Aoibhe O’Reilly, 20, from Derry joined the SistersIN leadership programme in 2023 as a pupil at St Cecilia’s College. Ten girls from the school participated in the initial group.

The programme provided leadership training and workshops for female students. Participants met past pupils, visited workplaces, and spoke with female leaders. Invest NI assigned O’Reilly a mentor.

During the programme, O’Reilly organised school events. This experience directed her toward event management. She started a part-time tour guide job at Derry’s Guildhall at age 16.

O’Reilly now serves as a programming apprentice for ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall. Her duties cover event inquiries, ticket sales, and delivery.

She contributes to planning the SistersIN showcase conference on March 24 at ICC Belfast. The one-day event expects pupils, business leaders, and mentors, with over 1000 attendees. O’Reilly plans to address the current group of girls.

O’Reilly shared her experiences around International Women’s Day on March 8.