"I'm absolutely certain that we are better off devoting our lives, our energy and our work to causes that can unite and that can pull together societies, that can recognise that diversity is strength and recognise that we all have far much more in common than we have what separates us."

This reflection, shared by keynote speaker, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, set the tone for The Open Doors Initiative’s second annual Leaders’ Summit.

Joined by an engaged and enthusiastic group of business leaders at IDA Ireland on 2nd April 2025, discussions focused on the opportunities of inclusion and migration in our current social and economic climate. As Minister Donohoe stated:

“Openness, diversity are strengths not just of an organisation. They're strengths of a country and they are strengths of an economy, and we need to make the case for them.”

Hosted by Dearbhail McDonald, Open Doors CEO Jeanne McDonagh launched the Summit calling on business to lead the discussion for the benefit of all. Attendees heard from Chair of the Open Doors Initiative board, Paddy Hayes, CEO of ESB, as well as a presentation by Lord David Puttnam on the challenges of not doing enough in this area.

Our thought provoking panel discussion featured Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, Ángel Bello-Cortés, CEO of Fragomen Ireland, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Head of Social Impact EMEA, Indeed, and Stacey Haide McGrath, CEO of Odyssey Social Care.

Michael Lohan spoke about the importance of creating a welcoming environment:

“Sometimes it's migrating from one part of the country to another. Sometimes it's migrating from the other side of the world, but ultimately it's people. And ultimately people are looking for a new home and new opportunities and we have to welcome them. And we in Ireland have been exceptional doing that, notwithstanding that there has been some noises. But I think we have to make sure as leaders and as individuals that we stand up and we make sure that we have that welcoming voice.”

Reflecting on research that reinforces the need for diversity in business, Eamon Fitzgerald from Indeed said:

“I think first is to embrace some of the points that are in this document, the business case for investment into this community. It is not a nice for nice sake, a DEI play, it is strategic investment from the business standpoint.”

Looking ahead to the future, Danny McCoy shared his thoughts:

“What resources are we putting to actually take this opportunity that we have as an Ireland that is actually, for first time in its history, capable of seeing a bigger population and a more dramatic one? We're really only place on earth to have a lower population today than the 1840s. It's a huge opportunity, to Lord Puttnam's point about having an ambition scale for population and migration. It's a wonderful opportunity. And if we can get our rhetoric to match the finance we have, I think that's what we can do.

The Leaders’ Summit followed on the success of our inaugural event which took place at the House of Lords on 1st February 2024. Jeanne McDonagh introduced the concept of Corporate Social Justice and encouraged attendees to become leaders in this emerging area. Keynote speaker on the day was Simon Coveney TD, then Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who shared the importance of responsible business practices to strengthen and sustain the communities in which they operate.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to our committed sponsors, Indeed, IDA Ireland, FUEL, Bank of Ireland, Wilson Hartnell, The Core Story, Compass Ireland and EY, along with all of our expert speakers, panellists and guests who have helped make these events a huge success.

Open Doors has worked with thousands of participants from marginalised backgrounds, helping connect them with meaningful work, education, and mentorship. The true measure of our impact is best told through the voices of those we serve. Here are some of their stories.

Precious Olawuyi

After two years of searching for a job in Ireland, Precious Olawuyi reached out to Open Doors and was soon connected with SIRO, an Open Doors partner.

“I'm from Nigeria. I had been looking for a job for about two years. Someone told me about The Open Doors and I got in touch with them and they connected me with an employer, who had a job that seemed to be perfectly fitted for me. Throughout the process I was always supported by them about steps to do, asking for advice or how to go about the interviews and I got the job. Even after I got the job, they didn't leave me alone. They supported me and I'm really happy to work with them. Thank you Open Doors, it was such a pleasure working with you together!”

Brandon King

Brandon King was juggling two jobs, feeling overworked and unsure of what the future held. With no clear path forward, he turned to Open Doors and was introduced to our mentoring programme.

“I grew up in a council housing. I would have been around a lot of people that didn't have long-term planning. So I went from being in a position where I was overworking myself and not in a healthy relationship with myself or the people around me. I'm now working in a job where I'm the top performer and had two promotions over the space of seven months.”

Nijat Ahmadi

Nijat Ahmadi arrived in Ireland in 2024 with hopes of working in his field. He contacted Open Doors, who introduced him to a research team at UCD.

