Women in Business is the leading business network for women in the workplace across Northern Ireland. Returning in 2024 for the twelfth year, the awards were an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of female business leaders in NI.  

Queen’s Business School once again proudly sponsored the ‘Advancing Diversity in the Workplace’ category. This award recognised two winners, one business and one individual, who have championed diversity in their workplaces and can showcase the benefits.  

Gender equality and diversity in the workplace are of key importance to Queen’s Business School. We are the proud recipients of a Bronze Athena SWAN Charter Mark, in recognition of our solid foundation for striving to eliminate gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff.  

Danielle McConville, Head of the Department of Accounting at Queen’s Business School, presented the awards to the winners on the night. 

 

Individual winner: Fernanda Soares, Version 1 

 

Fernanda Soares is the ESG Cultural Delivery Manager at Version 1; an Irish IT service management company. The judges recognised Fernanda’s passion for appreciating cultural differences and how she has embraced the challenges of moving to Northern Ireland, in turn encouraging and supporting many others in the same position 

Fernanda said: 

‘Exactly 8 years ago, I moved to Ireland without speaking a word of English. Yesterday, I had the honour of receiving an award for Advancing Diversity in the Workplace from Women in Business. I am incredibly grateful and overjoyed! It was truly a memorable night.’ 

 

Organisation winner: Belfast Harbour 

 

Belfast Harbour is Northern Ireland’s principal maritime gateway and logistics hub, serving the Northern Ireland economy as a gateway for trade, growth and tradeable services. The company was described as a beacon of diversity, with their Diversity, Equality and Inclusion mission statement forming an integral part of their business strategy and future growth. 

Belfast Harbour said: 

‘We are delighted to have won the ‘Advancing Diversity in the Workplace’ award at the Women in Business Awards. Thank you to all our colleagues and partners who are supporting us in this journey.’ 

 

Congratulations to Fernanda and the Belfast Harbour team, and all the fantastic female business leaders who were nominated for the awards.  

 

Further reading  

• Talk to QBS about sponsorship  
• More on Women in Business
• Read more about our gender equality initiatives at Queen’s Business School