CATHY MURPHY has made a career in Ireland-Canada relations: first in the cultural sector as Executive Producer of the Irish Repertory Theatre Company of Canada, then in diaspora relations as the inaugural Executive Director of I/CAN, and currently in the trade sphere as Managing Director of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce and VP of EUCCAN (EU Chamber of Commerce Canada).
She has been published multiple times in the Irish Times, featured on the Times Women’s Podcast and RTÉ’s NationLive, and heard on the WE EMPOWER G7 Success Stories under CETA webinar, CIUT’s Innovation Nation, and CBC’s The Sunday Edition. She has been Master of Ceremonies and guest speaker at numerous events and summits including: Ireland-Canada Business Summit (Dublin); Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission; Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce (Edmonton); Global Irish Diaspora Congress (University College, Dublin); United Brotherhood of Carpenters National Conference, Canada; EUCCAN Achievements and Challenges of CETA Implementation and Women Mean Business.
Cathy holds a BA (Hons) with distinction in Humanities from the University of Toronto, an MA in Women’s Studies from York University, an Executive Management certificate from the Rotman School of Management U of T (Getting It Done!), a certificate in Digital Strategy and Communications Management from the University of Toronto School for Continuing Studies, and a certificate from the OCASI School for Social Justice.
She currently sits on the board of The EU Chamber of Commerce Canada and Lua Shayenne Dance Company; volunteers with The Together Project (connecting refugee newcomers and Canadians to build stronger, more integrated communities) and at The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada; and is a fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Hospital Journey to Conquer Cancer event.
In her own words: “The arts have been disproportionately shattered by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We who are provoked and thrilled by all aspects of the arts need to champion this sector more than ever now, when the need is most acute. I have embraced the LSDC because of 3 commitments that radiate from its vision: transform, inspire, educate. The opportunity to align ourselves with, and indeed become an ally to, this innovative company is one to be seized — be a part of the stories told here and witness the impact your participation can make.”