Leadership Academy Breakfast Club
Leadership Academy Breakfast Club
Join us for our next Leadership Academy Breakfast Club on the topic of Leadership and Social Mobility.
Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups between various social strata in society. It can refer to economic mobility like changes in income or wealth, or social class status. In leadership terms this can often mean how easy it is for someone to move upwards in their career towards a leadership position.
Social mobility is highly dependent on existing social statuses and occupations in a society and yet many of us navigate these systems without realising that we are not all starting from the same place and we don’t all have the same privileges.
At this event we will be joined by two leaders in their field (meet them below!) to discuss their thoughts on how social mobility shows up in work and why it is important for us to recognise that social mobility exists in order to ensure we are finding and supporting the right leadership candidates into our leadership pipeline.
This event is free to attend, but registration is essential.
- You can book places for yourself and/or colleagues by clicking the button below.
- This event will take place in-person.
- Please email matthew@wheel.ie if you have any special requirements.
Meet Your Speakers:
Debbie Rooney is the CEO of North Dublin Home Care, a leading not-for-profit organisation/social enterprise committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred home support services. Under her leadership, the organization plays a vital role in supporting older people and vulnerable adults to live independently in their communities — a key factor in promoting dignity, equality, and social inclusion.
Debbie is also in the final year of a part-time PhD in DCU. She is particularly interested in how home support services can act as a catalyst for empowerment — both for those in receipt of support and for those providing it, many of whom are women from diverse backgrounds.
By combining academic research with practical leadership, Debbie is committed to driving change that enhances both the quality of care/support and career opportunities for those who are often overlooked in traditional healthcare and employment systems.
Claire Dunne works in higher education, with a focus on access and inclusion for students from socio-economically underrepresented backgrounds. A graduate of TU Dublin through an access entry route herself, she holds a degree in Social Care and a master’s degree in Non-Profit Leadership & Management.
Claire is passionate about breaking down barriers to opportunity and has dedicated 15 years to working in social care, youth work, and education. From supporting children in care to working with homeless populations, children and families, her career has been grounded in social justice and community development. She has worked across services in Ireland, Australia, and Canada, gaining international perspectives on community work and advocacy.
In her spare time, Claire also volunteers with SWAN Youth Service in Dublin, where she sits on the Board of Management.
Meet Your Facilitator:
Sharon Hughes is the Leadership Academy Manager in the Skills Team of The Wheel. Sharon has been involved in membership organisations for over 20 years. Before working for The Leadership Academy, she was C.E.O. of a nonprofit. Her background is managing member Events and Communications. Sharon is a qualified Coach, is a member of the Teaching Council of Ireland and is currently studying Psychology. She is low-key obsessed with Leadership. If you are interested in learning more about the Leadership Academy or you have a great idea you would like to share, please email her at sharon@wheel.ie or feel free to connect with Sharon on LinkedIn.
Feedback from previous attendees
"For me personally, the benefits to the Breakfast Clubs have been many but key are the value of think-time, the cross sectional networking and having a product to offer staff looking to consider upskilling – in this regard promoting the breakfast club internally in Trócaire, in particular to my own team, is very relevant to the area of continuous leadership learning and development." Karen Casey - Head of Community Engagement & Outreach, Trócaire
"As a young professional in the sector, it seemed as though there was ‘in theory’, a lot that this kind of idea sharing and information website could offer the sector although it seemed slightly wishy washy; just another website with links and articles. The Breakfast Clubs created a networking space that feels open to all leaders, future and established, so that we can meet and make connections. Sharon encourages the early career professionals in the room to be the leads for discussion and she connects people with such ease who may have been to shy to make an introduction before... I have found TLA events extremely interesting and engaging, having enjoyed the variety of topics covered in sessions and the space to network freely. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of attending a Leadership Academy breakfast to attend and get involved." Amy Ennis, former Recruitment Coordinator at 2into3
"The Leadership Academy is a wonderful initiative and space to foster leadership and personal growth for those of us working in the nonprofit sector. It is great to be able to share insights but also to learn and gain new insights from fellow participants in the events. I really enjoyed my involvement as a panellist on a Leadership Academy event, which was wonderfully organised by Sharon with great support from her colleagues in The Wheel. Would highly recommend getting involved and responding positively if asked to be a speaker, panellist or facilitator at one of the Academy events. Ní neart go chur le chéile – There is no strength without unity. " Diarmaid O’Corrbuí - CEO, Carmichael