Nevan Redmond

Board Chairperson

Nevan has worked in international financial services for over 28 years, holding a number of Senior Management positions in global organisations. His current role is that of Global Head with a major international bank.

Nevan's areas of interest are Corporate Governance and business transformation. Nevan holds a BA(Hons) in Accounting & Finance and an MSc in Investments & Treasury, both awarded by Dublin City University and is a member of the Institute of Directors where he has received both a Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction. Nevan's previous Board experience includes subsidiaries of a global bank and a not-for profit organisation.

Anthony Tennyson

Board Vice Chairperson

Anthony Tennyson CEO of Awakn Life Sciences (CSE:AWKN), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapeutics for substance use and mental health disorders, which he cofounded in 2020. Anthony is also CEO of Graft Polymer (UK) plc (LON:GPL) an innovative biopolymer drug delivery systems development company. Additionally, Anthony is non-executive director of Empowerment Plus, an Irish non-profit working with young people and families at risk.Prior to the healthcare industry, Anthony worked in financial services,  with 10 years in international strategy and commercial leadership roles with Aon Plc, and 5 years with Merrill Lynch and Bank of Ireland. Anthony holds an MBA and an MSc both from UCD.

Tara Gaffney

Secretary

Tara has over 24 years of experience in social care, ranging from social care worker to leader and head of services in registered children's residential care. She holds a BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care, a Higher Diploma in Disability Studies, and is an IAHIP accredited Psychotherapist.. Tara specialises in trauma and attachment models of care, with extensive experience in setting up services under HIQA and Tusla registration. She has also trained as an associate in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) in both public and private sectors.

Martina Donohoe

Head of Safety & Risk

Martina is a safety and risk executive with 20 years of leadership experience. She has served on the regional executive leadership team of a multinational corporation and chaired its global safety and risk solutions steering committee. Martina holds an MSc in Food Safety Management and a BSc in Environmental Health from Technological University Dublin, along with a Postgraduate qualification in Health & Safety from DCU. Her expertise includes quality management, occupational health and safety, crisis management, and insurance program oversight. Martina is a member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management and has recently completed a certificate in Charity Law, Trusteeship and Governance.

Raquel Horta

Coach & Co-Founder

Bringing over 25 years of experience from the technology industry, Raquel joins the Board of Directors with a dynamic career that has spanned roles as a developer, business analyst, project and program manager, chief of staff, and strategy & operations leader. Currently, Raquel owns her own Coaching practice and serves as Co-Founder of a services company.This diverse professional journey has not only sharpened Raquel's skills in managing complex projects and operations but has also instilled a deep passion for making a positive impact. Raquel is genuinely honoured to be part of the Board of Directors and to support the Empowerment Plus's mission of empowering young people, families, and communities at risk. She is eager to contribute to the organisation's critical work, contributing to its success in transforming lives and communities for the better.

Valerie Noonan

Lecturer, PHD Candidate

Valerie is a Lecturer and Program Coordinator in Social Care at TUS Midwest with more than 20 years of experience in the social care industry. Valerie has worked in a variety of settings and roles, including disability, youth, and home care services.

Valerie's core competencies include crisis intervention, case management, therapeutic crisis intervention, public speaking, and management along with a strong academic background in social sciences and social policy. Valerie holds an MA in Advanced Social Care Practice from AIT and a Doctor of Social Sciences in progress from UCC.