Honora Egan's Unconventional Path to Product Design 

Honora's journey to becoming an Innovation Manager at Hollister is a testament to the power of curiosity and self-discovery. Initially drawn to art and Irish studies, Honora's path took an unexpected turn when she discovered product design. "It was a light bulb moment," she recalls, describing how the field combined her interests in art, business, and engineering. 

Honora's story highlights the importance of taking time to find one's true passion. After a gap year that allowed her to explore her interests, she found her calling in product design. This experience shaped her advice for young women considering STEM careers: "Independence is key. Know what you like and follow that path." 

Throughout her career, Honora has faced challenges that tested her resilience. The transition from individual contributor to team leader brought new pressures and self-doubt. However, with the support of mentors and a proactive approach to self-improvement, Honora learned to navigate these challenges. "I had to learn to be easier on myself and focus on what I was doing right, not just on what I wasn't," she reflects, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and growth mindset in leadership. 

Vivienne's Journey - From Fixing Things to Shaping the Future 

Vivienne's path to becoming an Innovation Manager at Hollister began with a childhood love for fixing things. Her story underscores the importance of early exposure to STEM fields and the impact of supportive environments. Vivienne's experience during a work placement in transition year ignited her passion for engineering, leading her to pursue a degree in the field. 

Like many in STEM, Vivienne's career path wasn't always straightforward. She faced challenges in college and even spent time working in a shoe shop after graduation. However, these experiences taught her valuable lessons about bouncing back and the importance of seizing opportunities. "It's never really straightforward how you get to places, but you do find your way," Vivienne advises, encouraging others to be patient and open to unexpected turns in their career journeys. 

Vivienne's story highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in STEM careers. Her transition from automation engineering to mechanical engineering, and later her pursuit of a master's degree, demonstrate the evolving nature of STEM fields and the opportunities for growth they provide. 

Hollister's Commitment to ED&I and Women in STEM 

Honora and Vivienne's experiences are set against the backdrop of Hollister's strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The company's efforts are reflected in its impressive statistics: 

These numbers demonstrate Hollister's dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, particularly in STEM fields where gender disparities often persist. 

In 2022, Hollister launched its first employee-run Employee Resource Group (ERG), the Women's Initiative Network (WIN), with an Irish chapter established in the same year. WIN aims to support, guide, and celebrate women's growth within the company. Importantly, the group welcomes everyone—male, female, and non-binary—recognising that achieving gender equality requires the involvement and support of all. 

The Bigger Picture: Encouragement and Awareness 

Honora and Vivienne's stories, combined with Hollister's initiatives, sends a powerful message that STEM is a field where women can not only participate but lead and innovate. Their journeys highlight the importance of curiosity, believing in yourself, and the courage to pursue one's passions, even when the path isn't clear. 

For young women considering STEM careers, Honora and Vivienne offer this advice: 

As we continue to bolster the message that #GreatnessHasNoGender, stories like Honora's and Vivienne's serve as powerful reminders of the impact that individual determination, coupled with supportive corporate cultures, can have on shaping the future of STEM. 

Thank you to our sponsors Fenero, a multi-award-winning company that specialises in the financial success for contractors, freelancers and solopreneurs. 

Want to be part of this exciting journey? Connect with HERO on LinkedIn, reach out at hello@hero.ie, or explore the latest job opportunities in STEM on our Permanent and Contracting Jobs pages.