Entrepreneurs pick each others’ brains at Dublin networking event
Brain Gain, the annual networking meeting of migrant professionals and entrepreneurs organised by the migrant women’s network AkiDwA, took place in Dublin on Friday 15 June.
In a statement, organisers said the event witnessed its biggest turnout so far, with more than 120 participants.
According to AkiDwA, Brain Gain was launched in 2009 with the aim creating “a strong networking opportunity for migrant professionals and entrepreneurs in Ireland where they can share experiences and information” as well as “to share, explore and highlight the gains and contributions” they make.
In the last three years, the main issues that have emerged from discussions and contributions among both guest speakers and participants are related to employment, especially access to the labour market.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by men and women from all backgrounds, independent broadcaster, actor and Indian Film Festival of Ireland director Siraj Zaidi recounted how he came to live and work in Ireland.
“Irish people are good people” who “always want to help others”, he said, before listing some of his contributions to the country, including bringing Indian filmmakers to use Ireland as a location.
Other speakers on the evening included solicitor Celia Otubu of Ceemex & Co Solicitors; Mia Madina, who runs a number of businesses under Madina name, and Carol Fitzpatrick of Oriflame Cosmetics.
One of the highlights of the night was the ‘speed networking’ event where participants met one-on-one to share contacts and personal experiences.
