2023 SHORTLISTED

Deborah Somorin

Management consultant, founder of Empower the Family Ireland

Deborah’s work in diversity and inclusion (D&I) is focussed on supporting organisations to remove barriers to employment and career progression for people from underrepresented backgrounds. As People Experience Leader in EY People Advisory Services (PAS) consulting team, she’s been building inclusive working environments and advising large multinational businesses on how they can create more equitable workplaces. 

Her personal impact in improving awareness around D&I across the accountancy profession and beyond is significant. For example, Deborah has: 

  • Been a board member of Chartered Accountants (CA) Support in Ireland, helping trainee accountants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Contributed to the first experiential D&I survey for Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) members and students.
  • Launched and chaired the CAI Ethnicity Network, which promotes a sense of belonging and inclusion for people who belong to Traveller, Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups in the accounting profession.
  • Contributed to thought leadership around inclusivity as a public speaker and author (including a children’s book).
  • Given keynote speeches at women leadership conferences such as the Dublin Executive Women’s Gathering and Women in Finance Summit