Datapac has been named winner of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award in the ICT category at the Diversity in Business Awards 2025. The award recognises Datapac’s organisation-wide commitment to building a more inclusive technology sector in Ireland, with judges specifically highlighting the company’s forward-looking DE&I roadmap as a key factor in the decision.
Pathways Inclusion: a structured approach to inclusion
Central to Datapac’s DE&I strategy is its Pathways Inclusion Initiative, a company-wide framework designed to create and sustain inclusive career pathways in technology. Pathways operates across three areas: widening access through inclusive recruitment and school to STEM opportunities; embedding the structures and supports that allow people to succeed as their authentic selves at every life stage; and promoting holistic wellbeing through Datapac’s Thrive Wellbeing Programme.
The results are reflected in Datapac’s leadership profile. With over 70% of management roles currently held by women, the company has built one of the most diverse senior teams in the Irish ICT sector.
Bringing opportunity into schools
Datapac’s DE&I work extends into the community through two active programmes. In 2024, the company participated in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, with team members mentoring girls from DEIS schools and giving them direct insight into real-world technology careers. Datapac has plans to expand its involvement in the programme further in 2025.
The Girls in ICT Roadshow, launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025, brings senior women in technology directly into schools across Wexford to share career advice and deliver skills-based sessions for transition year students. Both programmes are grounded in the same belief: that access to technology careers should not be determined by background, geography or circumstance.
Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac: “Inclusion isn’t something we just started doing — it’s been in our DNA from the beginning. Winning this award is a proud milestone in a much longer journey. It’s an important recognition of the work our team has done — and continues to do — to ensure that everyone can access meaningful opportunities in the tech sector.
“We remain steadfast and are doubling down on our DE&I beliefs. We believe diversity drives innovation and resilience, and we’re proud to play our part in shaping a more inclusive future for our industry.”
The Diversity in Business Awards celebrate organisations across Ireland that are creating inclusive workplaces, driving positive change and contributing to a more equitable business environment.