Olivia DeWan

Articles

A selection of articles featured across various publications, covering numerous topics and perspectives

Business & Finance •

"Listen more than you speak" – 60 Seconds With Adrian Lambe, Director of Douglas Wallace Consultants

By Olivia DeWan

What was your first job?
My first role was with Bennett Construction, which gave me a strong foundation in the practical side of the industry. I then moved to Quilligan Architects before joining Douglas Wallace Consultants, where I’ve spent the majority of my working life.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
My primary focus is on delivering thoughtful, high-quality design solutions that respond to both client needs and the context of their environment....
Business & Finance •

Business Person of the Month June 2026: Michael Stanley

Michael Stanley is a co-founder of Cairn Homes and has been the CEO since 2015. 
Stanley has a background in residential development and the property industry. As the previous CEO of Stanley Holdings, a large Irish homebuilder and real estate investment company, Stanley has a long history of shaping Ireland’s housing landscape.
Under Stanley’s leadership, Cairn Homes increased home sales to 1,130 in the first six months of the year, compared with 708 in the corresponding period of 2025.
“Across...
Business & Finance •

Applegreen creates jobs by expanding its partnership with Popeyes

Applegreen is set to create 450 new jobs following an agreement as the Irish company opens a series of Popeyes chicken restaurants. 
Applegreen is the leading roadside retailer encompassing food, fuel and convenience offerings. Since their first store in Dublin opened in 1992, the company has expanded to become the largest motorway service area operator in both Ireland and the US with an annual turnover of more than €3.3 billion.
Applegreen currently employs approximately 16,900 people and is pu...
Business & Finance •

60 Seconds With Matthew Coffey, CEO of SQUID

What was your first job?
If we’re talking about a proper career, SQUID was my first real job.
Before that, I did bits and pieces such as maths tutoring and sailing instruction to earn some spending money, but building SQUID straight out of university was my first full-time venture.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
My role is to set the direction of the company. SQUID is an ecosystem with consumers, businesses, partners, investors and employees, so a large part of my...
Business & Finance •

CEO Q&A with Kieran Daly, HealthBeacon

This sounds like a cliche, but it was picking potatoes at age 12 – different times!
After that, I spent a few years working as a gardener. I think it’s important for people to get exposure to all kinds of work when they are younger, as ultimately it all feeds into their experience and work ethic.
My main priority at the moment is to continue to grow our business; we have a few exciting expansion opportunities underway.
HealthBeacon is building on our foundational adherence solutions and evolvi...
Business & Finance •

Catalyst Media Appoints Katie Molony as Managing Director

Catalyst Media, a leading Irish media, events and C-suite engagement company, has announced the appointment of Katie Molony as Managing Director.
Molony has held various executive roles, including Chief Executive Officer (Maximum Media/JOE Media UK), Chief Growth Officer (Darwin CX), Chief Operating Officer (Hara), and Chief Digital Officer (Irish Studio), working across Ireland, the UK, the United States, and Canada.
Alongside her executive leadership roles, Molony has advised a range of Irish...
Business & Finance •

Kainos growth surges as revenue hits £421m

By Olivia DeWan
Kainos’s annual report highlighted an increase in demand for its IT and software development services. To support its rapidly growing clientele, Kainos expanded its workforce as its contracted order backlog increased.
Kainos chief executive Brendan Mooney said that “the turnaround was related to an improvement in the company’s performance and sales in the second half of the year.”
The company’s acquisition of Davis Pier, a Canadian firm, added 120 employees to the Kainos staff. T...
Business & Finance •

CEO Q&A with Matthew Gleeson, Blackberry Hearing

By Olivia DeWan
As CEO of Blackberry Hearing, my priority is to scale the business into a leading international hearing healthcare provider while maintaining the clinical standards and customer outcomes that define our brand.
That means building the right leadership structure, investing in systems and data, and creating an organisation that can grow without losing what made it successful in the first place. 
The biggest challenge is stepping back from the operational detail. Having grown with th...
Business & Finance •

"Great things happen outside your comfort zone" – 60 Seconds With David Quigley, Chief Revenue Officer of Hub Packaging

By Olivia DeWan

What was your first job?
My first job was a hands-on role working in a warehouse picking orders. This role taught me the value of hard work, accountability, and showing up consistently, principles that have stayed with me throughout my career.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
As Chief Revenue Officer at Hub Packaging, my focus is on driving sustainable growth, strengthening customer relationships, and aligning our commercial strategy with long-term m...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Aeronimble introduces aircraft innovation to the Valley

During a whirlwind tour of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County on Tuesday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery announced that AeroNimble, a new company specializing in aircraft engine repair and maintenance, will expand its operations in Harrisonburg.


