MC - Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh

Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh is one of Ireland’s most respected broadcasters, with a career spanning television, radio, and live events.  A pioneering figure in Irish language media, she recently won Program of the Year at the Gradaim Cumarsáide an Oireachtais for her Raidió na Gaeltachta show Bláthnaid Libh and also appears in TG4’s Crisis Eile.  Known for her thoughtful interviewing style and powerful storytelling, Bláthnaid has covered a wide range of social issues through acclaimed documentaries and factual programming.  Alongside her broadcasting work, she is a highly experienced presenter and MC, hosting major events including Tourism Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day livestream and the Traveller Pride Awards.  Since joining RTÉ’s Nationwide in 2020, she has continued to share stories from communities across Ireland with warmth and authenticity.

Keynote Speaker - Clare McKenna

Clare McKenna has worked across TV and Radio for almost 20 years.  Her experience includes live Breakfast TV anchoring, reporting and presenting across a range of current affairs and lifestyle programmes. In more recent years she has brought a personal passion to her profession, presenting Newstalk’s health and wellness show Alive and Kicking interviewing guests on everything from mental and physical health to cold water therapy.  Her Health Coach qualification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition has allowed Clare to extend her knowledge to coaching in the areas of lifestyle medicine and holistic health.  An exciting speaker, Clare brings her personal experience of wellness overwhelm and speaks of changes she has made from a focus on the aesthetic with punishing and restrictive habits to those more nourishing and energising.  Clare also presents podcast Changemakers empowering people to be the change they would like to see in the world through inspiring conversations with her guests.

Panellist - Laura McDermott

Laura McDermott is the CEO/Founder of Colectivo and a recognised leader in sustainability and innovation.  Named an Under 35 Changemaker at the 2024 PMI Awards - supported by PwC - and a Top 100 Women in Social Innovation 2022 by Euclid Network - supported by the European Commission - Laura has extensive experience in designing for impact.  Her work focuses on redefining how organisations approach sustainability and regeneration through a project-based methodology.  She integrates empathy, stakeholder collaboration, design thinking, and lean innovation principles into every project.  Laura’s expertise lies in designing projects that address social and digital transitions, with a portfolio spanning EMEA and LATAM.

Panellist - Amy Bracken

Amy Bracken is an experienced genealogist and historical researcher who spent over a decade in the UK producing and researching major television documentaries, including the BBC’s acclaimed series Who Do You Think You Are?  Since returning to Ireland in 2024, she has founded Global Irish Genealogy, working with clients worldwide to trace Irish ancestry.  Amy also continues to consult across the heritage sector and is currently pursuing a PhD in Irish history and genealogy.