New Network West Cork president: ‘Stepping up feels like the most natural way to give back’

‘Rise Beyond’ is the theme Anna Groniecka has chosen for her year as president of Network Ireland West Cork.

The inspiration came from her own journey -moving here from her native Poland in 2006, setting up what’s now a very successful career in photography, and juggling a professional life with being a mother of two.

“The theme also came from many conversations I’ve had. It means: rising beyond fear, beyond limitations we place on ourselves, beyond old stories we carry, beyond perfectionism, beyond the idea that success must look a certain way,” said Anna.

“Every woman rises differently — sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, sometimes through rebuilding, sometimes through small steps. But we all rise. Throughout the year, I want our events and programmes to reflect that: confidence, courage, honesty, connection, creativity, learning, and opportunities to break through whatever ‘ceiling’ each woman feels above her head.”

Anna is originally from Bytom, a city in the south of Poland, right in the Silesian region.

“It’s the land of coal mines, heavy industry and very resilient people. It’s a place with a strong character, a bit rough around the edges, but full of history and honesty. I moved to Ireland in 2006 - initially ‘for a year or two’ like everyone says … and then West Cork got me. I’ve been living in Clonakilty for many years now. It became home very quickly: the community, the coastline, the creativity everywhere - and eventually my whole life grew here,” she said.

She’s mum to teenagers Olivia and Ben.

“They have grown up fully as West Cork kids, with schools, sports, friends, adventures and the usual chaos of busy family life. The three of us, and our dog, have built our little world here - and it’s definitely the place I want my children to keep growing up in.”

Originally, Anna worked in the corporate sector, specifically in administration and logistics at EMC, before making the switch to photography.

“Photography has been part of me since I was a child - I always gravitated towards people, stories, emotions, and moments. I officially set up my photography business, Anna Groniecka Photography, in December, 2016, and what started as a passion has now grown into an award-winning and internationally recognised brand.

“I’m based in Clonakilty, but I work all over Cork, Kerry and wider Ireland. My main focus is portraiture, business and commercial photography, and events — capturing people as they truly are, without forcing them into stiff versions of themselves.

“I’ve photographed everything from national campaigns to intimate family moments, weddings in Gougane Barra to political launches, business showcases, personal branding sessions, and exhibitions. But what I’m most proud of is that this business grew from scratch - no blueprint, no big savings, just a camera, curiosity, and a lot of hard work. And the West Cork community has genuinely given me the space to grow, experiment, and belong,” she said.

She joined Network Ireland West Cork in 2019.

“At the time I was juggling motherhood, business growth and everyday life - and like many women, I felt a bit stretched and very isolated in the professional sense.

“I didn’t join for networking in the traditional ‘business card swapping’ way. I joined because I was looking for connection, understanding, something honest and supportive. And that’s exactly what I found.

“The branch gave me a sense of community I didn’t even realise I’d been missing – women who genuinely cheer each other on, a safe place to grow skills, a space to learn, to be creative, to be brave, real friends, not just contacts.”

Stepping into the President role isn’t something she decided overnight. “It’s more like every year I found myself more and more invested in what Network Ireland West Cork brings to women at all stages of life - whether they’re in business, in employment, in transition, or just figuring things out.

“I’ve been supported so strongly by this branch that stepping up feels like the most natural way to give back.

“I want other women - especially those who are new to the area, or juggling families, or starting over, or doubting themselves - to feel as welcome and seen as I felt,” said Anna.

But she doesn’t see leadership as being about titles or formality.

“It’s about creating energy, building space for others, and showing what’s possible when women support each other without competitiveness or judgement. I want the branch to feel open, warm, real and full of opportunity. I want members to feel that they belong here, that they can try things, that they can grow, ask for help, or shine - whatever their season of life is.

“And honestly? I’m excited. Nervous, of course, but in the good way - the kind of nervous you get when you know something meaningful is about to happen.”