Social Entrepreneur named in top 100 list

Marie is the only Social Enterprise leader from Northern Ireland included in the prestigious ‘Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise’ in Europe list, an initiative of the Euclid Network which is supported by the European Commission.

The list celebrates women in the Social Enterprise sector, spotlighting their impact journey and achievements and is a way of connecting them to learn from and inspire each other.

Marie founded Employers For Childcare over 20 years ago with the mission of supporting parents with dependent children to get into, and stay in work.

Since then her tenacity and social entrepreneurial spirit have taken the organisation from a small community project to a successful self-financing organisation which encompasses the UK’s only Social Enterprise Childcare Voucher company.

Her most recent achievement was the opening in 2019 of a £2.5 million indoor adventure centre, High Rise, in Lisburn, which is inclusive and accessible for those with special and additional needs and allows families to enjoy outings and activities together, thanks to its innovative sensory rooms and Changing Places facility.

While High Rise has been closed temporarily since the start of Covid-19, Employers For Childcare’s charity has continued to work throughout the pandemic, supporting parents, many of whom are key workers, to access the childcare they need, and working with Government towards securing much-needed investment in the childcare sector.

Thrilled with this latest recognition of her commitment to the Social Enterprise sector, Marie commented: “I am truly honoured to feature on this prestigious list of the top women in Social Enterprise from across Europe.

“I am proud of the work of the Social Enterprise sector during the pandemic and to be recognised alongside such high profile names – all of whom are doing an incredible job and delivering positive social impact, at what has been a challenging time for all businesses.”