Sharon Porter - Mountain Leader

Growing-up on the family farm in Co. Donegal, I was often off on adventures, exploring the bogs, fields and coastline with my dog. I have always loved being in the outdoors and the first mountain I climbed was the Urris Hills with my father in search of its mountain lakes. Since then, I have hiked there many times and often go there to clear my head and enjoy the magnificent views. That first hike ignited a lifelong passion and curiosity that has taken me all over the world, hiking, hill walking and experiencing other cultures. I have a background in business and management, with a particular interest in entrepreneurship. I have worked in education, mentoring, enterprise development and consultancy. As a lecturer for several years, I helped champion cross-campus entrepreneurship and innovation education in Higher Education within Northern Ireland with a focus on enterprise for life. I am currently a board member of two local social enterprises based in the northwest.