The Ireland Alberta Trade Association hosted a St. Brigid’s Day Business Luncheon to celebrate pioneering women in business. In partnership with the Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver, the event brought together leaders and changemakers to discuss leadership, resilience, and the impact of women in various industries.
With an introduction from IATA President, Laureen Regan, opening remarks from Consul General Cathy Geagan, and a panel of female leaders, the event was a powerful exchange of insights. Panelists included Courtney Dragani, Chief Growth Officer of The 51; Alisha Reynolds, CEO of Tourism Calgary; and Lara Murphy, CEO of Calgary Wild FC and co-founder of Ryan Murphy Construction. Moderated by Laureen Regan, the discussion explored challenges and successes in leadership.
Building Bridges: The Power of Shared Histories
Consul General Cathy Geagan emphasized the deep ties between Alberta and Ireland, both culturally and economically. Over 500,000 Albertans are of Irish descent, strengthening trade and investment connections.
"Empowerment isn't just about breaking glass ceilings; it's about creating environments where women thrive," she stated, highlighting Ireland’s progress in gender equality, with over half of its diplomatic missions led by women.
Lessons in Leadership: Voices from the Panel
The panelists stressed mentorship, resilience, and paving the way for future generations. They shared personal stories of navigating challenges in male-dominated fields and the importance of lifting others as they rise.
On Overcoming Challenges:
Courtney Dragani: "Investing in women-led organizations is smart business. Women-led companies outperform their counterparts yet receive less than 2% of venture funding. We’re changing that."
Lara Murphy: "I never set out to be a pioneer, but sometimes you have to create the opportunities you don’t see."
Alisha Reynolds: "I was once told my ambition was overwhelming. I’ve learned that showing up as my full self—as a leader and a mother—is a strength."
The Role of Mentors and Advocates:
Dragani: "I wouldn’t be here without the men who advocated for me early in my career."
Reynolds: "I asked, 'What if I fail?' My mentor said, 'You won’t. You don’t have it in you.'"
Murphy: "Calgary is a place where hard work and relationships open doors."
Insights from the Panel Discussion
The panel covered topics like leveraging strengths, shifting workplace dynamics, and creating new leadership opportunities.
On Leadership and Emotional Intelligence:
Reynolds: "Empathy is a superpower in leadership. Women leaders score higher in emotional intelligence, which is an advantage."
Murphy: "Being underestimated can work in your favor. It means you have the element of surprise."
Dragani: "Women bring different perspectives to decision-making, which leads to better business outcomes."
Breaking from Convention to Follow a Passion:
Murphy: "Transitioning from construction to sports was a leap into the unknown, but driven by purpose."
Reynolds: "Bringing my infant son to a high-stakes business meeting normalized that women can lead and parent without compromise."
Dragani: "Sometimes the best opportunities don’t come with a clear roadmap. Trusting your instincts is key."
A Legacy of Strength and Opportunity
Bringing the conversation full circle, Laureen Regan shared her guiding principle: "There must be a way." A sentiment echoed throughout the panel, capturing the resilience and problem-solving mindset of women in leadership.
"St. Brigid broke from societal expectations to create her own path. Today, we continue that legacy by championing one another and ensuring future generations have greater opportunities," Regan said in closing.
Thank you to our supporting partners, including WestJet, Calgary Economic Development., Gowling, Vermilion, SAIT, Tourism Ireland, IDA Ireland, and our luncheon sponsor Consulate General of Ireland, Vancouver.
Looking Ahead
The call to action was clear: support, invest, and champion the women around you. As demonstrated by this event, when women succeed, industries and communities thrive.
The Ireland Alberta Trade Association remains committed to fostering connections and creating opportunities for businesses to grow. This includes the upcoming Trade Mission to Ireland in April in partnership with Calgary Economic Development. Learn more about how your company can join the delegation here.
For more information on upcoming events and the trade mission, visit the Ireland Alberta Trade Association website.
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