“We’re building a high-tech aerospace company right here in the Shenandoah Valley,” Eric Terry, a founder and the CHRO of AeroNimble, said. “We believe the region can compete for highly skilled positions and...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Blacks Run Clean Up Day protects Harrisonburg’s natural resources

On April 11, Harrisonburg is rolling up its sleeves. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the City’s Public Works Department will lead Blacks Run Clean Up Day, rallying volunteers to protect Blacks Run.


“This is the 28th annual event, which started back in 1998 by members of the community who were interested in cleaning up Blacks Run,” Austin Shenk, an Environmental Specialist for the City of Harrisonburg, said. “Blacks Run has had a very long history of pollution.”


In 2005, the City of Harrisonb...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Build A Bouquet Flower Walk welcomes spring

With spring on the horizon, Blakemore’s Flowers and Mary McMahan are hosting Build A Bouquet Flower Walk on March 21 to welcome the blooming new season to Harrisonburg. 


“Five years ago, I came up with the idea for the flower walk with the Friendly City Merchants, a group of downtown retailers,” McMahan, the Director of Brand, Marketing & Operations at withSimplicity, said. “Since then, I’ve continued putting on the event each year when possible.”


Originally, the Flower Walk was hosted dur...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Harrisonburg’s first Mutt Strut 5K will kick off on March 21

Anicira Veterinary Center will host Harrisonburg’s first Mutt Strut 5K on March 21 to raise awareness and funds for local pet support.


“Anicira is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for 20 years, and our mission is to end animal suffering,” Mary Golden-Hughes, the Director of Advancement at Anicira, said. “We’re always trying to resource new ways to offset financial barriers for people’s pet care.” 


The Mutt Strut 5K will begin at 9:00 AM at Bluestone Elementary S...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Rockingham County Recreation Center’s sensory room champions children with special needs

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Rockingham County celebrated the grand opening of the new Sensory Room located in Rockingham County Recreation Center late last month.  


Sensory rooms are designed to help individuals reduce stress and are commonly used in therapeutic and educational settings. The Rockingham Sensory Room was created to provide a calming, accessible environment for children with sensory sensitivities, autism and other special needs.


Leila Longcor, the Rockingham County Distri...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Young actors shine in Act One’s The Little Mermaid JR

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Presented by Act One Theater Company, The Little Mermaid JR will run from February 19 to March 1 at the Court Square Theater in downtown Harrisonburg. The colorful production will brings children from across the region together for a shared love of theater, and is one of two children’s shows hosted each year by Act One.


“When we audition, we hope to allow everyone who auditions a place in the cast,” Leeanne Shepherd, the Director of Operations at Act One, said....
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Parentheses Books offers Second Saturday Stories to build community | The Harrisonburg Citizen

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Parentheses Books, an independent bookstore in the Liberty St. Mercantile, is full of colorful paperbacks, sparkling fairy lights, and, of course, stories. On the second Saturday of every month, Parentheses hosts Second Saturday Stories, a time of reading and crafts for Harrisonburg’s kids and families. 


Amanda Friss opened Parentheses in late October 2023 and said she envisioned a way to bring the community together. 


“I worked in a small independent booksh...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Dogs 2 Read 2 helps children build reading confidence

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


On Thursday afternoons at the Massanutten Regional Library in downtown Harrisonburg, young readers gather around wagging tails for Dogs 2 Read 2, or D2R2, a program where service dogs become fluffy, judgment-free reading buddies.


“The dogs have been coming here since around 2013,” Denise Munro, the Head of Youth Services at Massanutten Library, said. “There are children who come specifically to see certain dogs. They get very excited to look at who is here, the...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Simply Natural Living by Great.full Goods to Celebrate Rebranding and Grand Opening

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Great.full Goods, one of Harrisonburg’s favorite local businesses, is rebranding and will celebrate its grand opening on Dec. 6.


For the past four years, Melissa Nguyen has been running Great.full Goods with a mission to provide the Harrisonburg community with natural, sustainable products that promote health and reduce waste.


