Three Dundalk IT lecturers announced as finalists in TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards

Three lecturers from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have been named among finalists in TU Dublin’s inaugural TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards.

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, and Joanne White, Founder and Director of Women in Construction Ireland and a lecturer in The Built Environment, 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.

Both Dr Suzanne Linnane and Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens have been nominated in the Sustainability Category in recognition of their passion and dedication to advancing sustainability through education, research and community engagement. 

Caroline and Suzanne and are co-founders and co-coordinators of H20 Heroes. The science-based environmental education outreach programme based in DKIT that inspires children to connect with their natural environment, fosters environmental awareness and empowers children to protect their local lakes and rivers.

Speaking about her nomination, Caroline said: “This recognition reflects not just an individual effort, but the collective passion and teamwork that drives ESD and sustainability initiatives at DkIT. Our work is very much community-based, focusing on environmental and sustainability initiatives that aim to build awareness, inspire action and create lasting positive change, both within DkIT and across our wider community. A heartfelt thank you to the organisers of the TrailblazeHER Excellence Awards at TU Dublin for celebrating so many amazing women who are leading positive change across education and beyond.”

Suzanne added: “For us, sustainability is all about connection - to our environment, our communities, and to one another - working together to create change that lasts. This recognition reflects the passion and teamwork that underpins everything we do, from our work at the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies to our collaborations with partners across Ireland and beyond, and with the many inspiring schools we engage with through our outreach initiatives. We are so proud to be part of a wider community dedicated to sustainability, education, and positive change. Thank you to TrailblazHER™ at TU Dublin for celebrating so many incredible women who are making a real difference across education and beyond. It’s a privilege to do what we love alongside people who care so deeply about our planet and our communities.”

Joanne White, 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.”

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.

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“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:

1. TrailblazHER Businesswoman Award
2. Technology TrailblazHER Award
3. Sustainability TrailblazHER Award
4. TrailblazHER Community Hero Award
5. TrailblazHER Allyship Award
6. DEI TrailblazHER Award
7. DEI Research and Development Award
8. TU Dublin TrailblazHER Award
9. TrailblazHER Future Leaders Award
10. Trailblazing Alumna Award
11. Trailblazing Returners Award
12. TrailblazHER of the Year Award

A full list of finalists is available at www.TUDublin.ie/TrailblazHER/Excellence