International Women's Network Event - Cork, Ireland

Join us in Cork, Ireland, for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection with women and allies in manufacturing. Guided by the theme Built to Rise: Resilience, Grit, and the Power of Women Who Lead, this International Women’s Network event will celebrate the strength and perseverance of women driving progress across the industry. Experience WiM’s global mission in action through thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and a behind-the-scenes tour of PepsiCo’s innovative operations in Cork.

Agenda:

Please note that the agenda is tentative. Check back frequently for updates.

9:15 a.m. – Registration

Check in, get your badge and start networking with other attendees.

9:45 a.m. - Welcome

Presented by:  Caroline Giltinan, Director, Plant Manager at PepsiCo Carrigaline  Jana Gessner, Global Sr. Vice President, Environmental, Health & Safety, PepsiCo

Opening remarks from PepsiCo leadership to set the tone and review the day's events

10:00 a.m. - Women In Manufacturing Association Introduction And Overview

Presented by: Allison Grealis, President and Founder of The Women in Manufacturing Association 

In this overview highlighting the state of women in manufacturing, you will learn more about the WiM's mission and its impact on women working in the manufacturing industry.

10:30 a.m. - Ice Breaker Activity

11:00 a.m. -  Keynote

Presented by:  Joy Neville, Former International Rugby Captain & Elite Rugby Referee

Trailblazing rugby referee and former Irish captain Joy Neville shares her journey of breaking barriers, leading with courage, and rising through resilience. Her story inspires women to lead with authenticity, grit, and purpose—on and off the field.

12:00 p.m. - Panel Discussion

Join this inspiring conversation with manufacturing leaders who are creating and supporting workplaces where everyone can rise. Hear how resilience and grit drive collaboration, equity, and inclusion, and walk away with fresh ideas to build cultures that empower, engage and inspire growth.

Panelists: 

• Allison Grealis, President and Founder of The Women in Manufacturing Association
• Orlaith Ryan, CTO and Co-Founder of Shorla Oncology
• Leslie Larson-Rankine, Owner and President, Enterprise Tool & Die LLC
• Conor Tolan, Vice President Joint Replacement & Spine Manufacturing at Stryker

1:00 p.m. - Lunch

1:45 p.m. - Factory Tour and Breakout Sessions

Step inside PepsiCo’s state-of-the-art Cork manufacturing site, a cornerstone of PepsiCo’s global operations. Learn how PepsiCo integrates sustainability, innovation, and diversity into its processes and explore how the facility contributes to the local community and the company’s global success.

Note: Factory tour attendees should wear closed toe, slip resistant, flat shoes, Tour attendees will be required to follow Good Manufacturing Practices as well as PPE guidelines.

Breakout Sessions:

• Stumble - explore how resilience and reflection turn setbacks into growth. Learn to embrace the stumble as a powerful step in your rise. 
• What's Your Buzz -  understand how your personal brand and organizational savvy can help you navigate networks with confidence. Discover your unique “buzz," and learn how to amplify it to build influence, strengthen connections, and lead with authenticity.    

5:00 p.m. - Closing Remarks

Reflections from WiM and PepsiCo leaders as we close the day’s formal programming and highlight the benefits of creating connections to build a supportive community for women working in Ireland's manufacturing industry.

5:15 p.m. - Networking Cocktail Hour

Meet and mingle at the networking cocktail hour.

6:30 p.m. - Dinner

You are invited to carry on the conversation over dinner with fellow attendees who are interested in developing a supportive community for women working in manufacturing within Ireland.

Space for this event is limited and interest is high, so we encourage you to register today! Tickets are $25 USD / €21.25 EUR  for WiM members and $35 USD / €30.10 EUR  for nonmembers.