‘Technology is a great space for women to work in,’ says entrepreneur Mary McKenna
Mary McKenna, innovator and tech entrepreneur

‘Technology is a great space for women to work in,’ says entrepreneur Mary McKenna

30 Jul 2013

The tech sector is making money, creating jobs and providing a work environment where employees are encouraged to upskill and try new things. And despite what the numbers may indicate, it’s also a great sector for women to work in, according to tech entrepreneur and innovator Mary McKenna.

As well as being co-founder of e-learning provider Learning Pool, McKenna is also chair of Digital Circle, a representative organisation for the digital content industry in Northern Ireland.

When she’s not running a business or promoting Northern Ireland’s tech industry, McKenna does her bit to highlight the role of women in tech, particularly to the next generation. She visits local schools to talk to them about working in tech and being an entrepreneur, and makes sure to use examples of women from the local community working in the sector.

By putting a spotlight on these women working in tech, McKenna hopes to encourage more young women to consider this career choice, but she also believes parents and career guidance counsellors need to remember there are opportunities in this industry for women just as much as there are for men.

McKenna also discussed the flexibility that jobs in tech provide, and how self-directed online learning can help people move on in their careers.

Women Invent Tomorrow is Silicon Republic’s year-long campaign to champion the role of women in science, technology, engineering and maths

Elaine Burke
By Elaine Burke

Elaine Burke was editor of Silicon Republic until 2023, and is now the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. Elaine joined Silicon Republic in 2011 as a journalist covering gadgets, new media and tech jobs. She later served as managing editor before stepping up as editor in 2019. She comes from a background in publishing and is known for being particularly pernickety when it comes to spelling and grammar – earning her the nickname, Critical Red Pen.

Loading now, one moment please! Loading