Monaghan lecturer among finalists in TU Dublin’s inaugural TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards
Joanne White from Inniskeen was among three DkIT lecturers nominated for the awards which celebrate exceptional women, changemakers, and allies shaping the future across diverse fields.
Joanne White, Founder and Director of Women in Construction Ireland and a lecturer in The Built Environment, Dr Suzanne Linnane, Director of DkIT’s Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) and Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens, who leads the Environmental Education (EE) research theme within the CFES, have been announced as finalists in the national initiative, celebrating women who are redefining excellence, leadership, and innovation across Ireland.
There are twelve categories in the awards, each recognising exceptional women, changemakers, and allies who are shaping the future, from science and technology to education, entrepreneurship, the arts, and community leadership.
Joanne White from Inniskeen, an award-winning advocate for equity in construction is shortlisted in two categories, the TrailblazHER Allyship Award and also the DEI Research and Development Award.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for two TrailblazHER Awards. It’s a real privilege to be recognised in this way, especially for research, which plays such a key role in shaping the future of the construction industry. This recognition is not just about me; it highlights the growing impact and leadership of women in construction across Ireland. I’m proud to be part of that progress,” said Joanne. “TrailblazHER™ represents empowerment, connection, and visibility, values that I strive to bring into my own work every day.”
Both Dr Suzanne Linnane and Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens have also been nominated in the Sustainability Category in recognition of their passion and dedication to advancing sustainability through education, research and community engagement.
The TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards, part of TU Dublin’s flagship TrailblazHER™ gender equality programme, honour individuals whose determination, creativity, and impact are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative Ireland.
This year’s awards highlight 51 finalists across 12 categories, each exemplifying leadership, vision, and purpose. The winners will be unveiled at the TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards Ceremony on November 6th in TU Dublin’s Concert Hall, a celebration of Ireland’s most dynamic and trailblazing women and allies.
“These awards are about more than achievement; they are about empowerment, visibility, and connection,” said Dr Aoife Blowick, Senior Manager of TrailblazHER™. “The Excellence Awards shine a light on the women, allies, and changemakers who are reshaping Ireland’s future. At TU Dublin, our commitment to gender parity goes beyond words, it’s about meaningful action, recognition, and building a lasting legacy of equality.”
The 12 award categories are:
- TrailblazHER Businesswoman Award
- Technology TrailblazHER Award
- Sustainability TrailblazHER Award
- TrailblazHER Community Hero Award
- TrailblazHER Allyship Award
- DEI TrailblazHER Award
- DEI Research and Development Award
- TU Dublin TrailblazHER Award
- TrailblazHER Future Leaders Award
- Trailblazing Alumna Award
- Trailblazing Returners Award
- TrailblazHER of the Year Award
A full list of finalists is available at www.TUDublin.ie/TrailblazHER/Excellence.
