I’m delighted to share that I’ve been named National Established Businesswoman of the Year 2026 at the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
I received the award at the national gala at The Galmont Hotel in Galway on Friday, 18 September, representing Network Ireland Galway. The gala followed Network Ireland’s National Conference at Dexcom Stadium.
It was a particularly special moment to receive this recognition here in Galway, where I’ve built Digital Training Institute and where the next chapter of the business continues to take shape.
From Galway to the national awards
Earlier this year, I won the Network Ireland Galway Established Businesswoman category, which brought me forward to represent the Galway branch at the national awards.
Across Ireland, 17 Network Ireland branches held local finals in 2026, with branch winners progressing to compete at national level. The Established Businesswoman category recognises women who can demonstrate the impact created through their business.
To go from winning in Galway in June to receiving the national award in September has been an incredible experience.
Building the next phase of Digital Training Institute
I lead the Galway-based Digital Training Institute, working with government, public-sector and private-sector organisations on applied AI, digital communications, marketing, training and advisory projects. Public Sector Marketing Institute is our dedicated brand for government and public-sector work.
With more than 20 years of experience across journalism, public relations, political communication and digital marketing, my work now focuses on helping organisations move from AI experimentation to practical use, with governance and human judgement built into the process.
I’ve also developed GovComms.ai, a governance-led AI product designed for public-sector communications.
This award comes at an important point in that journey.
“This award comes at an important moment for me and for the business. I am taking everything I have learned across journalism, communications, training and public-sector work and putting it into the next phase of growth, including the development of GovComms.ai.”
Taking my work beyond Ireland
My work is becoming increasingly international. Throughout 2026, I’ve delivered applied AI training, advisory and speaking programmes in Paris, London, Geneva and Budapest, working with European institutions, public-sector leaders and professional audiences.
But while the work continues to expand internationally, Galway remains at the heart of the business.
“My work is increasingly international, but the business is rooted in Galway. I want to show that a company from the west of Ireland can build trusted AI tools for public institutions, bring specialist knowledge into international markets and grow without losing the human judgement and responsibility that good communications demand. This award gives me even more confidence in where we are going.”
The value of the Network Ireland community
The support I’ve received from Network Ireland Galway has been an important part of this experience.
Network Ireland Galway President Sharon Kelly said:
“We are absolutely thrilled that Joanne has won this national award. She has represented Network Ireland Galway with distinction, and the award recognises both the business she has built and the ambition she is bringing to its next chapter. The work she has developed through GovComms.ai has the potential to make an impact far beyond Ireland.”
Sharon also highlighted something that makes the Network Ireland community so valuable: women supporting and encouraging other women in business.
“Joanne is also exceptionally generous with her time and advice. Much of that support happens quietly, whether she is at the end of a phone, an email or a WhatsApp message for another woman in business. She also supports women across other Network Ireland branches. Joanne reflects why Network Ireland exists. Women raise one another up here, and she lives that value in a very real way. We are very proud to have her as part of Network Ireland Galway, and I wish her every success in the future.”
That spirit of women supporting women is something I strongly believe in, and it makes this recognition from Network Ireland all the more meaningful.
What comes next
There’s a lot happening as I continue to grow Digital Training Institute’s applied AI work, develop GovComms.ai and expand my international training, advisory and speaking programmes.
But wherever that work takes me, Galway remains home and the foundation of the business I’m building.
I’m incredibly grateful to Network Ireland Galway and the wider Network Ireland community for this recognition and for all the support along the way.
This award marks another important milestone, but there’s much more to come.
About the Author
AI and Communications Specialist | Author | Podcaster | International Speaker
Joanne Sweeney is a recognised leader in digital marketing and digital transformation, specialising in the practical application of AI to enhance communication strategies. The founder of Digital Training Institute, Joanne, empowers leaders and communications professionals to leverage AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring transparency, trust, and tangible results.
She completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Programme in AI and Public Policy this summer before launching her fourth book AI Playbook, in September. Joanne has also published two editions of Public Sector Marketing Pro, which were preceded by her first title, Social Media Under Investigation Law Enforcement and the Social Web.
Her books have become go-to resources for governments, public sector and policing agencies, as well as marketing and communications professionals, all navigating the challenges of the changing Internet.
Joanne is the host of the AI SIX Podcast, a daily six-minute podcast that provides actionable insights, expert interviews, and practical advice to help professionals navigate the new world of work.
