Technological University Dublin has announced the winners of its inaugural TrailblazHER Excellence Awards, which celebrates women redefining leadership, driving innovation and shaping a more equitable future across Ireland.
A national platform celebrating women’ contributions, leadership, and innovation, the Excellence Awards form a cornerstone of TU Dublin’s TrailblazHER initiative and exemplify its commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
TU Dublin said that from pioneering researchers and changemaking educators to visionary entrepreneurs and community champions, the 2025 winners exemplify the spirit of innovation, inclusion and leadership that defines the TrailblazHER movement.
The winners are:
TrailblazHER Businesswoman Award – Melissa Hayward, Melissa Hayward Academy
Technology TrailblazHER Award – Joanna Frivet, LegalMoov
Sustainability TrailblazHER Award – Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens, DKIT
TrailblazHER Community Hero Award – Anita Whelan, Doras Buí
TrailblazHER Allyship Award – Melissa Hayward, Melissa Hayward Academy
DEI TrailblazHER Award – Richelle Flanagan, My Moves Matter
DEI Research and Development Award – Dr Fionnuala Darby, TU Dublin
TU Dublin TrailblazHER Award – Giada Franzolini, TU Dublin
TrailblazHER Future Leaders Award – Phuong Vu, Talexa AI
Trailblazing Alumna Award – Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole, RSCI
Trailblazing Returners Award – Lucy O’Reilly, Designs For Growth Ltd
TrailblazHER of the Year Award – Richelle Flanagan, My Moves Matter
“At TU Dublin, we’re committed to building a future where gender equality isn’t just an aspiration, but a reality,” Dr Aoife Blowick, TrailblazHER’s Senior Manager.
“That’s why initiatives like TrailblazHER and the Excellence Awards are so important – they shine a light on the women, allies, and changemakers who are driving change, breaking barriers, and redefining leadership across every sector,” she said.
“These awards remind us that when we celebrate women’s achievements, we inspire the next generation to believe that they too can lead, create, and succeed,” she added.
