Adenuga wins Woman of the Year Award

Navan County Councillor, Yemi Adenuga has won a prestigious Irish Woman of the Year Award.

Cllr Adenuga won the Tatler Award for the Woman of the Year in Public Life.

In the citation for the Award, Cllr Adenuga was described as "a pioneering leader whose work has reshaped representation, equity and community empowerment in Ireland."

Cllr Adenuga was elected in 2019 as the first Black woman to hold public office in the country—and Meath’s first migrant councillor.

"She has become a powerful force for inclusive policymaking and social progress. Originally from Nigeria, she brought a distinguished background in broadcasting and public speaking to Ireland, later enhancing her expertise with degrees in business, innovation and entrepreneurship.

"A passionate advocate for women and young people, she founded Sheroes Global, a social enterprise that has mentored over 22,000 individuals worldwide through leadership and confidence-building programmes. As a councillor, she led Meath County Council to become the first local authority in Ireland to fund anti-racism education, while championing hate-crime legislation and equality initiatives.

"In 2024, she co-hosted the landmark Audacity Conference, celebrating Black women’s leadership. Adenuga continues to inspire nationwide, demonstrating how representation drives meaningful change."

Cllr Adenuga was presented with her award at a ceremony in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel which was hosted by by Business Post Portfolio and Brand Content Director, Jessie Collins.

The Women of the Year Awards were presented to trailblazers and change-makers across 19 categories such as music, film, public life, STEM and more with the overall award going to Lavinia Kerwick, the pioneering advocate for survivors’ rights.

Cllr Adenuga said she was delighted with the award. "It was unbelievable, delightful. It gives encouragement to keep on working in the background," she said.

"It is good to know that people recognise the work I am doing. It is demanding and draining, but I wont stop until I see results," she said.