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ATU expands CreateHER Programme to empower the next generation of women innovators
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) launched a female leadership and entrepreneurship initiative with the expansion of the CreateHER programme across its Sligo and Donegal campuses.
The CreateHER initiative, funded with the support of the Higher Education Authority, is a six‑week, female‑only entrepreneurship and leadership programme originally developed by the University of Galway’s Ideas Lab. Since September 2025, the programme has grown into a collaborative national effort spanning ATU, SETU, the University of Limerick, TUD and MTU.
Workshop sessions are informal and interactive with no coursework or assignments required. Over the six sessions, students develop an innovative mindset, practice creative thinking skills, expand their network and focus on their personal development. The programme encourages students to recognise their potential and consider how entrepreneurial skills can support them in leading or creating businesses, and support their success in their future careers.
A key strength of the CreateHER programme is the diversity of women who take part. By bringing together female students from different disciplines alongside women working across a wide range of sectors, the programme creates an environment where ideas, experiences and perspectives can be shared openly. Students gain valuable insight into the many different paths women have taken into leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, helping them to see new possibilities for their own futures.
Nihal ElFodil YR 3 Computing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, ATU Letterkenny reflected on the programme.
Being part of the first cohort of CreateHer in Letterkenny has been a transformative experience. Over these past weeks, we have not just attended a program; we have entered a cosy supportive environment where we felt truly comfortable sharing our deepest thoughts and ambitions. Meeting such a diverse group of inspiring women entrepreneurs was eye-opening; hearing the raw, personal stories that shaped them was nothing short of thrilling”
Nihal noted that “Despite their different paths, I noticed powerful common threads: an unwavering resilience, the ability to adapt to change, and, most importantly, the courage to follow their intuitions. This journey has provided a vital networking bridge for students like us who are preparing to step into the professional world.
I highly vouch for every female student to embark on this journey to understand and be understood, to trade skills, and to receive the kind of guidance that only comes from those who have walked the path. I leave this program equipped with the right skillset to become an inspiring leader, and I cannot wait to apply every piece of knowledge and every skill learned once I am in the right position. It is about more than just business; it is about being an active female force in the real world as the most important project we will ever work on is Creating ‘Her’.”
For many participants, the opportunity to connect directly with women working across a variety of fields provides both inspiration and practical insight. These conversations help demystify career journeys and highlight that there is no single route to success. The programme also fosters a strong sense of community, encouraging participants to support one another as they build confidence, ambition and connections throughout their studies and beyond.
Students were hosted by local businesses, the AIM Centre in Sligo and the Century Complex in Letterkenny. Hosting the programme in these dynamic enterprise hubs gave students the opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom setting and experience the collaborative environments where ideas grow into businesses. While attending the event in the Century Complex the participants also met the current President of the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Karloline Sweeney of Castlegove House Hotel.
Mary Harty of AIM Centre Sligo said:
It was a real pleasure to host the CreateHER programme in the AIM Centre in October 2025 alongside three incredible women entrepreneurs. Seeing the young participants grow in confidence and be inspired by such positive female role models shows just how powerful initiatives like this can be.
Chantelle Grant of Century Complex in Letterkenny added:
“It was a real privilege to be asked to speak to the students and share my Journey. The openness, curiosity and drive of the students reminded me how important it is to create spaces where women feel empowered to lead and more importantly to back themselves.”
Participants will also have the opportunity to connect at the 2026 National CreateHER Alumni Event taking place on 17 April 2026 in Galway. The event will bring together participants from the University of Galway, SETU, University of Limerick, TUD, MTU and ATU for a day of networking, inspiration, and celebration.
This activity is part of our wider commitment to develop the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills of our students as future founders and innovators. By connecting women at the start of their careers with experienced role models and supportive peer networks, the university hopes to inspire a new generation of female leaders poised to shape the future of innovation in Ireland.
Photo 1 – Back Row: Lucie Šindelářová, Clara Boland, Fiona Candon, Lana Lisman, Malaika Arfan, Lucia Macari, Grace Latham
Front Row: Aisling Kelly Hunter, Elen Pavlaskova,Kateřina Pavlíčková, Jana Lietauniece, Lydia Quinn, Julia Sigil.
Photo 2 – Nihal El Fodil.
Photo 3 – Back Row: Aimee Casey, Pilar Castillo Ramirez, Chantelle Grant, Karoline Sweeney, Adaora Obialo, Julia Tytko.
Front Row: Brenda Ruiz Perea, Yevis Gallagher, Nihal El Fodil, EveAnne McCarron
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
