Mairead Lavery: Diaspora Leadership in Action
Mairead Lavery knows Northern Ireland...because it shaped her.
Originally from Northern Ireland and now based in Canada, Mairead brings more than three decades of international experience across business, finance and trade. After starting her career in Belfast, building a global career in Canada and recently retiring from Export Development Canada, Mairead has taken on a new role as Chair of the Canadian Advisory Council for Northern Ireland.
The Canadian Advisory Council works closely with Invest Northern Ireland and Northern Irish Connections, focusing on sectors such as Agri-Tech, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, and Fintech & financial services. The Council supports Northern Ireland’s trade and FDI strategy, helping local businesses expand their presence in the Canadian market. They also play an important role in opening channels for Canadian companies interested in investment in Northern Ireland.
We chatted to Mairead about the power of the diaspora, the value of lived, international experience, and the opportunity that exists right now for trade and investment between Northern Ireland and Canada. At a time of global disruption, she believes there’s real potential for Northern Irish companies to enter diversifying Canadian supply chains and for Canadian businesses to deepen their engagement with the UK and Europe through Northern Ireland.
Mairead also speaks candidly about what Northern Ireland gave her: resilience, adaptability and the determination not to give up - qualities she’s carried throughout a 35‑year career and now brings back to the benefit of Northern Ireland.
From the strength of diaspora networks across Canada to the pride of seeing Northern Ireland on the world stage, Mairead’s message is clear: this is a moment to connect, collaborate and shape the future together.
