Aurora

Caroline Dolan,
HR Manager
 

"I have worked in NCI for eight years and did the Aurora programme in 2019/2020. 

I applied for the Aurora programme as it was a specialised initiative for women to help them develop and explore issues relating to leadership roles and responsibilities. I wanted to develop my career further in higher education and I believed this would be a good stepping stone to achieve that. 

The programme consisted of a mix of self-directed learning while also working with a mentor, supported by NCI. From the beginning of the leadership programme, we learned as a group how to step through challenging areas in relation to conflict management while also learning how to control our voice and breath work during presentations etc. This mix of self-directed and action set learning inside your group, helps the participants to work through real world examples in a safe and controlled environment. I found the whole process very beneficial. 

For Aurora, the more you put into the programme, the more you will get out of it."

Dr Lynn Farrell,
Assistant Professor in Psychology
 

"I’ve been working at NCI for 3 years and I completed the Aurora programme in 2024.

I applied to Aurora to further develop my leadership skills and my ability to use my voice effectively and support and encourage others to do the same. It was interesting to meet people working across a diverse range of roles in academia – to find a sense of community in our struggles and hopes.

Aurora pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and I have continued to push myself since by taking on the role of Programme Director of the part-time Psychology programme.

The Aurora programme broadened my understanding of what it means to be a leader and reinforced for me the importance of bringing authenticity and personal values to leadership in all its forms."

Dr Shivani Jaswal,
Assistant Professor & Programme Director
 

"I have been working in NCI for 3 years and I completed the Aurora programme in 2024-25.

In 2024, I joined the Aurora Leadership Development Programme to strengthen my leadership skills, expand my professional network, and contribute more effectively to academic and institutional initiatives.

Aurora has been an empowering and truly worthwhile experience, giving me greater confidence in my leadership abilities and a deeper understanding of how to drive positive change in higher education. I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I received from the college and my mentor throughout this journey.

Aurora has shown me that true leadership is about lifting others, sharing vision, and working together to make change happen."

Dr Musfira Jilani,
Assistant Professor in Computing
 

"I have worked in NCI for almost three years and did the Aurora programme in 2023.

I applied because I was curious around the work ‘leadership.’ What I got out if it was an expanded professional network and an increased understanding of leadership such as the similarities and differences between leadership and management, importance of authenticity, power of positive influence.

Aurora taught me, “People are just looking for honesty and authenticity more than anything."

Sheila Mahon,
International Officer
 

"I have been working at NCI for 14 years and I completed the Aurora programme in 2023. 

I applied for the Aurora programme as I felt it was a great opportunity to reflect on my leadership style, to develop my skills and confidence in leadership and to learn from others within the Higher Education industry. 

Taking part in the programme was all that and more. I found the topics really interesting, and the action learning sets allowed for a really safe environment for small groups to come together to find creative solutions to real challenges. 

If you are reading this and considering applying for the programme, go for it - it really is worth it!"

Linda McGrath,
Senior Coordinator ParentChild + Programme
 

"I have worked in NCI since 2008 and finished the Aurora programme in February 2025.

I applied for the Aurora Programme as I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on my leadership style, to develop my confidence and skills in leadership and to listen and learn from others within the Higher Education industry.

Aurora provided me with the ability to use my voice effectively. There were times I felt out of my comfort zone, having a mentor reassured me, allowing me time to reflect, ask questions, while developing both personally and professionally."

Lisa Murphy,
Lecturer and Programme Director of the Higher Diploma in Computing (Online)
 

"I completed Aurora in 2020 and have been in NCI 11 years.

I applied because I recognised that my networking skills needed improvement and believed this programme would help enhance them.

I feel I developed strong connections with lecturers from other colleges and gained valuable insights into their practices. My confidence grew significantly throughout the course.

For me Aurora means "Empowering women to lead with confidence and resilience, the Aurora Programme illuminates the path to personal and professional growth." 

Teresa Murray,
Head of Communications
 

"I’ve been at NCI since 2017, having previously worked in both the arts and non-profit sectors, and moved into my current role as Head of Communications in 2022

I applied for Aurora having heard previous graduates speak. It felt like a clarifying and motivating experience, from what they said. I took to heart their advice to make a commitment to the time involved and to select a mentor that you felt connected with.

Aurora brought me a greater sense of who I am in the world of work - basically, the same person I am in every other world! That, in itself, was a lesson: I don’t assume a work persona and I’m atypically ambitious, but am driven by my values.

Learning this about myself allowed me to understand my career to date and the choices I’ve made in applying my expertise as a communications professional. It also explained why I am happy at NCI, as my values very much align with those of the college."

Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín,
E-Resources and Licensing Co-ordinator, Norma Smurfit Library
 

"I have been working in NCI for 11 years and completed the Aurora programme in 2023/2024. 

