At Sharp, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day.  We support the development of all our employees by creating an environment where you’re encouraged to reach your full potential. Meet Deirdre, US-born, Dublin-based Procurement Analyst for Sharp. We’re proud to #BeBoldForChange.

Deirdre McNally, Procurement Analyst
In my role as Procurement Analyst, I work with various teams across the division to analyse Sharp’s overall supplier spend, look for opportunities to maintain and enhance relationships with our suppliers. I strive to ensure that Sharp receives the highest quality and value for the services and products we require.
 
I joined UDG in January 2015, as part of the Procurement Graduate Development Program. Within this program I spent one year with the Sharp Packaging Services business in Allentown, PA. I then spent a month with Ashfield’s Divisional Procurement team in Ashby, followed by seven months in Las Rozas de Madrid with Ashfield Iberia. After a fantastic experience in the Graduate Program, I was happy to re-join the Sharp team as a Procurement Analyst, this time based in Dublin.
 
My mother, Gráinne Keane, has been the most influential woman in my life.
 
She was self-employed in the construction industry in her 20s, where she had no prior experience and women were rarely seen in management roles. She taught herself all about the industry, and is often the first person in the office and the last person to leave. She will work until the early hours of the morning to meet a deadline and always delivers.

“She was self-employed in the construction industry in her 20s, where she had no prior experience and women were rarely seen in management roles.”
 
It’s most inspiring to see both sides of my mother. I have seen her bringing my autistic brother to therapy in the morning, then managing a supplier and dealing with crises that afternoon. She will always go out of her way to help people, but will hold her ground when the pressure rises. She draws a line between her professional and personal lives, and she balances the two constantly.
Watching her laid the foundation that I rely on in my role every day. I strive to emulate her strong work ethic. Originally from Ireland, her name is Gráinne, but in America she goes by the name of Grace. She conducts herself in the same way: with Grace.

To read more stories from women across the organization, visit UDG Healthcare.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.