Young Women's Network: Own The Room

Daria Gapska

Founder of Nova É ire

Daria is the founder of Nova Éire, a Belfast-based modelling agency built to connect Irish talent with global brands. Beginning her journey in the fashion industry as a model, Daria gained first-hand experience working in front of the camera before transitioning into model management. Her passion for the industry evolved as she worked internationally, attending key events including Paris and Milan Fashion Week, where she built invaluable relationships with casting directors, stylists, and brand executives. At just 22, Daria took the leap to launch her own agency, driven by a vision to offer a modern, ethical, and opportunity-focused platform for emerging models in Ireland. Since launching, Nova Éire has grown into a respected name, representing talent who have worked with major e-commerce and fashion brands both locally and internationally. Networking has played a critical role in her career, from early modelling days to building industry partnerships, and now mentoring young women as an agent and business owner. Daria will be sharing her story, lessons learned from her first year in business, practical tips for young women starting out, and her insights into the power of community, confidence, and adaptability in both fashion and entrepreneurship.

Cassie Jane

Founder of Derry Meet Ups

Cassie is the founder of Derry Meet Ups, a social initiative that has quickly become one of the city’s most dynamic community platforms. Established to create space for meaningful connections, Derry Meet Ups brings people together through inclusive events ranging from offline cafes and surfing experience to Irish language classes and creative workshops. What began as a small idea has grown into a vibrant network, breaking down barriers of isolation and showcasing the power of grassroots community-building in Derry. Cassie has taken her path from entrepreneurship as a content creator and owner of the digital marketing consultancy Maid in Media, into the community sector with the Foyle Women’s Information Network (FWIN), where she led on the local campaign to end violence against women and girls in the district - amplifying women’s voices, influencing policy, and driving forward vital conversations on safety and equality. Recently Cassie was appointed Business Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council, supporting enterprise and innovation across the region. In recognition of her impact as both a social entrepreneur and community leader, she was recently shortlisted for Young Person of the Year at the Social Enterprise NI Awards.

Erin King

Talent Partner at FinTrU

Erin is a Talent Partner at FinTrU, a financial services company that specialises in technology enabled solutions for client lifecycle management for global financial institutions. Based in FinTrU’s Derry-Londonderry office, Erin is passionate about developing local talent within Northern Ireland, creating careers and building connections to drive success. Erin specialises in Early Careers recruitment across FinTrU’s Graduate and Placement programmes, including supporting new employees as they navigate the start of their careers. Erin leads FinTrU’s award-winning partnership with Ulster University Business School through the North West Talent Hub initiative, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of talent across Derry-Londonderry. Erin holds an undergraduate degree in Law and Human Resource Management from Ulster University, along with a Diploma in International Academic Studies gained through the British Council’s Study USA programme. Her career is driven by a belief in the power of connection, community and empowering others to realise their potential.