South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recently concluded the second Female Empowerment Programme with a unique cross-border mini conference for participants of the PEACEPLUS funded programme.
Designed to inspire and build on the momentum achieved throughout the course, the conference hosted in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, featured women who had turned their passions into careers including, Caroline O’Neill, entrepreneur, community builder and digital advocate, best known as the founder of the Digg Community; Brianán Johnson who, after years of unfulfilling jobs, re-designed her career and now empowers others to navigate career pivots; and Annette Kelly, speaker and personal development coach and founder of Little Penny Thoughts.
Ciara Toman, from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, offered signposting and information for entrepreneurs, outlining support available through Go Succeed, the go-to source for expert business advice led by Northern Ireland’s eleven local councils. Lavina McGahon presented the supports offered through the THRIVE programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology, while Pauline Clarke highlighted networking opportunities for women in business through Network Ireland. Bringing the conference to a memorable and inspiring close, course participant Patricia O’Rourke read from her new poetry collection, Borrow My Words (Until you find your own).
The eight-week, Female Empowerment Programme, saw more than 40 women from across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area develop their skills in leadership and personal confidence, whilst gaining an OCN Level 3 Award in Employability and Professional Development Skills.
Natasha Lloyd, Senior Innovation Advisor at SERC said, “This exciting programme provided a space for women and girls to gain a recognised qualification and to grow their confidence.
“Participants joined us from many different stages of life and experience. Whilst some had been out of education for several years, many were keen to find a new career path or kickstart a career which suited their current lifestyle, family commitments and aspirations. Everyone, however, was excited to give the programme a go, to find the right pathway and further opportunities that could help them reach career aspirations that might have been missed.”
Natasha concluded, “We were delighted to complete the programme with participants leaving with what one might call ‘mountains of confidence’ to carry into their next steps. Our inspirational line-up of speakers marked the conclusion of the Female Empowerment Programme but the beginning of many new chapters for the 40-strong group of women, with many now planning to retrain, upskill and set up their own businesses.”
The next Female Empowerment Programme starts in SERC’s Newcastle Campus at 10am on Wednesday 29 April 2026. There are a few places still remaining - click here. For information contact: peaceplus@serc.ac.uk
