top of page
Speakers
Visionary leaders and innovative speakers will delve into the future of giving and the transformative power of strategic philanthropy. This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from pioneers in the field, discover different approaches to impactful giving, and connect with like-minded individuals committed to driving social change.
2025 Speakers
Fran Perrin
Keynote Speaker
Fran Perrin is the Founder and Director of the Indigo Trust which she established in 1999 and now runs with her husband, William. Fran is also co-founder and Patron of 360Giving. Fran was formerly an advisor at the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, in the UK Cabinet Office. Fran is a Board Member of The Sainsbury Archive. In the past, she has also served as a Chair of the Board of Publish What You Fund and has been a member of DfID’s International Development Sector Transparency Panel. In 2012, Fran was named Philanthropist of the Year by Spears and in 2016 jointly received the Open Data Institute’s first ‘Women in Data’ award from Sir Tim Berners-Lee for her role in 360 Giving.
More speakers to be released soon!
Previous Speakers
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Tom Clinch
Tom sat on the Innovate panel. Tom is the MD and principal owner of Clinch Wealth Management who advise Ireland’s leading Creatives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs. His wife Méav Ní Mhaolchatha is a Grammy-nominated singer and composer. Their daughter Catherine Clinch is the lead actress in the 2023 Oscar-nominated Irish film An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl. Tom also co-owns the creative production company SoSimpatico with one of Ireland’s most renowned creative producers Aoife Woodlock who curates special events in music, literature, film, theatre and the visual arts. Tom graduated from Trinty College Dublin in 1990 where he studied Drama and French leading to a career as an actor, theatre director and documentary film producer. Later in life he combined his passion for the arts with a career in finance and after qualifying as a financial advisor he founded Clinch Wealth Management in 2004. Tom is a Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Sandford Park School which is one of Ireland’s longest-established non-denominational and mixed gender educational establishments. Tom’s family and businesses support a variety of charitable causes with an emphasis on providing social access to arts and education. He is in the process of establishing Cultivate - Ireland’s first philanthropic foundation for the Arts.
Louise McElvaney
Louise sat on the Innovate panel. Louise is Chief Human Resources Officer at Learning Pool, the Derry head quartered workplace learning technology company. Louise is part of the founding team that has grown the business from a kitchen table start-up in 2006 to a global provider of learning solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands and employing 450 people around the world.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Louise has been pivotal in cultivating a culture at Learning Pool that prioritises the team, and sets a gold standard in people development.
Under Louise's leadership, Learning Pool has been recognised as a Platinum Investors in People (IIP) company, secured a place on the 'Best Places to Work in the UK 2024' list, recognition as a top workplace for women, and achieving 'outstanding' employee engagement in the 'Great Places to Work' global initiative.
In 2022 Louise Co founded a charity trust called 5 Ten to help young people further their education and development ambitions. Since then 5 Ten has supported a number of young people to continue their third level education. The trust also sponsors numerous initiatives with early education providers to develop resilience and address mental health challenges among children and young people in the northwest.
Ondřej Liška
Ondřej sat on the Innovate panel. He serves as the Regional Director Europe at Porticus - a global philanthropic entity that strives for a just and sustainable future where human dignity can flourish. Porticus partners with organizations around the globe to achieve systemic improvements to education, social justice, environment, sustainable economy and civic participation.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
In prior incarnations, Ondřej worked in diverse roles centered around social change: Be it as a member of national government (Minister of Education), elected member of national parliament, or on international scale as adviser to non-governmental & private sector, policy analyst, ecosystem organizer and author. Ondřej has worked with civil society organizations, think-tanks, public institutions, philanthropists and social entrepreneurs to strengthen open, inclusive society, sustainable approach to our planet and to transform societal systems so everyone can fully belong.
Currently, he also serves on the Board of CAN - Community Arts Network, an international organization that aims to provide a platform to connect and empower individuals and organisations to trigger positive social change through the arts. Ondřej supports various other philanthropic and civil society entities as a pro bono board member.
Darren Ryan
Darren is a Board member of Philanthropy Ireland and was our MC for the Philanthropy Symposium. He provides philanthropy consultancy, coaching and strategy development for leaders of non-profits. He was previously the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and Director Ireland for The Ireland Funds. He is currently on the board of Philanthropy Ireland and is a Founding Director of SERI (Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland).
Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas from the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies hosted the 'Collaborate' interactive session at the Symposium. Nicklas is a driven and creative futures and foresight specialist, educator, and advocate. He provides learners and leaders with the tools to approach systemic change, promote intergenerational fairness, foster international partnerships, and influence policymaking. He is the UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities, a Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, and a board member at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Additionally, he serves as Faculty at Parsons School of Design in Paris, he is leading Teach the Future in Denmark, and is a member of the Network of Institutions and Leaders for Future Generations. He advances futures literacy, foresight and systems thinking with learners and leaders by embedding the disciplines across education, public policy, philanthropy, cultural, and intergovernmental institutions. From innovative educational programs and publications to organizational strategy and experience design, he emphasizes the vital role of art and culture in nurturing public imagination.
Kate Symondson
Kate, the Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, sat on the Activate Panel.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
Nicole Parkes O’Callaghan
Nicole will sit on the Activate Panel. Nicole is a Marketing professional specialised in the area of Retail and Consumer Goods. She sat on the Activate Panel.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Stuart McLaughlin
Stuart is Head of Advocacy at Google.org, and sat on the Activate panel. He is driving progress on global priorities at major multilateral gatherings. He convenes key stakeholders to leverage AI's potential for positive impact, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Previously, he spearheaded Google's corporate philanthropy in Online Safety in EMEA, collaborating with organizations to support safe technology adoption and led Employee Giving and Volunteering. Prior to Google, Stuart was a management consultant with Accenture and Cap Gemini and also led Business to Arts, where he co-founded Fund It. Stuart is an experienced leader in leveraging AI for positive social impact, with an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI within a responsible framework.
Sean Coughlan
Sean host our Innovate Panel. Spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, Sean’s experience includes Director of the To Zero initiative to end child sexual violence in a generation (to-zero.org), Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation, Chief Executive of Boards.ie and Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Seán has served on a number of boards and working groups including the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association and the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate. Seán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.
Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas from the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies hosted the 'Collaborate' interactive session at the Symposium. Nicklas is a driven and creative futures and foresight specialist, educator, and advocate. He provides learners and leaders with the tools to approach systemic change, promote intergenerational fairness, foster international partnerships, and influence policymaking. He is the UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities, a Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, and a board member at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Additionally, he serves as Faculty at Parsons School of Design in Paris, he is leading Teach the Future in Denmark, and is a member of the Network of Institutions and Leaders for Future Generations. He advances futures literacy, foresight and systems thinking with learners and leaders by embedding the disciplines across education, public policy, philanthropy, cultural, and intergovernmental institutions. From innovative educational programs and publications to organizational strategy and experience design, he emphasizes the vital role of art and culture in nurturing public imagination.
Kate Symondson
Kate, the Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, sat on the Activate Panel.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
Nicole Parkes O’Callaghan
Nicole will sit on the Activate Panel. Nicole is a Marketing professional specialised in the area of Retail and Consumer Goods. She sat on the Activate Panel.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Stuart McLaughlin
Stuart is Head of Advocacy at Google.org, and sat on the Activate panel. He is driving progress on global priorities at major multilateral gatherings. He convenes key stakeholders to leverage AI's potential for positive impact, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Previously, he spearheaded Google's corporate philanthropy in Online Safety in EMEA, collaborating with organizations to support safe technology adoption and led Employee Giving and Volunteering. Prior to Google, Stuart was a management consultant with Accenture and Cap Gemini and also led Business to Arts, where he co-founded Fund It. Stuart is an experienced leader in leveraging AI for positive social impact, with an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI within a responsible framework.
Sean Coughlan
Sean host our Innovate Panel. Spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, Sean’s experience includes Director of the To Zero initiative to end child sexual violence in a generation (to-zero.org), Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation, Chief Executive of Boards.ie and Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Seán has served on a number of boards and working groups including the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association and the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate. Seán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.
Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas from the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies hosted the 'Collaborate' interactive session at the Symposium. Nicklas is a driven and creative futures and foresight specialist, educator, and advocate. He provides learners and leaders with the tools to approach systemic change, promote intergenerational fairness, foster international partnerships, and influence policymaking. He is the UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities, a Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, and a board member at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Additionally, he serves as Faculty at Parsons School of Design in Paris, he is leading Teach the Future in Denmark, and is a member of the Network of Institutions and Leaders for Future Generations. He advances futures literacy, foresight and systems thinking with learners and leaders by embedding the disciplines across education, public policy, philanthropy, cultural, and intergovernmental institutions. From innovative educational programs and publications to organizational strategy and experience design, he emphasizes the vital role of art and culture in nurturing public imagination.
