Ireland’s leading digital representative body, Digital Business Ireland (DBI) has today announced the winner of their annual Female Mentoring Initiative (FMI). Virtual reality consultant and director of the immersive technology representative body, Eirmersive, Camille Donegan will benefit from this year’s programme. As the winning applicant, she will receive five complimentary one-to-one mentoring sessions from former HR director and Managing Director of The People Password, Tracy O’Brien.  

This year’s initiative saw a record number of applications from female-led start-ups who are in operation for less than two years and are looking to take their enterprise to the next level. The initiative, now in its fourth year, is a key part of DBI’s offering to its membership, and it aims to enable and empower female founders of new online businesses to scale-up their operations, while reaching new markets, with the assistance of leading mentors in the sector. 

This year’s recipient, Camille Donegan, is an experienced Virtual Reality consultant and content producer. She is also a director of Eirmersive, a new representative body for the growing immersive technology sector in Ireland.  

Since its establishment in 2019, Digital Business Ireland has worked to provide crucial learning, talent development and networking opportunities for women working across the digital, ecommerce and technology sectors. The representative body also works in tandem with its 8,500 strong membership to offer support and advocacy through various initiatives, including the National Digital Awards, Digital Skills Sessions and their annual Digital Summit, which will take place on 5 September at Croke Park.  

Chairperson of DBI, Caroline Dunlea today said “DBI’s mentoring initiative underscores our commitment to supporting the advancement of women in our organisation and helping them and their business to go to the next level. 

With this initiative, now in its fourth year, we are creating a supportive environment where women can access valuable guidance, encouragement, and support to excel in their digital business. The Female Mentoring Initiative reflects DBI’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and talent development. By investing in the success of women in business, DBI aims to cultivate a culture of empowerment, innovation, and excellence.” 

Camille Donegan, winner of this year’s Female Mentoring Initiative said: “I am delighted to be the winning recipient of Digital Business Ireland’s Female Mentoring Initiative. As a founder of Eirmersive, the voice of the Irish Immersive Technology sector, we are navigating big strategic decisions in the organisation so having this mentorship at this time will be of dual benefit – to me personally, and also the sector we represent. I look forward to embarking on this journey with my mentor.” 

Tracy O’Brien, Managing Director of The People Password said: “The applicants in this year’s Female Mentoring Initiative comprised successful women in their own right who understand the importance of seizing opportunities and learning continually.  I was fascinated by their stories and plans for the future, and I am encouraged to see so many female founders get their start-ups off the ground.”