Former Loreto College student recognised for leadership in sustainability and STEM
Midlands Science has announced that Mullingar native Pauline Nally has been shortlisted for the ESG STEM Woman of the Year Award at the Business Post Women in STEM Awards, taking place on 22 October at the Mansion House in Dublin.
A former pupil of Loreto College, Mullingar, Pauline brings a wealth of professional experience in finance, private banking and fundraising to her work with Midlands Science, where she has spent the last decade developing partnerships that create educational and community opportunities across the region.
The shortlisting recognises her contribution to environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership, particularly her ability to connect the ambitions of businesses, philanthropic foundations and other organisations with initiatives that deliver lasting social impact.
Pauline has played a central role in transforming how Midlands Science develops and delivers partnerships, moving beyond traditional funding relationships to create collaborations that support financial sustainability, environmental responsibility and community benefit.
Midlands Science is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) accessible and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Working across the region, the organisation delivers science education, public engagement and outreach programmes, connecting schools, communities, businesses and researchers with opportunities to explore science and its relevance to everyday life.
Pauline’s background in the financial sector, her expertise in fundraising and relationship management, have been instrumental in building the sustainable partnerships that underpin much of that work. She has also led the development of the organisation’s sustainability strategy, embedding ESG principles into its approach to partnership development and programme delivery.
Pauline said: “I am delighted to be shortlisted for this award. Having grown up in Mullingar, the midlands is a place that means a great deal to me, and it is a privilege to work with organisations that want to make a genuine difference to the communities here.
“My background in finance and fundraising has shown me the importance of building strong relationships based on trust, shared ambition and long-term value. For me, ESG is about putting those principles into practice and creating opportunities that have a real and lasting impact.
“Science has the power to change lives, and I am proud of the partnerships we have developed to make STEM more accessible to people throughout the region.”
In her time with Midlands Science, Pauline has worked with University College London and the Medtronic Foundation, and her leadership reflects a belief that effective ESG partnerships should deliver benefits beyond individual projects, strengthening organisations, communities and the wider STEM outreach sector.
Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science, said: “We are proud of Pauline and delighted to see her recognised on a national stage. She is an exceptional executive who combines commercial and financial experience with creativity, integrity and a commitment to making a difference.
"She understands the priorities of organisations seeking to make a meaningful ESG contribution and the needs of the communities we serve. She has an extraordinary ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and turn that ambition into practical, sustainable programmes that benefit thousands of people.”
The winners will be announced at the Business Post ESG Awards ceremony on 22 October at the Mansion House, Dublin.