Kate Symondson
Kate, the Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, sat on the Activate Panel.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
Nicole Parkes O’Callaghan
Nicole will sit on the Activate Panel. Nicole is a Marketing professional specialised in the area of Retail and Consumer Goods. She sat on the Activate Panel.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Stuart McLaughlin
Stuart is Head of Advocacy at Google.org, and sat on the Activate panel. He is driving progress on global priorities at major multilateral gatherings. He convenes key stakeholders to leverage AI's potential for positive impact, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Previously, he spearheaded Google's corporate philanthropy in Online Safety in EMEA, collaborating with organizations to support safe technology adoption and led Employee Giving and Volunteering. Prior to Google, Stuart was a management consultant with Accenture and Cap Gemini and also led Business to Arts, where he co-founded Fund It. Stuart is an experienced leader in leveraging AI for positive social impact, with an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI within a responsible framework.
Sean Coughlan
Sean host our Innovate Panel. Spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, Sean’s experience includes Director of the To Zero initiative to end child sexual violence in a generation (to-zero.org), Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation, Chief Executive of Boards.ie and Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Seán has served on a number of boards and working groups including the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association and the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate. Seán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.
Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas from the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies hosted the 'Collaborate' interactive session at the Symposium. Nicklas is a driven and creative futures and foresight specialist, educator, and advocate. He provides learners and leaders with the tools to approach systemic change, promote intergenerational fairness, foster international partnerships, and influence policymaking. He is the UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities, a Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, and a board member at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Additionally, he serves as Faculty at Parsons School of Design in Paris, he is leading Teach the Future in Denmark, and is a member of the Network of Institutions and Leaders for Future Generations. He advances futures literacy, foresight and systems thinking with learners and leaders by embedding the disciplines across education, public policy, philanthropy, cultural, and intergovernmental institutions. From innovative educational programs and publications to organizational strategy and experience design, he emphasizes the vital role of art and culture in nurturing public imagination.
Kate Symondson
Kate, the Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, sat on the Activate Panel.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
Nicole Parkes O’Callaghan
Nicole will sit on the Activate Panel. Nicole is a Marketing professional specialised in the area of Retail and Consumer Goods. She sat on the Activate Panel.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Stuart McLaughlin
Stuart is Head of Advocacy at Google.org, and sat on the Activate panel. He is driving progress on global priorities at major multilateral gatherings. He convenes key stakeholders to leverage AI's potential for positive impact, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Previously, he spearheaded Google's corporate philanthropy in Online Safety in EMEA, collaborating with organizations to support safe technology adoption and led Employee Giving and Volunteering. Prior to Google, Stuart was a management consultant with Accenture and Cap Gemini and also led Business to Arts, where he co-founded Fund It. Stuart is an experienced leader in leveraging AI for positive social impact, with an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI within a responsible framework.
Sean Coughlan
Sean host our Innovate Panel. Spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, Sean’s experience includes Director of the To Zero initiative to end child sexual violence in a generation (to-zero.org), Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation, Chief Executive of Boards.ie and Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Seán has served on a number of boards and working groups including the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association and the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate. Seán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.
Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas from the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies hosted the 'Collaborate' interactive session at the Symposium. Nicklas is a driven and creative futures and foresight specialist, educator, and advocate. He provides learners and leaders with the tools to approach systemic change, promote intergenerational fairness, foster international partnerships, and influence policymaking. He is the UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities, a Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, and a board member at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Additionally, he serves as Faculty at Parsons School of Design in Paris, he is leading Teach the Future in Denmark, and is a member of the Network of Institutions and Leaders for Future Generations. He advances futures literacy, foresight and systems thinking with learners and leaders by embedding the disciplines across education, public policy, philanthropy, cultural, and intergovernmental institutions. From innovative educational programs and publications to organizational strategy and experience design, he emphasizes the vital role of art and culture in nurturing public imagination.
