Cork University Business School Celebrates International Women's Day 2026

18 Feb 2026

CUBS is hosting 2 events on Thursday, March 5th in celebration of International Women's Day 2026.

Join for a connected morning of learning, reflection, and conversation, bringing together a mentorship showcase and our International Women’s Day panel. Aligned with this year’s IWD Give to Gain theme, the sessions will explore how generosity, collaboration, and mentoring can create meaningful opportunities for women, because when we give our time, knowledge, and support, we all gain.

Together, let’s embrace the spirit of Give to Gain — supporting one another through mentoring, advocacy, and shared learning, and helping to build a more connected and equitable community in CUBS.

Mentorship Session | 10:15 - 11:30 Register Here

The Power of Mentorship

This opening session explores how mentoring, including reverse mentorship, supports learning, connection, and professional growth across UCC.

The morning will feature:

• Opening reflections on the importance of mentorship with Ciara Heavin, Aileen Waterman (Careers) and Tanya Watson EDI Unit (RA Engage Project)
• An overview of mentorship opportunities in UCC, including Professional, Academic, Reverse Mentorship and ISWE pathways
• Guest speaker Rachael O’Connor (Leeds University) on The Power of Reverse Mentorship, sharing insights from her own experience and work

Rachael O’Connor (she/her) is an Associate Professor in Legal Education and University Academic Lead for Personal Tutoring at the University of Leeds. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and trustee of legal mental health charity LawCare. Rachael comes from a working-class background and was first generation in her family to attend University. This contributes towards Rachael’s passion for improving experiences and opportunities (now and in the future) for under-represented students and empowering under-represented identities and voices. Much of Rachael’s research and advisory work explores the development of authentic relationships through reverse mentoring within higher education and beyond. She has won prizes internally and externally for this and published several papers. Rachael has also co-authored a book and several publications exploring working-class identities in HE and co-leads the University of Leeds’ Staff Working-Class Network. 

If you’d like a preview of Rachael’s perspective, you can watch her TED Talk here:
https://youtu.be/cVRcnwbo3kg?si=LlZZXUgieaTj0Ajk

Whether you’re curious about becoming a mentor, seeking one, or simply interested in learning more, this session offers practical insights and inspiring stories.

Break | 11:30–12:00

Tea, coffee, pastries and fruit will be provided.

International Women’s Day Panel | 12:00–1:00  Register Here

International Women's Day Panel

With growing geopolitical uncertainty, the question of who shapes our economic futures has never been more urgent. This International Women’s Day panel, under this year’s Give and Gain theme, will explore how women are redefining value, leadership, and resilience across the economy, business, and society.

Moderator: Emmet Oliver (academic and broadcaster)

Panellists:

• Kate English, Chief Economist, Deloitte
• Seamus Coffey, CUBS & Chair, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
• Tara McIndoe Calder, Senior Research Officer, ESRI
• Meadhbh Hodnett, Equal Futures Scholarship candidate, MSc Banking and Risk Management, UCC

Location: Dora Allman Room, UCC
Followed by lunch & networking from 1:00–2:00

We hope you can join us for all or part of this engaging event!