Kinea CEO Marianne Checkley reflects on the event's significance for inclusion and community empowerment. A wide-ranging conversation with Ben Giordano (Horizon Educational) and Meadhbh Whelan (Department of Transport) covers hydrogen technology, the future of renewable energy careers, Ireland's alternative fuels infrastructure policy, and the importance of hands-on STEM learning. Both guests share personal reflections on learning and career paths. The episode closes with enthusiastic vox pops from students and educators at the event.

Things We Spoke About

• Ireland’s first H2GP Pro National Final
• Hydrogen-powered vehicle technology
• Renewable energy and sustainability
• Future careers in clean energy
• STEM education and inclusion
• Learning through hands-on experiences
• Teamwork, creativity, and resilience
• Youth opportunity and community engagement
• The future of hydrogen in Ireland

Guest Details

Marianne Checkley

Marianne Checkley is CEO of Kinia, an education-focused social enterprise working to create more inclusive pathways into learning, technology, and opportunity for young people across Ireland. With a background in education and social impact, she is passionate about creative learning, digital inclusion, and ensuring no young person is left behind.

Ben Giordano

Ben Giordano works with Horizon Educational, the organisation behind the global H2 Grand Prix competition. His work focuses on STEM education, renewable energy engagement, and creating hands-on learning experiences that connect young people with future careers in sustainability, engineering, and clean technology.

Meadhbh Whelan

Meadhbh Whelan is an Assistant Principal in the Irish Civil Service with experience leading climate governance, transport decarbonisation policy and EU regulatory implementation. I work at the intersection of climate action, energy security, infrastructure delivery and nature restoration, with a strong focus on evidence‑based policy, cross‑government coordination and delivery under statutory and EU frameworks. Meadbh currently works in the Department of Transport, where she leads and coordinates delivery of Ireland’s National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure (NPF‑AFI) and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). My work includes responsibility for hydrogen and biomethane infrastructure policy, Shared Island initiatives, and extensive engagement at EU and national level.

About Kinia

Educational disadvantage has long been part of the story when it comes to inequality. Today, that story is evolving.

As new careers, technologies, and ways of working continue to emerge, a new kind of divide is taking shape. It is not just about access to education, but access to awareness, opportunity, and aspiration. If young people do not see these pathways reflected in their homes or communities, it becomes much harder to imagine themselves in those futures.

At Kinia, we work to change that.

We support children and young people to explore what is possible, while empowering educators with the tools, skills, and confidence to inspire the next generation. By focusing on creative, future-focused learning, we help open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach. We believe that learning creates opportunity and that when young people are given the chance to engage, create, and imagine their future, it can change lives.

Quotes

• “The democratization of energy means every country in the world can begin producing its own energy again.” — Ben Giordano
• “It’s not only about messaging, but it’s about experience.” — Ben Giordano
• “Young people are not only being told something — they’re literally experiencing how it works.” — Ben Giordano
• “Renewables offer a career that is both innovative and creative, but also infrastructure on the ground.” — Meadhbh Whelan
• “Learning isn’t just sitting in a classroom or at a desk or reading. Learning is listening to others.” — Meadhbh Whelan
• “Every single one of us should be a teacher in some way.” — Meadhbh Whelan

They explore why learning goes far beyond the classroom and how access to the right people, environments, and opportunities can shape a young person’s future. The discussion looks at how technology is changing education, while also highlighting why human connection, creativity, and strong relationships remain central to meaningful learning.

Drawing on their own experiences across industry and education, Ciaran and Marianne share practical insights on supporting young people, building confidence, and creating more inclusive pathways into tech.

This episode is a reminder that while tools and technology continue to evolve, it is people who make learning truly impactful.

Things We Spoke About

• Learning beyond the classroom
  How learning happens in homes, communities, and everyday life, not just within school walls. 
• Keeping humans at the centre of education
  Why relationships, empathy, and human understanding still matter most, even as technology advances. 
• The role of AI in learning
  The potential for AI to support more personalised and creative learning, alongside concerns about over-reliance on technology. 
• Access and opportunity
  The importance of giving young people access to role models, networks, and experiences, not just information. 
• Inclusion in STEM and tech
  The need to support underrepresented communities and ensure more young people can see themselves in future careers.

Guest Details

Ciaran McGuinness is a commercially minded and collaborative leader with a strong track record across IT consultancy, digital transformation, and innovation. At NTT DATA, he leads a major strategic account and works with multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex change within Tier 1 financial services. He is a firm believer that success comes from strong teams, shared ambition, and trust, rather than individual effort.

Ciaran’s experience spans startups, education, NGOs, and global systems integrators, giving him a broad and practical perspective on leadership and problem solving. He brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to his work, combining delivery excellence with a focus on long-term growth. He is particularly interested in the real-world application of AI, building meaningful relationships, and creating environments where both clients and colleagues can thrive.

Marianne Checkley is CEO of Kinia, an education-focused social enterprise working to increase access to opportunity for children and young people across Ireland.

With a strong background in social impact and education, Marianne has spent her career developing strategies that expand access to learning, particularly for those at risk of being left behind. Her work focuses on using digital technology and creative approaches to build inclusive, engaging learning environments that support real progression for young people. 

Before leading Kinia, Marianne was closely involved in initiatives such as iScoil, an online learning community designed to support early school leavers through flexible, project-based education. This experience continues to shape her approach to learning, with a focus on collaboration, creativity, and meeting learners where they are. 

At Kinia, she leads a national team working with schools, educators, and communities to deliver future-focused skills and learning opportunities. She is particularly passionate about addressing educational inequality, widening participation in technology, and ensuring that every young person has the chance to realise their potential.

About Kinia

Educational disadvantage has long been part of the story when it comes to inequality. Today, that story is evolving.

As new careers, technologies, and ways of working continue to emerge, a new kind of divide is taking shape. It is not just about access to education, but access to awareness, opportunity, and aspiration. If young people do not see these pathways reflected in their homes or communities, it becomes much harder to imagine themselves in those futures.

At Kinia, we work to change that.

We support children and young people to explore what is possible, while empowering educators with the tools, skills, and confidence to inspire the next generation. By focusing on creative, future-focused learning, we help open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach.

We believe that learning creates opportunity and that when young people are given the chance to engage, create, and imagine their future, it can change lives.

On the very first episode of our new podcast Kinia Ag Caint, Laura Pakenham talks about her love for the Irish language, how the language has opened doors of its own in her career, and she encourages young people to use their creativity and skills to achieve the career they want. What better way to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge! 

Tá an eipeasóid seo ar fáil go bródúil le tacaíocht ón Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus an Ghaeltacht.