Six Trailblazers Who Shaped Our World & Six Trailblazers at the Innovation Factory
Happy International Women’s Day! Today, at The Innovation Factory, we’re tipping our hats (and our hearts) to the phenomenal women whose courage, intelligence, and persistence have not just shattered glass ceilings but have also paved the way for generations to come. In the spirit of innovation and progress, let’s dive into the stories of six women who turned the tide in their fields and, in doing so, changed the world.
Marie Curie: A Radiant Revolution
Marie Curie wasn’t just a scientist; she was a revolution in a petticoat. The first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person ever to snag the award in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry), Curie’s work on radioactivity illuminated new paths in medical science, including the development of X-ray machines. Her legacy? A glowing testament to the power of curiosity and resilience.
Rosalind Franklin: The DNA Detective
Rosalind Franklin might have been the unsung hero of her time, but today, we sing her praises loud and clear. With her X-ray diffraction images of DNA, she laid the groundwork for the discovery of the DNA double helix. Franklin’s story is a compelling reminder that behind every great discovery is a team of brilliant minds—sometimes, with a woman leading the charge.
Grace Hopper: The Codebreaker
Admiral Grace Hopper, affectionately known as “Amazing Grace,” was a pioneer in computer science, developing the first compiler for a computer programming language. Her work laid the foundation for the software revolution. Hopper’s legacy teaches us that to innovate, one must be willing to take the leap—even if it means debugging your way through it.
Amelia Earhart: Sky-High Ambitions
Amelia Earhart soared into history as the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her adventurous spirit and defiance of gender norms in aviation inspire us to dream big and dare to fly, even in the face of the unknown. Earhart’s life is a powerful narrative of exploration and breaking barriers, literally, in the sky.
Jane Goodall: A Voice for the Voiceless
Jane Goodall, a primatologist and anthropologist, changed the way we see our closest animal relatives and, consequently, ourselves. Her empathetic approach to studying chimpanzees demonstrated the importance of understanding and conserving the natural world. Goodall’s work reminds us that innovation doesn’t always come from technology; sometimes, it’s about seeing the world with new eyes.
Katherine Johnson: The Stellar Mathematician
Katherine Johnson, dubbed “the human computer,” was instrumental in the success of the first U.S. crewed spaceflights, including the Apollo moon landing missions. Her mathematical genius not only propelled humanity into a new era of space exploration but also challenged the racial and gender stereotypes of her time. Johnson’s story is a testament to the idea that brilliance knows no bounds.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, these stories of perseverance, intelligence, and breakthroughs remind us of the incredible impact women have had and continue to have on the world. At The Innovation Factory, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion to drive forward innovation and growth. Let’s take inspiration from these trailblazers to challenge the status quo, embrace change, and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
At The Innovation Factory,
we’re not just about celebrating the historical figures who’ve paved the way; we’re also about shining a light on the brilliant women within our own walls. This year, we want to introduce you to six incredible women at the Innovation Factory these women embody the spirit of innovation and resilience. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and contributions to our community and the wider world of technology and innovation.
In the vibrant world of recruitment, Fiona McClean stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. As the Director of Nominate Recruitment, she specializes in Business Support Recruitment across Northern Ireland, offering both temporary and permanent staffing solutions. Fiona’s journey into recruitment was sparked by an inspiring visit to a Recruitment Consultancy in Australia, driving her to transition from hospitality consultancy to business support. Her leap of faith to start her own agency post-Covid is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, celebrating three years of success this May.
Fiona’s approach to work is characterised by a relentless pursuit of new sourcing ideas, leveraging AI technology to streamline processes, and maintaining a competitive edge as a bespoke agency. Inspired by a colleague’s remarkable rise in the field, Fiona embodies tenacity and resilience, encouraging aspiring women in recruitment to embrace the roller coaster of the industry with determination and joy. Looking forward, she advocates for more women to venture independently into the recruitment world, fostering a supportive community that thrives on mutual encouragement. Fiona’s advice to her younger self and others is a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, patience, and the courage to move forward, never backwards, in pursuit of a fulfilling career.
Nicola Smith, the General Manager of MediCircle, embodies the epitome of leadership and innovation in healthcare recruitment. With an outstanding 14-year career crowned by the accolade of 2007 NI Recruitment Consultant of the Year, Nicola’s unwavering commitment to excellence has set new benchmarks in the field. Her journey is driven by a passion for staying ahead of market trends, fostering diversity, and nurturing a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement within her team. Nicola credits her mother as her greatest inspiration, a guiding force instilling perseverance and resilience in her pursuit of excellence.
