To celebrate International Women's Day (IWD), we are shining a light on some of the amazing women who help shape National College of Ireland. Find out what IWD means to them.
Faith Wainaina, Vice President for Academic Affairs in NCI’s Students’ Union
International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025
Shining a light on the women of NCI.
My name is Faith Wainaina, and I am the Vice President for Academic Affairs in NCI’s Students’ Union. My role revolves around supporting students academically and ensuring their voices are heard. I recruit all the Class Representatives and manage the Class Rep System, organize training days with USI and NStEP, and provide guidance on deferrals, repeats, extensions, and re-runs. I also offer support on academic integrity and help direct students to the right resources if they face any issues with lecturers or staff. My goal is to make academic life smoother and more accessible for all students at NCI.
Career pathways and aspirations
My journey at NCI began in 2021 when I started an Accounting and Finance course straight after finishing my Leaving Cert. Throughout my time here, I’ve been deeply involved in student life, I served as a Class Rep, a member of the Dance Society, and Treasurer of the African Society for two consecutive years. NCI has given me incredible experiences, countless laughs, and friendships that will last a lifetime. I started working in my current role 8 months ago, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
The future may be unknown, but it is bright
Honestly, there are so many things that I could talk about that I don’t even know where to begin! I am excited to see what lies ahead.
Motivations
I’m motivated by making a real difference and working towards big goals. I enjoy tackling challenges, working with a team, and always learning new things. I feel most fulfilled in places that encourage new ideas and where my efforts help everyone succeed.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a celebration of women’s strength, achievements, and progress. It’s a reminder to keep supporting each other and empower future generations. It’s about recognising how far we’ve come and how much more we can do together.
A woman’s work
I’m relatively new to the workplace, as this job is my third role. I’ve always enjoyed my jobs, and I enjoy my job here at NCI. I work with a brilliant team and there is always something going on. At times work can be very busy, and I think there will always be stressful days at work no matter what the role is, but regarding my experience as a woman in the workplace, so far, I can’t say that I have ever felt that I was being treated differently or facing difficulties because of being a woman. It’s not something that I feel I have experienced.