Kate Symondson
Kate, the Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, sat on the Activate Panel.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
Nicole Parkes O’Callaghan
Nicole will sit on the Activate Panel. Nicole is a Marketing professional specialised in the area of Retail and Consumer Goods. She sat on the Activate Panel.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Stuart McLaughlin
Stuart is Head of Advocacy at Google.org, and sat on the Activate panel. He is driving progress on global priorities at major multilateral gatherings. He convenes key stakeholders to leverage AI's potential for positive impact, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Previously, he spearheaded Google's corporate philanthropy in Online Safety in EMEA, collaborating with organizations to support safe technology adoption and led Employee Giving and Volunteering. Prior to Google, Stuart was a management consultant with Accenture and Cap Gemini and also led Business to Arts, where he co-founded Fund It. Stuart is an experienced leader in leveraging AI for positive social impact, with an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI within a responsible framework.
Sean Coughlan
Sean host our Innovate Panel. Spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, Sean’s experience includes Director of the To Zero initiative to end child sexual violence in a generation (to-zero.org), Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation, Chief Executive of Boards.ie and Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Seán has served on a number of boards and working groups including the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association and the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate. Seán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.
Nicklas Larsen
Nicklas from the Copenhagen Institute of Future Studies hosted the 'Collaborate' interactive session at the Symposium. Nicklas is a driven and creative futures and foresight specialist, educator, and advocate. He provides learners and leaders with the tools to approach systemic change, promote intergenerational fairness, foster international partnerships, and influence policymaking. He is the UNESCO Co-Chair in Futures Capabilities, a Senior Advisor heading Arts and Culture, and a board member at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Additionally, he serves as Faculty at Parsons School of Design in Paris, he is leading Teach the Future in Denmark, and is a member of the Network of Institutions and Leaders for Future Generations. He advances futures literacy, foresight and systems thinking with learners and leaders by embedding the disciplines across education, public policy, philanthropy, cultural, and intergovernmental institutions. From innovative educational programs and publications to organizational strategy and experience design, he emphasizes the vital role of art and culture in nurturing public imagination.
Kate Symondson
Kate, the Head of Philanthropy at the Symondson Foundation, sat on the Activate Panel.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
She joined Alexander Square Partners in 2021, defining the architecture and vision of the Foundation, connecting with a community of philanthropists, and building relationships with charities.
Kate’s background is in academia, earning her PhD in English Literature at King’s College London, where she also taught undergraduates. She has a sprawling career as a writer of academic, educational and cultural pieces, as well as working as a freelance communications consultant for a number of socially and community-minded organisations. Alongside her role at ASP, she runs cultural courses for adults that explore the complex histories of cultural phenomena through literature.
When she’s not immersing herself in a swimming pool or a book, Kate loves diving into London’s rich culture of art, theatre, cinema, and old pubs.
Nicole Parkes O’Callaghan
Nicole will sit on the Activate Panel. Nicole is a Marketing professional specialised in the area of Retail and Consumer Goods. She sat on the Activate Panel.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
The Parkes Family's charitable activities span a number of initiatives in which Nicole has supported since 2016. In 2019, they partnered with Rethink Ireland on multiple regional funds including the Ignite Fund, Ignite Mid West Fund, Impact Fund Munster 2022 , 2023, 2024 and 2025 . The personal family money donated to these funds has been matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund plus the funds receive a tax rebate directly from the Irish Revenue Commissioners, at circa 31% .
The family focus is on supporting smaller charities and social enterprises within our diverse communities and enhancing community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development across the country, with a specific focus on the Mid-West and Munster region.
Nicole's background is in Marketing, with a Bachelor of Commerce from University College Cork and a Masters Degree from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Stuart McLaughlin
Stuart is Head of Advocacy at Google.org, and sat on the Activate panel. He is driving progress on global priorities at major multilateral gatherings. He convenes key stakeholders to leverage AI's potential for positive impact, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Previously, he spearheaded Google's corporate philanthropy in Online Safety in EMEA, collaborating with organizations to support safe technology adoption and led Employee Giving and Volunteering. Prior to Google, Stuart was a management consultant with Accenture and Cap Gemini and also led Business to Arts, where he co-founded Fund It. Stuart is an experienced leader in leveraging AI for positive social impact, with an understanding of the potential and challenges of AI within a responsible framework.
Sean Coughlan
Sean host our Innovate Panel. Spanning both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors, Sean’s experience includes Director of the To Zero initiative to end child sexual violence in a generation (to-zero.org), Executive Director of the Human Dignity Foundation, Chief Executive of Boards.ie and Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Seán has served on a number of boards and working groups including the Advisory Board of INTERPOL’s Fight Against Child Sexual Exploitation Initiative, the Board of the European Venture Philanthropy Association and the Board of Trustees of Airfield Estate. Seán is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.
bottom of page