Tammy Darcy is the founder and CEO of The Shona Project, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering and supporting young women and girls in Ireland. The Shona Project provides educational resources and an online platform where girls can access the information and support they need to navigate life’s challenges; from women’s health, self-esteem and activism to mental health, career guidance and much more. Darcy founded the Shona Project in honour of her older sister, Shona Darcy, who suffered an acquired brain injury in her teens, and despite medical odds, lived until her 40s in full-time nursing care, passing away in February 2023. Darcy describes the Shona Project as her sister’s legacy – achieving the impact and greatness she was always destined for. The highlight of the Shona Project’s work each year is the Shine Festival. In honour of Internation- al Day of the Girl, the Shine Festival brings hundreds of Ireland’s most inspirational women together to share their stories and advice, answer questions and give their time to the next generation of inspirational young wom– en. In September, Darcy was chosen to join the Obama Foundation’s Leader Programme, which aims to connect and better resource regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their commu– nities. Darcy was chosen as one of 35 representatives in Europe, and one of over 100 globally, for her commit- ment to advancing the common good, and through the programme, Darcy will be supported to create tangible solutions to the challenges young women face in Ireland.