“They connected me with research team in UCD and then I got a job as a clinic research assistant. My biggest achievement is a gaining experience in clinical research project and completed my Master in Clinic Research in Dublin University. If you are struggling to find a job or have problem in getting back to education, just get contact with The Open Doors. They are very supportive and helpful. They can help you with your dreams and your future plans.”

Finn Lyons

Finn Lyons took part in a Sodexo work experience programme where he developed real-life skills.

“My name is Finn. I’m from Knocklyon, Dublin 16. I wore a special uniform. At about 12 pm, I’d go over to the big kitchen and get lunches over to the  coffee shop and I serve food to the children. (Working in the kitchen) I put salad in the serving bowls. I cleaned the tables, I checked the fridge temperature and the hot food temperature too. Every Wednesday about 4 o’clock, I’d open the shop. I’d sell hot chocolate, sweets, drinks and all different stuff. I really want to work. Thank you, Open Doors!”

This work led to a position in the Guiness Storehouse, where he now works one day a week and is a valued employee, featuring in the Failte Ireland video about his ambition to work and take part.

Chantelle Connolly

Chantelle Connolly, a 26-year-old from Cork City and member of the Travelling Community, discovered Open Doors through a photography project.

“I have a dream, like, I love the idea of photography. I’m always taking pictures, but I’ve never been able to afford to go to college to photography course or lessons. So it was a big opportunity for me. Also, they put me forward for Second Chances, a TW series, which is going to give me a chance to show Travellers in a better light. As a member of the Travelling Community who is a makeup artist, who’s in two different colleges and who is out achieving her dreams and taking a different path rather than the traditional way.”

At the Open Doors Initiative (ODI), we believe in delivering innovative research that is informed by lived experience and carried out by experts in the field. As thought-leaders in the area of corporate social justice, ODI strives to provide its members and stakeholders with insight that will positively impact on business and those who are experiencing barriers to employability in Ireland.

We aim to develop our research that is practical and actionable so we can provide business with solutions to challenges and remove barriers that might exist in their processes.

Informed by research carried out by Atlantic Technological University, our Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit is shaped by the voices of those with lived experience including people with disabilities, migrants, Travellers, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and intersectionality amongst these groups. This piece of research explores the experiences of those facing barriers to employment in Ireland across rural and urban areas with representation from a diverse age group.

Despite the diversity amongst those who took part in our focus groups, there was a  common thread when it came to the challenges and barriers faced during recruitment processes. This is what led ODI to develop our Inclusive Recruitment Training as we understand the significance in providing employers and business with solutions to these challenges.

Inclusive recruitment isn't just good practice but it provides business with a strategic advantage. That belief was echoed powerfully in 2023 when AIB partnered with us in the development of our Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit and decided to bring our Inclusive Recruitment Training to over 1,200 of their team members involved in the hiring process to ensure they were embedding these measures.

“We were delighted to support the launch of ODI’s Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit, and felt it was important to lead by example and use it ourselves to educate AIB hiring managers.”

David McCormack, Chief People Officer, AIB

Our training offers a practical, evidence-based approach to inclusive hiring.

Determined to lead by example, AIB rolled out ODI’s Inclusive Recruitment Training across their teams throughout 2023. Their commitment didn’t stop at participation, reasonable accommodation became a focal point of their efforts as well as updates in recruitment policies to inclusive job ad language.

• 11 training sessions delivered
• 1,204 hiring managers trained
• Increased awareness of inclusion and diversity across the business
• Enhanced focus on eliminating bias in recruitment processes

“We successfully rolled out the training, with great support from ODI… it has certainly helped to create the right mindset and practices when it comes to ensuring our recruitment is as inclusive as possible.” 

David McCormack, AIB

Since then, ODI has provided Inclusive Recruitment training to over 15 employers and over 350 employees.

Diverse teams are more engaged, innovative, and aligned with the values of modern businesses. Our training dives into the six key stages of recruitment job description, advertising, application, selection, interview, and onboarding, equipping your team with the knowledge and tools to:

• Recognise and remove systemic barriers
• Implement reasonable accommodations with confidence
• Reduce bias
• Attract a broader, more diverse talent pool

Are you ready to take meaningful steps toward equity in recruitment? Whether you're starting your inclusion journey or deepening your existing commitment, our Inclusive Recruitment Training is a valuable, actionable way to positively impact on your processes and procedures. Diversity is a reality. Inclusion is a choice.

Interested in booking a session for your team or collaborating with ODI on new and innovative research? Contact us at

info@opendoorsinitiative.ie