Cara McCann

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT CARA MCCANN

As Director of HERe NI, I have over 14 years\' experience working at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ advocacy, women’s rights, and social justice in Northern Ireland. I’m passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ women, and I lead our work on visibility, representation, and equality across sectors.At HERe NI, I oversee strategic development, funding, and policy engagement, alongside supporting the designing and delivery of accredited LGBTQIA+ awareness training for civil service, public bodies, and community organisations. My role involves collaborating with government departments, funders, and equality champions to ensure LGBTQIA+ people are not just included — but actively valued.I’m a Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) with a background in community development, advocacy, and intersectional inclusion. I’ve led campaigns, contributed to legislative consultations, and supported survivors of gender-based violence through trauma-informed practice.Whether I’m working with senior civil servants or grassroots activists, my focus remains the same: making Northern Ireland a more equal, respectful, and welcoming place for all LGBTQIA+ people. Areas of expertise:LGBTQIA+ training & consultancy FundraisingStrategic leadership & nonprofit governancePolicy influence & public engagementGender-based violence supportEquality & human rights frameworksInclusive workplace developmentLet’s connect and collaborate for meaningful change.