Derry Chamber is delighted to share that one of our board members, Clare McGee, has been named Business Leader of the Year (SME category) at the 2025 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards, held at Titanic Belfast. Clare is the CEO and co-founder of AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, two trailblazing initiatives transforming the investment landscape for women across the island of Ireland

Since co-founding AwakenHub during the pandemic, Clare has been a driving force in building Ireland’s leading all-island community for women founders. Through AwakenAngels, Ireland’s only women-led angel syndicate, Clare has helped onboard 75 new investors and funded five women-led companies in just 18 months. With a minimum investment entry of just £2,000, the initiative is breaking barriers and opening doors to angel investing for more women than ever before

Accepting the award, Clare said:
“To be the first recipient of The Irish News Business Leader of the Year Award in the SME category is a real honour and one which recognises the power of collective action by the rest of our talented and driven team at AwakenHub and AwakenAngels.  

“I’m honoured to lead such an incredible team, to get to support brilliant women founders and investors across this island and among the Irish diaspora, and to partner with our male allies, organisations, and supporters who, like us, are committed to levelling the playing field for women investing and in business here.”

Clare’s leadership extends beyond entrepreneurship. With over two decades in innovation consulting and business development, she has co-founded Innovate-NI, is a Core Partner at Women TechEU, and leads Tech Northern Ireland Advocates. We are incredibly proud to have Clare as a key figure within the Chamber.

Also celebrating at the Irish News Awards was Chamber Corporate Partner Translink, which was honoured with the Innovation in Workplace Technology Award (Large Business category). This recognition reflects Translink’s forward-thinking approach to workplace development and digital innovation – yet another example of excellence emerging from our region.

Rounding out a week of success, Chamber Member St. Cecilia’s College scooped two prestigious honours at the Local Women Education Awards at the Europa Hotel.

Long-serving Science Technician David Flood was presented with the Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the school community. From mentoring staff and supporting pupils to stage-managing school productions, David is a cornerstone of life at St. Cecilia’s. His commitment extends far beyond the classroom—over four decades of involvement with Na Magha Hurling and Camogie Club has played a vital role in sustaining and growing Gaelic sports in Derry.

Meanwhile, Head of Geography Cheryl Rainey received the Excellence in Sustainability and the Environment Award for her leadership of St. Cecilia’s Environmental Club and its “Swap with Style” initiative, which champions sustainable fashion within the school. Under Mrs Rainey’s guidance, the club has launched recycling programmes, biodiversity projects, and is actively working toward Eco Schools Green Flag status, all driven by a passionate team of students and a shared vision for meaningful environmental change.

These well-deserved recognitions highlight the remarkable talent, innovation, and dedication within our Chamber network. From championing gender equity and sustainability to driving technological progress, our members continue to inspire and lead the way, helping to shape a better future in the North West for all. We extend our warmest congratulations to Clare, Translink, and St. Cecilia’s College on their outstanding achievements.