“I really wanted to reduce plastic waste in our local landfill and provide our community with options that are natural,” Nguyen said....
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Stuff the Trunk: Harrisonburg Rallies to Restock Bolt’s Closet | The Harrisonburg Citizen

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Harrisonburg High School is inviting the community to help “Stuff the Trunk” on Saturday, November 15, to support Bolt’s Closet, a free resource that provides personal care items to students and their families. Volunteers will be collecting donations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Walmart Center on Burgess Road.


Madison Greer, a school counselor at Harrisonburg High School, joined forces with Roni Goldberg, a social worker at HHS, in a mission to support th...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Barefoot Puppet Theater brings ‘Galapagos George’ to Court Square Theater | The Harrisonburg Citizen

Richmond’s Barefoot Puppets Theater is coming to Court Square Theater tonight for a “magical” performance of Galapagos George, based on the true story of “Lonesome George,” the last known tortoise of his kind from Pinta Island in the Galápagos. 


Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, the sponsor of tonight’s event, works to achieve equitable access to the arts for all K-8 students. By collaborating with Barefoot Puppets Theater to bring Galapagos George to Harrisonburg and Rockingham county, Any...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

A bewitching brew: Blue Ridge Florist & Tea Room hosts Spooktacular Tea Experience

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Throughout October, by reservation only on Fridays and Saturdays, Blue Ridge Florist & Tea Room has turned its bright pink space into a whimsical Halloween wonderland affectionately called “Spooktacular Tea.”


“We redecorate the space depending on the holiday season,” Jennifer Phillips, floral designer and owner of Blue Ridge Florist & Tea Room, said. “We even offer ghost cookies, little tarts with spider webs, and fall flavors.”


Collaborating with Bitterswee...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Anicira hosts free ‘Healthy Pets’ Event to expand access to pet care

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


Anicira, the non-profit veterinary service in Harrisonburg, will host its first free Healthy Pets event at Hillandale Park in Harrisonburg.


The event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 11 offers free vaccines and flea and tick prevention for household dogs and cats, helping local pet owners keep their companions healthy and protected.


“This is Anicira’s 20th year in service to the community, and we were founded as a non-profit veterinary ser...
The News-Gazette •

Two Wheels, One Dream

Jackson Hotchkiss Cycles 550 Miles In Spain’s Gravel Earth SeriesOver the course of three days earlier this year, Lexington native Jackson Hotchkiss pedaled more than 550 miles through Spain’s mountainous terrain as part of the Gravel Earth Series, an international cycling tour.Competing with Ink Properties Racing, a team based in Greenville, S.C., Hotchkiss flew to Barcelona to race alongside renowned cyclists. His love for the sport, which eventually led him to compete in such an intense race,...
The Harrisonburg Citizen •

Aristocat Cafe has been serving not only cats, but tea as well

By Olivia DeWan, contributor


For the past two years, Aristocat Cafe has served as a haven for tea and cat lovers alike. Founded by Amanda Atwell in 2023, the cozy Harrisonburg establishment blends her love for loose-leaf teas and feline companionship into a one-of-a-kind experience. 


“I’ve fostered cats since I was 16,” Atwell said. “I love all animals, but cats have a special spot for me. I always thought, ‘man, wouldn’t it be cool to put cats and tea together?’”


When Atwell visited Qu...
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Press Releases

BC’s Jazz Bands to Perform on March 23 | Bridgewater College

Hits include:
https://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2025/03/17/bach-around-the-clock-augusta-health-news-bridgewater-college-jazz-bands-concert-the-digest/82303344007/



https://www.dnronline.com/news/arts_and_entertainment/students-to-conduct-songs-during-bridgewater-college-jazz-concert/article_66223260-0559-5421-aee8-a2b83bccb794.html



https://augustafreepress.com/news/bridgewater-college-jazz-band-ensemble-to-perform-free-concert-march-23/

Travel Writing


A collection of independently written narratives capturing my experiences and observations from my travels

LivLife •

I kissed a stone and all I got was this gift of gab

Much like Scotland, when I think of Ireland, I think of castles: towering fortresses made of stone proudly displaying billowing flags adorned with family crests against a cloudy, overcast sky. It was the hunt for a good castle that led us to Cork on June 13th. Cork famously houses Blarney Castle, a 580-year-old structure built by Dermot McCarthy, the King of Munster, and of course, the Blarney Stone.So, running on three hours of sleep (I do not recommend returning from the pub at 2 am when you h...
LivLife •

Ireland’s Eye: Home of the puffins (aka very fat seals)

