EAUC
TrailblazHER™: Empowering Diverse Leaders for a Sustainable Future
Finalist, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability
About
Launched by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) in March 2024, TrailblazHER™ combines education, industry and community partnerships to create equitable pathways from school through to employment, leadership and enterprise. Through its Inspire, Develop and Innovate pillars, the initiative removes social, structural and financial barriers that prevent participation and progression at every stage. In just 30 months, TrailblazHER™ has engaged more than 5,000 participants including 100 schools and organisations, secured more than €1 million in philanthropic investment, and delivered and supported over 15 programmes and >30 events. Designed through an intersectional lens, it supports learners from low-income, migrant, refugee, access and underrepresented communities to thrive.
Top 3 learnings
- We are changing society, not running programmes: we need sustained partnerships, not isolated initiatives.
- Good intentions mean nothing without action; we have learned every action, no matter how small, matters.
- We cannot succeed without understanding one another; intersectionality must be designed from the outset.
What does it mean to win?
For TU Dublin, winning this award is a powerful statement that the voices, experiences and ambitions of women and underrepresented communities matter. TrailblazHER was created to challenge the barriers that have long limited participation, opportunity and leadership and this recognition affirms the importance of that mission. While the work itself has always been driven by purpose rather than validation, this award strengthens the momentum needed to change perspectives, influence decision-makers and inspire meaningful action. It celebrates the collective efforts of our participants, mentors, allies and partners, and reinforces a simple but vital truth: a sustainable future can only be achieved when everyone has the opportunity to help shape it.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
| 2026 | |
| Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sustainability | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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