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
Meet our Role Models
Aaron Gibson
Hurree
Alexandra Frazer
EquiNutritive
Anne Marie McGoldrick
The Electric Storage Company
Carol Rossborough
ESTHER
Claire Brannigan
Skinakin
Davy Gray and Julie Gray
Viper Clip
Eoin Lambkin
Circular Data
George Armstrong
Scanmatix
Grainne Kelly
BubbleBum
Irene McAleese
See.Sense
Jackie Crooks
Kinsetsu
Jemma Simpson
Diverse Talent AI
Joanne Cole
Broker IQ
Joanne O’Doherty
Kinsetsu
John McElhone
CropSafe
Julie Brien
TriMedika
Leeann Monk-Ozgul
Elemental
Lorraine Martin
Proaxsis
Martin Neill
AirPOS
Martina Tierney
Seating Matters
Neil Bradley
Kitchen OS
Roisin Maguire
Seedling Education
Shelley Martin
4 Beauty Group
Siobhan Donaghy
Modern Democracy
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
Head of Fundraising
Adam leads fundraising at Catalyst, helping to turn ideas into impact and sustain the organisation’s mission for the long term. He builds strong partnerships with funders, developing strategies that unlock resources for meaningful innovation and social change.
Previously, Adam worked in Catalyst’s Entrepreneurship & Scaling team, where he designed and evaluated inclusive programmes for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Before that, he supported over 120 charities at Arts & Business NI, strengthening their fundraising and governance capabilities.
Adam focuses on collaboration, inclusive systems, and connecting funding with purpose to create lasting positive change.
