Mayo woman speaking at International Women’s Day celebration in Galway

A VIBRANT morning of connection, conversation and networking will see Galway businesswomen come together on Friday, March 6.

A Mayo woman is among the speakers for this year’s International Women’s Day celebration. Claremorris native Cróna Esler will join an inspiring line-up of Galway businesswomen in the Salthill Hotel for an event entitled Women Empowering Women.

Cróna is owner and managing director of Cróna Esler PR & Communications - a bespoke public relations and communications firm, offering a broad range of specialised and client-specific services.

Cróna’s career has spanned more than 20 years across journalism, public relations and communications. She works with clients across diverse sectors to develop compelling messaging, build awareness and credibility, protect reputation, foster trust, and shape perception both internally and externally.

This year’s International Women’s Day event in the City of Tribes is being organised as a joint collaboration between Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Galway and Network Ireland Galway. It forms part of LEO Galway’s schedule of events for Local Enterprise Week (LEW), running from March 2 to 6.

The Women Empowering Women event will begin at 9.30 a.m. on March 6, and will feature Ruth Mackey, co-founder, chief science officer, and COO of MBRYONICS Ltd., as the guest speaker.

Ruth’s expertise spans system-level oversight of optics development, alongside financial management and business operations. She will take the audience on an inspiring journey from her early work in advanced adaptive optics to her role at MBRYONICS.

At MBRYONICS, the team is building the internet in space through next-generation laser communication technologies that connect satellites with unprecedented speed and precision.

Ruth’s address will be preceded by a Women Leading The Way fireside chat, featuring Cróna Esler, Tara Canning and Elma Carew. The trio will share their stories, insights, and practical takeaways to help attendees empower their own personal business journeys.

Tara is managing director of Dr. Clare Apothecary & Clinic, while career and wellbeing coach, as well as a Fractional HR partner, Elma runs Elma Carew Coaching and Consulting, helping professionals gain clarity, confidence and balance in their work and life.

Crossmolina native Stephanie Colombani, senior enterprise development officer at LEO Galway, is heavily involved in organising the event. She said attendees can expect an engaging event from beginning to end.

A light breakfast will be provided on the day. For tickets and further details, visit galwayleo.clr.events.

A full schedule of events taking place for Local Enterprise Week in Galway is available here.