Dr Tara Shine, co-founder of the social enterprise, Change by Degrees has been named the overall Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year.

Businesswoman of the Year

Dr Shine has spent 20 years as a climate change negotiator and adviser on environmental policy, and through Change by Degrees inspires people to live and work more sustainably.

The virtual award ceremony took place earlier in June, and in addition to the win Dr Shine was awarded the STEM Businesswoman.

Seven further award winners were also celebrated during the event.

Network Ireland

Network Ireland Cork’s president, Barbara Nugent said ‘They have used their knowledge, expertise and influence to shape their companies, and in some cases, the wider community for the better.’

Network Ireland Cork is a not-for-profit Cork organisation that is the largest branch of Network Ireland in the country.

Winners of the 2021 Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards were:
• Overall Businesswoman of the Year — Dr Tara Shine, Change by Degrees
• STEM Businesswoman (sponsor DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson) — Dr Tara Shine, Change by Degrees
• Power Within Champion (sponsor O’Flynn Exhams) — Miriam Bourke, Invesco Limited
• Solo Businesswoman (sponsor Lady of the Valley) — Michelle Dinneen, Ardin Career Development
• Emerging New Business (sponsor Grant Thornton) — Ingrid Seim, Avenues Consultancy & Coaching
• Established Business (sponsor Partnership International) — Carol Brick, HerMoney
• Rising Star Employee (sponsor Kinsale Gin) — Elena Canty, Event Plan
• Shining Star Employee (sponsor Transilient Coaching) — Konstantina Stefanidou, Depuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson

Judges for the event were former Tánaiste Mary Harney; Sharon Corcoran, Director of Economic Development & Tourism at Cork County Council; and Vicki Crean, AIB Manager of Service and Sales, Cork City.

Vicki Crean, AIB Manager of Service and Sales, Cork City said ‘I was delighted to have been asked to judge this year’s awards’

‘Similar to previous years, the standard of applications was exceptionally strong and I congratulate each and every one of the nominees.’

The winners of the night will advance to the National Network Ireland Business Awards on the 8th of October in Waterford.