Just Connect Armagh

Philippa McShane

Owner and Director | McShane Packaging Ltd

McShane Packaging Ltd is a family run business based in Armagh, manufacturing innovative plastic packaging solutions for the food industry in Ireland, UK, Europe and South America. Philippa’s main areas of responsibility include Finance, Human Resources and Marketing. Philippa is also responsible for the strategic direction of McShane Packaging and maintains the BRCGS Quality Standard across the business. Philippa is passionate about empowering people to reach their full potential and over the past number of years she has mentored GCSE Business Studies students at a local Grammer School, imparting invaluable insight and experience when completing their coursework. As part of the company’s community-led strategy, Philippa is involved with local schools and community groups, participating as much as possible in terms of sponsorship and engagement. Leading McShane Packaging over the past 28 years has presented Philippa with many challenges, including huge changes in consumer behaviour and technology, not to mention a recession and global pandemic, resulting in Philippa’s extensive experience in running an SME.

Caroline Rafferty

Managing Director | Tarasis Enterprises

Caroline is an award-winning Managing Director for Tarasis Enterprises. She has played a transformative role leading with a clear vision, strategic focus and passion within the company. As a leader, Caroline is committed to clear and consistent two-way communication, accountability and focus for her team. Recognised as a leader in NI business, Caroline was named as one of the NI Top 40 Under 40 in 2019 and won Managing Director of the Year at the NI Women’s Awards 2019. She is a graduate from the University of Ulster with a BA Honours in Accounting and Finance. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2007. ​Caroline has completed the Aspiring Leaders Programme, a mini MBA from Queens University Belfast, the Excelus Managers Program and has been awarded a Level 3 Coaching accreditation. Caroline is one of the founding members of iCare Charity, which was set up in 2010 with the mission of spreading kindness to those who are struggling within their communities. ​ Caroline has been a Mentor for the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland programme, supporting and guiding business studies students with their commercial operations as well as a mentor on the Tomorrows Leaders Programme. She is also a member of Evolve - a women's network set up to promote and encourage strong female leadership across the community and to inspire and support women to be the best that they can be. Caroline is also involved in LIFT Ireland, a not for profit movement that aims to inspire our future generations to focus on character and value-based leadership.

Fionnuala Cassidy

The Story Weaver

Fionnuala Cassidy is a bestselling author, creative writing facilitator, scriptwriter and poet. She owns a small business called The Story Weaver and provides many different writing services, including speechwriting, along with tutelage for classes both recreationally and therapeutically. She works with community groups, arts centres, women’s networks, historical societies and schools within funded projects and also gives individual coaching to writers. Fionnuala is from Galbally, Co Tyrone and she is a busy mammy and caregiver. Her background is in mental health and she is passionate about using the written word as a tool to keep wellbeing at an optimum level. Give her your stories and she will help you to write them in workshops, give guidance on getting started on your own journey or weave them for you as inspirational speeches or as customised gifts through poetry!