Tad Kirakowski has been appointed by the Board of VOICE to the position of CEO.
I am thrilled to take on this role. We’ve always described our work here as bottom up and top-down; we drive change from the grassroots level but also support the implementation of ambitious policies through engagement with communities. I think that mix is the real crux of VOICE's success and it’s why I love working with VOICE.
VOICE has been in Ireland for over 25 years and currently has a team of 8 people, that cover policy, research, community engagement, and advocacy projects. VOICE has grown a lot over the last 5 years particularly. What has driven that has been a fantastic team of passionate people, I look forward to supporting them to deliver VOICEs mission.
We are at a crucial time with the next few years offering us the opportunity to move towards a more circular economy and away from the take-make-waste approach, but also to ensure that we do so while achieving our aims under the Sustainable Development Goals. We need strong voices, to ensure that we can achieve these goals..
As Communications Director I help our team internally to develop effective communication strategies for their campaigns and projects, and communicate their efforts and wins externally.
I also lead on a joint project with Fingal County Council focused on disposable cup waste. I enjoy building bridges between businesses, individuals, academics, communities, and policymakers in a bid to justly transition to a real and robust circular economy in Ireland.
Fun Fact: I'm fixing up a 1950s house using secondhand materials and DIY skills as much as possible.
I manage the No Plastic Period Campaign, the Sustainable Communities Training Programme, the Zero Waste Communities Programme and the Ditch the Disposables workshops.
Through these programmes I work on sustainability issues with both communities and school groups. It’s amazing to get to work on issues that really matter to me and take action towards a better future!
Fun fact: In my spare time I work on LGBTQI+ advocacy for the West Cork based group, BROD.
Working with VOICE affords me the opportunity to contribute to initiatives, both local and national, which help to reduce waste and to improve our environment. Be it communities or corporations, there’s always something we can do to effect positive change.
I represent VOICE on the steering committee of the Environmental Pillar, the advocacy arm of the Irish Environmental Network. In this role, I advocate for circular economy initiatives to policy makers at the national and European level.
Fun fact: Friends and family sometimes accuse of me going on a bit. Whilst I would never suggest that a position so confidently advanced is without a certain internal coherence of its own, it must nevertheless be observed – after due consideration – that it does not, in any material or substantive respect, correspond with the reality of the situation, such as it is.
I am delighted to join the VOICE team and am enjoying supporting the team in the delivery of their key projects. I look forward to enhancing my environmental knowledge in the new role.
After a Finance & Business career in Ireland across the Financial Services & Payments sectors. I spent the last 8 years working internationally in the Middle East and Asia.
Fun fact – Music, History, and Sport are my key interests, with Hurling being my sporting passion.
I love working with VOICE because it gives me the opportunity to focus on my passion, which is environmental education for young people. My mission is to help create lots of little environmental activists!!
Fun Fact: In the early days of my former career as a primary school teacher, I undertook a series of lessons with my class on the life cycle of woodlice. An inspector was present for two of them and in his report, he noted the lovely resources, the children's high levels of engagement & understanding of the concepts being taught.....but cautioned against me getting "so excited that I forgot the rest of the curriculum".....noting that "Caring about woodlice is great, but the children still need to learn how to read!". I curbed my enthusiasm appropriately afterward!
I have recently joined the Picker Pals team and I am excited to work on such an innovative and fun program! My background is in the financial sector. I completed a Professional Diploma in Innovation in Sustainability in UCD in 2023 with the hope of transitioning into a career in sustainability. As a mum to the next generation of litter pickers, I am delighted to work on an educational program to help nurture good habits in our children to look after our planet!
Fun Fact: When I was in school I was in my local school band, playing the (not very Irish) glockenspiel in many a St Patrick’s Day parade. Before my time, our small country national school band even played in the New York St Patrick’s Day parade!
My name is Solene, and I am thrilled to be part of the VOICE Ireland team as project assistant. Coming from France, it is wonderful to work in an organization that is at the forefront of environmental action and being able to witness the impact we make on both national and local levels.
Working alongside a team of dedicated and passionate individuals is an incredible learning experience. Their enthusiasm has encouraged me to explore my own interests while simultaneously supporting the existing projects.
Fun fact: I flew here with both of my cats Halloween and Citrouille (=Pumkin) and have the apparently horrifying default of not liking vinegar on my chips.
If you feel passionate about protecting our natural resources and would like to become more involved in creating positive change, please support our work by making a donation.
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VOICE is a member-based environmental Charity established in 1997. We currently focus our attention on waste and water issues. VOICE membership represents people from across Ireland and reflects the growing concern that Irish people have for the quality of their environment.
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