To women venturing into the demanding world of healthcare recruitment, Nicola advises the importance of resilience, effective communication, and staying true to oneself. Looking forward, she envisions a future where women hold more leadership roles, influencing decision-making processes and contributing to community welfare. Reflecting on her journey, Nicola’s message to her younger self and others is clear: believe in your abilities, embrace change, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication, support, and the courage to take risks, reminding us that success is not defined by degrees but by the impact one makes.
Ciara Armstrong, the Business Development Manager at Roylemac10, stands at the forefront of sourcing structural warranties and construction bonds across the UK and Ireland. With over 17 years of management experience, Ciara’s passion for people development shines through her leadership, as she continually seeks personal growth within her team. Drawn to the role by the prospect of change and a new challenge, her extensive background in banking, risk, and compliance equipped her with a wealth of transferable skills. Ciara believes in the power of collaboration and encourages her team to embrace challenges and venture beyond their comfort zones,
fostering an environment ripe for innovation and positive change. Inspired by her late mother’s unwavering belief in her and guided by the wisdom of mentors, Ciara navigates her career with a mindset geared towards continuous learning and self-belief. She advocates for young women to confidently ask questions, embrace challenges, and view failures as vital steps towards growth. Looking to the future, Ciara envisions an industry where the unique skills of women, particularly mothers, are valued in leadership roles, highlighting the importance of multitasking, time management, and problem-solving. Reflecting on her journey, Ciara’s advice to her younger self and to others entering the field is to believe in oneself and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, stepping out of comfort zones and tackling new challenges head-on.
Sara, CEO of Angel Eyes NI and the visionary behind Empatheyes channels her profound personal journey into a mission to support visually impaired children in Northern Ireland. Sparked by her twins’ diagnosis of Ocular Cutaneous Albinism, she founded Angel Eyes NI to fill the service gap for families like hers, advocating for essential developmental support and resources. Expanding her impact, Sara launched Empatheyes in 2020, a subsidiary offering virtual reality software to simulate vision impairment, enabling a deeper understanding among professionals and caregivers. Despite the challenges of steering two innovative organisations in a sector often underestimated for its creativity,
Sara’s passion and her team’s unwavering dedication fuel their drive for inclusive change. Balancing assertiveness with approachability, Sara leads by example, demonstrating the power of female leadership in creating a world that embraces all children equally. Her resilience, fuelled by a mother’s determination and the support of her partner, exemplifies the impact of authentic, passionate leadership in overcoming obstacles and championing the rights of the disabled. Sara’s story is not just a narrative of personal triumph but a beacon for anyone aspiring to make a difference in the non-profit sector, highlighting the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of equality.
Sarah McDowell (Resolve Planning), a dedicated professional with a master’s in town planning, has been navigating the complex landscape of planning permissions across Northern Ireland for nearly two decades. At the core of her consultancy work lies a deep passion for cartography, geography, and collaboration, skills that have propelled her to work alongside a diverse range of disciplines such as architects, archaeologists, ecologists, and engineers. While Sarah modestly claims not to intentionally push boundaries, stepping out of her comfort zone has become her own way of innovating within the field. Inspired by her father’s relentless work ethic and his philosophy that “there’s no such word as can’t,” Sarah embodies this spirit in every project she undertakes.
To young women aspiring to enter the field of planning, she offers sage advice centred on the ‘3 P’s’: understanding Politics of any given situation, being Passionate about their work, and valuing People through teamwork, appreciation, and encouragement. For Sarah, gender has never been a barrier in her profession; instead, she focuses on the practical aspects of her work, aspiring for a future where decision-makers collaborate more effectively with applicants. Reflecting on her journey, her advice to her younger self and those just starting out is simple yet profound: “Buckle in,” signalling a readiness for the challenges and rewards that come with a career in planning.
Rebekah Wilson, the Centre Manager at the Innovation Factory, is at the helm of both the commercial and operational aspects of the centre, thriving in a role that brings new challenges and variety each day. Inspired by the strong female leads she has worked with throughout her career, Rebekah has been driven to pursue excellence and leadership within her field. Her journey, marked by seizing unexpected opportunities, highlights the value of being open to new paths that may lead to unforeseen successes. Rebekah advocates for job equality across all industries, aspiring for a future where gender does not dictate professional opportunities or roles.
To young women embarking on their careers, her advice is to embrace the journey without worrying over the destination, highlighting the importance of enjoying the process and trusting that things will fall into place. Rebekah’s story is a testament to the power of inspiration, determination, and the serendipity of life’s unexpected turns.