In the early summer months, Ireland is one of the best places in the world to see the puffins. Or so I hoped when I booked my trip to Ireland’s Eye, a small, uninhabited island about a mile from the docks of Howth. On June 7, I set off for the cozy coastal town with my friends.After our debacle at Fairy Castle, we had higher hopes of somewhat tolerable weather. I brought my raincoat just in case, having learned my lesson, and hopped in a taxi for a 20-minute drive. Howth was one of the hot spots...
LivLife •

Oh, to be drowned at Fairy Castle

The stunning green landscape of Ireland seems to stretch endlessly to the horizon, backed by a spine of rising mountains protruding from the earth. That view has haunted me since I bought my plane tickets. I wanted to see something so ethereal in person, and I compiled a list of hikes to complete while studying abroad this summer; one of those hikes being the legendary Fairy Castle Loop in Ticknock Forest.The images on Google showed a massive pile of rocks in the middle of a rolling field sliced...
LivLife •

For the Thrill of Your Life: A Day at the Isle of Man TT

When you have the opportunity to chase one of the biggest dreams you’ve had for the last seven years, you take it. No questions asked. You cannot be deterred by anything except an act of God. For some people, that could be a beautiful trip to Paris, or maybe visiting a famous restaurant. For me, it was the Isle of Man TT.I had obsessed over the race since I was 14. I wrote an entire novel, something that’s taken about half of my life, heavily inspired by the indescribably fast motorcycles that f...
LivLife •

Mountains and Lochs

The two and a half hour trip from the Glasgow city center to the Highlands was worth every second. Our coach driver was incredible as he handled the twisting back roads with ease; there was hardly a foot of space between our coach and the car on the other side of the road. Thankfully, I didn’t have to fight off any motion sickness, as I was too distracted by the vibrant forest of bright greens and towering trees. I pressed my face to the window to get as close to the views as possible. It was a...
LivLife •

Four Bridgewater College Students VS Free Reign in Glasgow

On our third day of the trip, we were allowed to go out and explore on our own. My friends and I took advantage of this immediately, and headed out of our hotel at 9am to see everything we could. We started with a forty minute walk to the University of Glasgow. The unicorn statues guarding the gothic buildings stopped me in my tracks. The golden highlights to their horns and hooves glittered in the sun, and as their eyes of stone bore down upon me, I thought they were more ferocious than the lio...
LivLife •

Hello, Edinburgh

We caught a train from Glasgow’s city center and traveled to Edinburgh the next morning. I adored Glasgow, but I could tell within five minutes of standing in Edinburgh that this was the place I’d fall in love with aside from the Highlands. It’s safe to say I was correct. We had some time to explore the city briefly before returning to our new hotel for dinner. We strolled through Princess Street, the Grassmarket, and Victoria Street briefly (I explored these places in depth two days later). Eve...
LivLife •

I Am Not A Golfer, But The Birthplace of The Sport Makes Me Wish I Was

St. Andrews, a small town through the Kingdom of Fife about two hours away from just outside the center of Edinburgh. I honestly knew nothing about this location, but I was utterly charmed by it. St. Andrews, like everywhere else in Scotland, was stunning. That traditional Scottish architecture encompassed the entire town, eliciting a historical, mysterious feeling as you stroll through the streets.The main attraction of this town is certainly the Old Course, where I was told many golfers spend...
LivLife •

Edinburgh Isn’t Ready For Our American Awesomeness

We had two free days to explore by ourselves in Edinburgh, and we were ready to dive straight into it, starting off strong with a tour of the Edinburgh Castle in the Royal Mile. This attraction is an absolute must for a trip to Scotland, and is located in the heart of the city. You’re greeted into the castle by an iron gate like you’d see in the Princess Bride. My neck began to ache from constantly tilting my head back to stare at the spiraling spires that stretched into the sky, and the billowi...
LivLife •

An End of A Beginning

Feeling rather ambitious, we laced up our tennis shoes, bought a train ticket, and headed straight for Arthur’s Seat. The massive mountain overlooks the entire city of Edinburgh, and hiking to the peak is a staple of Scotland. We were determined to make it to the top, but five steps in, we realized that climbing a mountain was actually going to be pretty difficult. Before we were even halfway up, my calves started to burn. Nevertheless, I persisted. As the incline grew way past the 15% incline o...

Short Stories

A selection of short stories exploring various themes, characters, and narratives