple branches in Dublin’s construction and homebuilding sector.

With more than 20 years’ experience across the industry, Emma is known for her people-first, values-led leadership, strategic growth and ability to navigate challenge and change.

A proud dyslexic chief executive in a traditionally male-dominated sector, she has championed greater female representation in her companies and beyond, using her own story to show that difference can be a real advantage in business and leadership.

At this event, Emma will share:

• Her journey from “unexpected CEO” to award-winning business leader
• How values, resilience and ambition shaped Ardale and Core
• The role of networks, mentors and allies in navigating a demanding sector
• Practical lessons for women building careers and companies on their own terms

Why attend?

International Women’s Day is about more than one day of celebration – it’s about connection, visibility and momentum.

This event is an opportunity to:

• Hear an honest, uplifting story of leadership, growth and perseverance
• Connect with other women in business across the Powerhouse Network
• Reflect on your own path – and what you want to build next
• Discover supports available through the Local Enterprise Office and Powerhouse partners

You’ll leave with fresh perspective, new connections and renewed energy for the year ahead.

Agenda

• 10:00: Welcome from Paula O'Brien, Director of Services: Planning, Economic Development, Regeneration and Corporate Services for Carlow County Council
• 10:10: Announcement of new Powerhouse partner - KCETB
• 10:20: Keynote speech from Emma Maye
• 10:30: Women Supporting Women Panel from our Powerhouse Partners
• 10:50: Facilitated Networking session
• 11:40: Lessons Learned in Resilience panel discussion: Dearbhla O'Dwyer, Business Advisor Carlow County Council Local Enterprise Office; Emma Maye, CEO of Ardale Property Group; Caitriona Cullen, Cullen Nurseries; Anne Lanigan, Divisional Manager, Local Enterprise and Regions in Enterprise Ireland.
• 12:05: Launch Powerhouse Generator competition
• 12:10: Closing remarks from Norah Ryan, President of Carlow Chamber of Commerce

When & Where

Date: Friday 6th March 2026 Time: 10am-12.30pm

Location: Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. 

Investment & Booking

This event is free of charge but places are limited so early booking is strongly encouraged.