Kara acts as a strategic advisor and provides support on diversity and inclusion, skills and labour market policy and practices to Ibec member organisations. Her role includes the development of tools and guidelines, lobbying and developing policy positions at a national and European level. Kara is a board member of Skillnets, member of the Governing Authority, DCU and Chair of the Joint Equality Council at ESB. She is an organisational psychologist and practicing psychotherapist, formerly HR manager in industry with lecturing experience at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive level.
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John McKeon joined the Department of Social Protection in October 2010 and was appointed Secretary General in July 2017. Prior to his appointment he held Assistant Secretary positions with responsibility for activation policy, the development and implementation of the Pathways to Work programme, and the modernisation of the department’s public office (Intreo) services. He also held responsibility for staff relations and Finance, Legislation and PRSI policy.
Prior to joining the department he worked for the Department of Post and Telegraphs / Telecom Éireann / Eircom over a period of 31 years most latterly as Managing Director of eircom Wholesale.
Davina Lavin is a Human Resources Manager with Provincial. Prior to joining the company in 2018, she spent 24 years with the Irish Defence Forces, where she trained and served with multinational teams in Ireland, Lebanon, and Kosovo.
Over the past five years, Davina has spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives within the company. In 2019, she established a partnership with Blue Diamond to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to work in security. This initiative received recognition through a nomination for the Outstanding Diversity Initiative Award from the Irish Centre for Diversity.
Davina has developed a connection with the mentoring programme with Career Leap, based in North Inner City Dublin, which encourages young residents to engage with the international corporations that have become their neighbours. This training has provided the mentors with a solid grounding and has been crucial to the successful onboarding of three young programme participants into full-time employment with Provincial.
Through her dedication and leadership, Davina continues to make a significant impact on both her organisation and the communities it serves.
Edel is the Operations Director at MrPRICE Branded Bargains, responsible for strategic direction, vision, growth and performance of MrPRICE.
As a seasoned professional with over 25 years experience in retail management and tactical business leadership, Edel is known for her drive and expertise in operations and change management that grants the ability to inspire and cultivate inclusive leadership in the organization.