“Talent is evenly distributed. Opportunity is not.” Donna Scully on iCAN launching in Dublin
On Wednesday 4 November, iCAN, the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network, launches in Dublin in partnership with Gallagher and AXA Ireland.
iCAN exists to create greater access, opportunity and career progression for diverse and underrepresented talent across insurance. Dublin joins our communities in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Ipswich, Manchester, Leeds and New York. It is our first locally led community in Ireland.
Donna Scully is Director at Carpenters Group, an iCAN Role Model and she’ll be moderating the panel on the night. Having grown up in Dublin, Donna has built a career across law and insurance, following a far from traditional path to company ownership. Along the way, she has championed social mobility and representation, helping to open doors for people who may not always feel those opportunities are available to them. Ahead of the launch, we asked her what bringing iCAN to Dublin means to her and what she hopes the community will achieve for insurance professionals in Ireland.
What excites you most about seeing iCAN launch in Dublin?
For Donna it’s a homecoming.
“There’s something really special about seeing iCAN come to Dublin. It feels like the merging of worlds for me.
“Ireland has an incredible insurance community, packed with talented, ambitious people and like any industry, the opportunities to connect, learn and build relationships are invaluable. What excites me most is bringing people together in a way that feels open and genuinely supportive.
“Dublin is a city that thrives on community, so it feels like the perfect home for iCAN and seeing iCAN come to my home town, although I am also an adopted Scouser these days, is deadly.
“I left Dublin a very long time ago and it’s such a privilege to return professionally and to be part of the iCAN launch and everything they stand for. I think the Dublin I know and love will embrace and support the work iCAN does. I am so proud to be a part of it.
“As James Joyce said, ‘When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart.’”
Why now?
“Now is always the best time to do a good thing!
“The industry is changing rapidly, and people are looking for more opportunities to connect beyond their day-to-day roles. iCAN creates a space where professionals at every stage of their career can build networks and learn from one another.
“I know Dublin is ready for that and is a much more multicultural city than the one I grew up in. We have so much talent across the market, and iCAN can help create stronger connections, facilitate some fresh thinking, and perhaps make sure that a few opportunities that might not have happened otherwise, do.”
Where do you think the insurance industry can still do more?
“We’ve made good progress, but there’s always more to do.
“I talk about how talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not and how I want to see that change.
“We need to continue reaching people who may never have considered insurance as a career and show them the exciting opportunities available. This sector can be so interesting and exciting, and I am not sure people always get that.
“We need to make sure that talent and hard work matter more than who you know, where you come from or how you look.
“The industry is at its best when it reflects the communities it serves, and that means creating pathways for people from all backgrounds to thrive.
“I have been very open that my route to law, insurance and company ownership is less than traditional and it gives me insight into just how much potential is out there and how much we risk losing if we don’t make sure we open our doors to it.”
What does success look like?
Her measure is simple: whether people’s careers move because of what happens in this community.
“Success for me would be seeing a vibrant community emerge where people feel they belong, whether they're new to the industry or have been in it for decades.
“I'd love to see mentoring relationships developing, and people feeling more confident about their career opportunities. I’d love to see us Irish do what we do best and open our arms to people and make them feel welcome.
“If, in 12 months’ time, people can point to iCAN and say, ‘That introduction changed my career’ or ‘That event gave me the confidence to take the next step,’ that would be fantastic.
“I always say that a more representative society makes for a fairer one. The more diverse and representative the insurance industry is, the better.”
What to expect on 4 November
The evening opens with a keynote, followed by a panel on career progression, overcoming barriers, confidence and visibility, leadership and belonging. It closes with drinks and canapés. Places are limited, and the event is in person only.
You don’t need a network or years in the industry to come. Donna’s invitation is the best way to put it:
“Come along and give it a go.
“You don’t need to know anyone, and you certainly don’t need to have been in the industry for years. The whole point of iCAN is to meet people, learn something new and enjoy being part of a supportive community.
“You might make a valuable business connection, find a mentor, meet a future colleague, or simply have a great conversation. Either way, you’ll be very welcome and I promise we’ll have a great time.
“It’s going to be a great event with some interesting speakers. Be part of a positive movement for good.”
Insurance is changing quickly, and more people are looking for ways to connect beyond their own teams and employers. Donna doesn’t think Dublin needs convincing, and neither do we. The talent is already here.
But representation isn’t only about supporting the people already working in insurance. It’s about making sure more people can see the industry as somewhere they could build a career in the first place.
That’s the job iCAN Dublin starts on 4 November. If, in a year’s time, someone can say “that introduction changed my career”, the launch will have done what it was for.
iCAN Dublin Launch: Progression. Leadership. Opportunity.
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026,
Time: doors 5:30pm, programme from 6:00pm
Location: AXA Ireland, Wolfe Tone House, Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1
In partnership with: Gallagher and AXA Ireland
Whether you’re new to insurance, established in your career or simply looking to build your network across the Irish market, we’d love to have you involved.
About iCAN
The Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) is a leading organisation committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the insurance sector. Established in 2017, iCAN has been instrumental in spotlighting cultural awareness, fostering talent, and championing diversity within the industry.