Who We Are at Third Sector Solutions

Wendy has a diverse and extensive career that spans over 40 years across various sectors. With experience in both the Public and Community and Voluntary sectors, she has taken on significant roles such as an Enterprise Development Officer with FAS/VEC, a lecturer at Cork Institute of Technology, and a Chief Technical Advisor with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Zambian Embassy. Wendy has also worked as a Senior Training Advisor with the Irish League of Credit Unions, Manager at Carrigaline Family Support Service, CEO at the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation and as a self-employed consultant for McCarry Training and Facilitation.  

Originally from Cork, Wendy’s career has led her to work in Ireland, Europe, America, and Africa. She is now settled in Donegal with her five children. Her deep commitment to the sector is demonstrated in her role as the former CEO of the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation CLG, a charity she has been involved with since 2006, following her own daughter’s acquired brain injury, which resulted in physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.  

Wendy holds a degree in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland, followed by a B.A. (Hons) in Community Development/Social Enterprise and a M. Soc. Sc. in Third Sector Management from UCC. She is deeply passionate about governance, justice, and equality, particularly within the disability sector. Wendy has previously been a member of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group (DSG5) with the Department of Justice and Equality and represented them on the Department of Children and Youth Affairs Disability Inclusion Strategy Consultative Committee. She has also served as a board member for the Disability Federation of Ireland and participated in their Finance Sub Committee.  With years of experience working with thousands of not-for-profit organizations, Wendy now focuses on bringing her expertise and knowledge to help this sector thrive through her new Company, Third Sector Solutions.