The Architect of Safety and Systems
For Sorcha McAnespy, the distance between a heavy engineering plant and the silent, digital front lines of domestic abuse is shorter than one might think. Both require a profound understanding of how systems fail and the resilience required to rebuild them.
“My career has never followed a straight line, and I think that’s been one of its greatest strengths,” Sorcha reflects.
Starting in heavy engineering over 20 years ago, a time and place where a woman’s presence was a radical act, she didn’t just learn how to build machinery; she learned how to build credibility in environments that weren’t designed for her. Today, she is a Senior Engineer and Data Analyst who has masterfully converged the technical rigor of industry with the compassionate heart of civic leadership. Whether she is leading global initiatives at Terex or representing Northern voices on the Fianna Fáil Ard Comhairle, Sorcha’s journey is anchored by a singular, unshakeable mission: creating a world that is safer, more equitable, and more inclusive for the next generation.
The Professional Pillars
Technical Rigor and Civic Roots
Sorcha’s foundation is built on a rare combination of technical curiosity and a deep-seated commitment to her community in Omagh. Her early career in the mid-2000s saw her navigating the complexities of mechanical and electrical design, followed by a decade of public service that would define her leadership style. While many see technical and political paths as divergent, Sorcha saw them as complementary.
She returned to university twice during her tenure as an elected official, earning an advanced diploma in Civic Leadership and Community Planning from Ulster University and pursuing postgraduate studies in Smart Manufacturing and Automated Systems. This “dual-track” education allowed her to chair boards and lead committees with a unique perspective balancing the data-driven precision of an engineer with the empathy of a public servant. From serving as the first citizen of Omagh District Council to leading the Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership, her early years were a masterclass in navigating high-stakes environments where “showing up, being honest, and following through” were the only currencies that mattered.
Data, Diversity, and Global Leadership
As her career progressed, Sorcha transitioned from the physical blueprints of engineering to the digital blueprints of data analytics. At Terex Corporation, she ascended to a global role, transforming complex telematics data into actionable insights for international teams. Yet, for Sorcha, technical excellence is hollow without cultural impact. As the Global Co-Lead of Women@Terex, she has become a formidable advocate for gender equity in STEM.
She rejects the notion that leadership is about personal accolades, instead focusing on credibility through consistency.
“Early in my career, I thought leadership was about proving yourself… Over time I’ve come to understand that real leadership is about creating conditions where others can succeed, and being willing to use whatever platform you have to do that.”
This philosophy has seen her become a SistersIN mentor and a keynote speaker at prestigious venues like Microsoft HQ, where she challenges policymakers to ensure that the AI revolution doesn’t widen the gender gap, but rather levels the playing field through practical adoption and inclusive innovation.
The Mission of FigTec
The most significant milestone of Sorcha’s career, and the one she believes will define her professional legacy is the founding of FigTec Ltd. Drawing on her expertise in engineering, data, and policy, she developed “Fig,” a covert, trauma-informed digital platform designed to support victims of coercive control. This was the moment her disparate paths converged into a single, life-saving purpose.
“The decision to move from advocate to builder to use everything I had learned across engineering, data, and politics to actually create something that could protect lives was the moment things came full circle. I am on a mission and nothing will stop me.”
Fig is more than just an app; it is a response to the “digital surveillance risks” that make traditional support services inaccessible for many. By creating a tool that is covert by design, Sorcha is providing a lifeline to those in their most isolated moments. Her impact is further amplified by her seat on the Fianna Fáil Ard Comhairle, where she uses her “Northern voice” to bridge divides and promote equity across the island of Ireland.
A Legacy of Purposeful Convergence
Looking toward the horizon, Sorcha is focused on bringing Fig to market and securing the partnerships that will allow it to scale globally. She envisions a future where technology is inherently safe and where rural and border communities have a seat at the table of innovation.
Above all her professional titles Engineer, Founder, Politician Sorcha holds one most dear: Mother. Her three daughters are the true “why” behind her relentless pace.
“I have three beautiful daughters who are entering adulthood and I need to make sure that the world is a safer place for them!” Sorcha McAnespy’s legacy is one of purposeful convergence.
She stands as living proof for the next generation of women that they do not have to choose between the technical and the compassionate. You can, as she has shown, bring all of it to the table.
Editorial Note: Sorcha McAnespy’s journey reminds us that leadership is not a linear climb, but a collection of experiences woven together by purpose. From the heavy machinery of Northern Ireland to the forefront of trauma-informed tech, she proves that when we use our technical skills to solve human problems, we don’t just build systems, we build hope. Let Sorcha’s story inspire you to bring your full self to your profession and to never underestimate the power of a “non-linear” path.
