Ulster University marked International Women’s Day with a special event at its Belfast campus celebrating the power of generosity, leadership and community impact.
The event organised by Ulster University Women's Network, titled ‘Give to Gain: The Power of Giving’, brought together staff and PHD researchers for a fireside conversation with Ulster University alumna and philanthropist Eileen Mooney, founder of the Summerhill Foundation.
Opening the event, Jo Watson, Co‑Chair of the Ulster University Women’s Network, reflected on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give To Gain, and the importance of building supportive communities for women across the University. She said:
“International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate women’s achievements while creating space for honest conversations about leadership, generosity and the impact we can make when we support one another.
“The Women’s Network members play a vital role in advancing women at Ulster University, providing connection, visibility and encouragement so that colleagues at every stage of their careers can grow and thrive.”
Hosted by Women’s Network member Nancy Brown, the discussion charted Eileen Mooney’s professional journey from Ulster University graduate to founder of an international philanthropic foundation, illustrating how personal success can be used to uplift and empower communities both locally and globally.
Speaking from the event, Ulster University alumna and Summerhill Foundation founder Eileen Mooney said:
“Returning to Ulster University was very special for me. The values of hard work, opportunity and community that shaped my own journey are the same values that drive the work of the Summerhill Foundation today.
"I believe everyone has the ability to make a difference, and when people come together with a shared purpose, the impact can be extraordinary.”
Reflecting on the conversation, Women's Network member Nancy Brown, added:
“Eileen’s story was deeply inspiring, resonating with everyone in the room. Her journey demonstrates how professional success can be harnessed to drive meaningful change and uplift communities near and far."
From Ulster graduate to philanthropist
Eileen Mooney grew up on a dairy farm in Maghera and studied BA (Hons) Accounting at Ulster University, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1993.
Following a decade working in professional practice and the manufacturing industry, she went on to qualify as a chartered director with the Institute of Directors in 2006. Over the course of her career she has held a range of roles including finance director, business consultant, technology investor and non-profit board member.
Motivated by a long-standing commitment to giving back, Eileen established the Summerhill Foundation in 2017, adopting a more focused philanthropic approach to supporting children and young people.
Through partnerships with organisations including Children in Crossfire, Parenting NI, and the Goliath Trust, the foundation supports projects designed to bring joy to children’s lives and improve access to education for those living in disadvantaged communities in Northern Ireland and internationally.
Celebrating women across the university
The Belfast event was the flagship activity in a wider series of events organised across Ulster University to mark International Women’s Day.
These included the CelebrateHER Conference at the Coleraine campus, featuring speakers and panel discussions exploring women’s leadership and lived experiences, and the EMPOWER HER Portrait Exhibition at the Derry~Londonderry campus library, a visual showcase celebrating women who have broken barriers in their fields.
Together, the events highlight the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community where women’s voices, achievements and contributions are recognised and celebrated.
