More than 150 delegates from both sides of the border came together in Dundalk for She Leads 2026, a conference focused on women in leadership, business and the changing role of AI in the workplace.
The annual half-day event took place at the Fairways Hotel on Friday, 11th September and was organised by five Chambers of Commerce along the M1 Corridor: Dundalk, Drogheda, Meath, Newry and Lisburn.
Now in its second year, She Leads 2026 was held under the theme Leadership in the AI Era, with speakers and panellists discussing how technology is changing working life while also highlighting the continued importance of judgement, authenticity and human connection.
Drogheda Chamber president delivers keynote
The programme opened with a welcome from Dundalk Chamber President Hanna McDonnell before Drogheda Chamber President Miriam Simon delivered a keynote entitled Thriving in the Age of AI: Practical Tools for Today’s Leaders.
Two panel discussions followed.
The first, Adapt, Lead, Thrive: Understanding AI’s Role in Our Working Lives, featured Martina Gribben of UHY FDW, Kate Nicholl MLA and Pauline Clarke of Kookee and EatLoadedCookies.
The second, Still You: Authentic Leadership in the Age of AI, featured Louise Keenan, Lyndsey Kenny of Pet Bliss and Barry James of Blink Blue.
The afternoon also included speed networking, informal discussion and afternoon tea.
Supporting Women’s Aid and refuge services
Alongside the business and leadership programme, the event raised funds for Women’s Aid and refuge services across the M1 Corridor.
Meath Chamber President Niamh Giffney led the charity auction and raffle, with a named local beneficiary in each of the five participating Chamber areas.
Miriam Simon, President of Drogheda Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The most powerful thing about She Leads was the combination of ambition and purpose. We came together to talk about leadership, business and AI, but we also came together to support women facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
“Raising funds for Women’s Aid and women’s refuge services gave the event a deeper meaning. It showed what can happen when women support women, not just in business, but in life.”
The event closed with remarks from Lisburn Chamber President Ruth Young.
She Leads is an annual female leadership conference organised collaboratively by Chambers along the M1 Corridor, with proceeds from its charity auction and raffle going to Women’s Aid and refuge services in participating Chamber areas.
