Meet Gwenno
8 December 2024
Owain James
- Tell us a bit about yourself and your experience.
I’m Gwenno, originally from Abergwyngregyn in North Wales but living in Cardiff since 2008. I moved away for university and studied music, mainly concentrating on performance as a violinist, before briefly returning to Bangor to complete a Masters in Celtic Traditional Music. Prior to joining Darogan I worked as Chief Officer for Tafwyl festival – a role which was hugely varied and rewarding, and which gave me a wealth of experience in events, marketing and fundraising.
- What inspired you to join Darogan?
Darogan’s purpose and aspiration to offer quality opportunities to graduates in Wales is something I strongly support and the opportunity to join their movement to counter the ‘brain drain’ was one I didn’t want to let pass.
Wales is such a wonderful place to live and work, and it deserves to be showcased to graduates for its potential as a home to their future careers. Darogan also stand out as they offer so many networking opportunities for both employers and graduates – there is a real sense of a community being built through their work and platform.
On a personal level, it’s also very exciting to join a company that’s still growing and to be part of the process of establishing a positive workplace culture and hopefully be part of something impactful that will grow for many years to come.
- What are your hobbies and interests?
Until recently I was very much into powerlifting but mum duties (I have a wonderful two-year-old daughter) mean that three-hour gym sessions are no longer on the cards. I still like to be active, however, so have taken up running, which involves a lot less sitting around and far fewer snack breaks than powerlifting, so I’m still deciding how I feel about it…
True crime podcasts are my guilty pleasure. I’ll always try to listen to or play as much music as possible, and I especially love getting to play with our string quartet for people’s weddings because they’re always such happy and joyous occasions!
- What are you most looking forward to with your new role with Darogan?
I’m really looking forward to our series of events across England where we will be promoting graduate opportunities, connecting students with employers and introducing people to what the ARFOR region has to offer. It’ll be great to have the opportunity to meet and talk to our members face to face and receive their input on what more we can do for them.
I’m also excited about finding and developing opportunities to work alongside organisations with a similar purpose, and to establish Darogan’s place as the go-to for graduates looking to make Wales their home.
