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Role Models

If you can see it you can be it

What is Role Models?

Role Models is a programme that champions inclusivity in entrepreneurship by showcasing exemplary innovative founders that have overcome systemic barriers to entrepreneurship – whether those be gender, class, education, location or otherwise.

Role Models inspires and empowers people and communities by showcasing that there are multiple different and equally valid routes to a successful company. This plays a part in dismantling barriers and creating entrepreneurship opportunities for people from all walks of life.

What do the Role Models do?

Our Role Models are passionate about helping others and frequently take part in outreach activities within Catalyst programmes, with community groups, and beyond.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Sharing their stories with groups to raise ambition
  • Speaking to groups in a community setting
  • Sitting on panels at events to showcase diverse entrepreneurship
  • Providing supportive feedback for people pitching for the first time
  • 1:1 chats with aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Mentoring

Want to get in touch?

If you'd like to get in contact with a Role Model, bring them into your community, or get them involved in an event you're planning, reach out to us!

Meet our Role Models

Aaron Gibson

Aaron Gibson

Hurree

Adrienne Hanna

Adrienne Hanna

Right Revenue

Alexandra Frazer

Alexandra Frazer

EquiNutritive

Anne Marie McGoldrick

Anne Marie McGoldrick

The Electric Storage Company

Bridgeen Callan

Bridgeen Callan

Klas Therapeutics

Carol Rossborough

Carol Rossborough

ESTHER

Christine Boyle

Christine Boyle

Senergy

Claire Brannigan

Claire Brannigan

Skinakin

Davy Gray and Julie Gray

Davy Gray and Julie Gray

Viper Clip

Eoin Lambkin

Eoin Lambkin

Circular Data

George Armstrong

George Armstrong

Scanmatix

Grainne Kelly

Grainne Kelly

BubbleBum

Irene McAleese

Irene McAleese

See.Sense

Jackie Crooks

Jackie Crooks

Kinsetsu

Jemma Simpson

Jemma Simpson

Diverse Talent AI

Joanne Cole

Joanne Cole

Broker IQ

Joanne O’Doherty

Joanne O’Doherty

Kinsetsu

John McElhone

John McElhone

CropSafe

Julie Brien

Julie Brien

TriMedika

Leeann Monk-Ozgul

Leeann Monk-Ozgul

Elemental

Lorraine Martin

Lorraine Martin

Proaxsis

Martin Neill

Martin Neill

AirPOS

Martina Tierney

Martina Tierney

Seating Matters

Neil Bradley

Neil Bradley

Kitchen OS

Olivia Farnan

Olivia Farnan

The Blinky Company

Patricia O’Hagan

Patricia O’Hagan

Core Systems

Roisin Maguire

Roisin Maguire

Seedling Education

Roisin Molloy

Roisin Molloy

TriMedika

Shelley Martin

Shelley Martin

4 Beauty Group

Sian Farrell

Sian Farrell

StimOxyGen

Siobhan Donaghy

Siobhan Donaghy

Modern Democracy

Susan Kelly

Susan Kelly

Respiratory Analytics

Yolanda Cooper

Yolanda Cooper

The Conscious Beauty Group

What our Role Models have to say

I became a Catalyst Role Model as (cheesy at it sounds), I wanted to give back. I do not have a university education. I come from a very working class background. I had no concept that I could ever start my own business. That possibility was never an option. I hope to be able to talk to people who come from a similar background to tell them that they can, this is a possibility. You can have an exciting career doing something you love, if you want it badly enough and you have the right people to support you.

Adrienne Hanna – Right Revenue

I didn’t start this journey thinking I was an entrepreneur, I started as a person with a product that solved the problem. Each day, one step at a time I developed the product and eventually brought it to market. So I guess I am an entrepreneur – I just didn’t see it at the start. If I can do it, so can you.

Davy Gray – ViperClip

I said yes to becoming a role model as I believe representation is key to inspiring others, I'm a 33 year old Queer business woman that had a difficult start in life. By sharing my experiences, I hope it gives confidence to next generations that they can have the life they want.

Jemma Simpson – DiverseTalent AI

Meet your Role Models Programme Manager

Adam Bradley

Adam Bradley

Programme Manager, Role Models

Adam Bradley is the Programme Manager for Role Models and is responsible for growing and m... read more
Adam Bradley

Adam Bradley

Programme Manager, Role Models

Adam Bradley is the Programme Manager for Role Models and is responsible for growing and managing a pool of pro-bono volunteers to support opportunity for all across Catalyst’s programmes and initiatives.

Prior to joining Catalyst, Adam worked with Arts & Business NI, where he was responsible for managing their programme of events, training & support for arts organisations. He took a particular interest in the design and delivery of professional development programmes, and in developing best practice around diversity and inclusion.

Adam is experienced in programme management and delivery, training & development, fundraising & philanthropy, and partnerships.

He is passionate about social impact, sustainability, EDI, and creativity.

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