I applied to the Aurora programme to develop my leadership skills, and to develop my confidence in my role within the library team and to develop my skills within that role. I found meeting colleagues from other institutions very insightful, and this gave us all an important awareness of the challenges that are faced by all of us working in higher education. 

Aurora taught me to believe in myself and to know that I can continue to develop and progress within this sector, and also taught me the importance of having the confidence to take on challenges and opportunities that arise for you in your working life."

Jennifer O'Neill,
Early Learning Initiative
 

"I have worked for NCI for 14 years and did the Aurora programme in 2023. 

I applied as a woman in a leadership position within NCI, I felt that Aurora would provide me with the opportunity to refine my leadership skills and benefit from mentoring within my organisation. 

Above all else, the Aurora programme was inspiring and motivating. It gave me a new perspective on female leadership and was an excellent networking opportunity. 

With the gender imbalance in leadership positions programmes are an invaluable asset for staff in Higher Education."

Cristina Pons,
Academic Partnerships Manager
 

"I have been working in NCI for 6 years and I did the Aurora programme in 2025.

Completing Aurora has been an inspiring milestone in my professional journey in NCI. I applied to broaden my skills, gain fresh perspectives and build confidence as I stepped into a more strategic role within the College.

The programme offered practical approaches that I could immediately apply to my work, whether that was preparing for delicate conversations with external partners or approaching new initiatives with a clearer strategic lens. The opportunity of connecting with a network of talented women from across higher education was both motivating and energising, creating a community of shared learning and support that I will continue to value.

One of the most valuable elements for me was the mentoring experience. My Aurora mentor provided a safe space to explore ideas, and reflect on my strengths, offering thoughtful guidance at a time when I was navigating the demands, expectations and steep learning curve of a newly appointed role.

Aurora has broadened my toolkit and also reinforced my belief in the importance of collaboration, authenticity, and continuous learning."

Anna Rochford,
Reception
 

"I was very apprehensive when approached about doing the Aurora Programme; I thought it was only for Academics and Senior Management staff and I felt like an “imposter” (which I learned from the first day of the course is quite common).

Leadership comes in all forms and people at every level, not just at Management, and the course helped me learn how leadership can help us in all types of situations. It made me “think outside the box” and, as a result, it has helped me respond to different challenging situations that arise unexpectedly and I now have more confidence to deal with them.

I was inspired by some of the guest speakers and how they overcame challenges that they faced both personally and professionally. I would recommend anyone who wants to learn and better themselves to do the course and agree that the more preparation and research you put in, the more that can be achieved.

I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I received from Management and my mentor. Aurora has been a truly worthwhile experience."

Stephanie Roe,
Senior Education Specialist
 

"I have been working in NCI for nine years and did the Aurora programme in 2023/24. 

I applied for the Aurora programme to gain knowledge and develop my skills and confidence in leadership. The Aurora programme helped me to identify what good leadership is. Listening to inspiring guest speakers share their leadership journeys was motivating. 

Having access to a mentor was a huge benefit of the programme and a key highlight for me both in terms of professional and personal development."

Karen Ryan,
Executive Assistant, President’s Office
 

"I’ve been working in NCI for 6 years and I completed the Aurora Women’s Leadership Programme in 2023/2024. 

I applied as I always welcome opportunities that allow me to develop my skills, knowledge and confidence, and grow both professionally and personally. I enjoyed listening to the fantastic, inspiring speakers and learning from their experiences. It was a great opportunity to expand my network, and I met some wonderful people in break out rooms, during action learning set days and at the Croke Park face to face event. It was interesting to hear about challenges people are facing and coming together as a group to find solutions. 

What I learned is leadership is not always about going upwards, it’s about approaches and attitudes, broadening your mind and views, recognising the need to be open and flexible, and the ability to change based on learning and self-reflection. Leadership is about inclusiveness, transparency, authenticity, honesty, sharing ideas, bringing people on a journey and empowering them to do their best. 

Aurora taught me about leadership styles, how to manage time, approach tasks, set boundaries and “move from survive mode to thrive mode”. So many people on the programme had imposter syndrome and speaking with so many like-minded people helped build confidence and remove the nagging self-doubt."

Emer Thornbury,
Lecturer in the School of Computing
 

"I’ve been an employee of NCI since 2015, and I did the Aurora programme in 2023-24. 

It was suggested to me that I apply. I was aware of the programme but didn’t seek it out as I thought it wasn’t really applicable to me as I was new in the role of lecturer having been the Computing Support Tutor prior. 

For me, key takeaways were learning that there are many styles of leadership; that leadership is not only for managers or department heads, but that it is a way of being. From that, I can consider what style of leadership would best fit me currently and now I have tools to develop that for myself. 

It was useful and insightful to hear the stories, challenges and solutions of others in Higher Education as generally we are often facing similar ones. The programme has benefited me both at work and outside. The mentoring has been a huge benefit of the programme for me."