With the MNA – Mentoring Network for Adventurers event on the horizon we are announcing some of the exciting and inspirational speakers, panels and workshop in store for those attending. Every bit of content on the is aimed at inspiring more people to become mentors, mentees, and to recognize the value of mentoring to boost women’s representation in adventure sports.

The keynote speaker for the event will be the inspirational Dr Karen Weekes, who became the first Irish female to row solo and unsupported 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Karen is an adventurer and sport psychologist. Her academic research explored motivations and cognitive coping strategies of elite ultra-endurance athletes. Karen’s specialism is applying this knowledge into people’s lives within business, sport and everyday living.

Over the course of the day attendees will also have the chance to participate in three engaging workshops, delivering a range of valuable insights, key to enhancing the mentoring journey. These will be delivered by three expert facilitators, with a massive amount of leadership and mentoring experience to be imparted. Find out more about these captivating workshops and our facilitators below –

LYNDA BYRNE

The ‘Inner Game’ of Mentoring

This interactive workshop will explore how both Mentors and Mentees can get the best out of every Mentoring session by understanding and managing ourselves. If we welcome each session with an open mind, good preparation and an ability to be resilient, we can ensure the success of the process.

HEATHER WILSON

Opportunities and Challenges in Mentoring

This workshop is an opportunity for mentors and mentees to explore the dynamics of their mentoring journey, including the unique opportunities and challenges. Engage in interactive activities designed to help participants understand and navigate the nuances of the mentor-mentee relationship.

DANNY MEENAN

Communicating in Mentoring

Effective communication is essential to building a trusting and strong mentoring relationship. Effective communication goes much further than how you communicate, it’s also all about how you listen to what is being said. This workshop will help you to explore the importance of effective communication in the mentoring relationship.

Panel Discussion

Alongside these exciting workshops attendees will be treated to a highly engaging panel discussion on some of the finer details of a successful mentoring process. ‘Mentoring – Finding your fit’ will examine how the correct fit in a mentoring relationship can massively enhance the experience for both the mentor and the mentee. Chaired by Sport Ireland Women in Sport Lead Nora Stapleton, this panel features 3 highly experienced voices in the area of mentorship and leadership. Meet the panelists below –

NORA STAPLETON

ORLA PRENDERGAST

TESSA KINGSTON

KAREN WEEKES

Make sure you don’t miss out on these valuable workshops, our panel discussion and the opportunity to connect with people from all over adventure sports. Join us in March and gain valuable information on the area of mentoring and help create a community of female leaders in our communities. Tickets are €30 and include lunch –