Sorcha Mallen
In this interview, Sorcha Mallen, founder of Rooted Resolutions, shares how her passion for conflict resolution and personal growth led to creating a space for meaningful conversation. She reflects on her journey, the impact of STAND Ideas Collective and the importance of taking the first step.
Rooted in Resolution: from Ideas Collective to a Thriving social enterprise
When Sorcha Mallen joined STAND’s Ideas Collective in 2020, she didn’t have a fully formed project or a detailed plan. What she did have was a deep passion for conflict transformation—and a quiet idea that had been waiting for a home.
Sorcha completed her Master's Degree in Conflict Intervention and Mediation at Maynooth University and trained up as a mediator with the MII in Ireland. “That training as a mediator really helped me show up differently in the world. (...) A lot of mediation is future focused, but I think we do have to touch on the past a little bit and what people carry with them. So, that's what I'm passionate about and Rooted Resolutions grew out of this passion.”
"Rooted Resolutions grew out of this passion. It started during my time with the Ideas Collective, and now, three years later, I’m still running workshops. It’s hard work, but my heart's totally in it at this point. "
Rooted Resolutions, now a thriving initiative that supports people in navigating difficult conversations, began as a personal journey. At its core, Rooted Resolutions offers practical, embodied tools for conflict resolution. It focuses on helping people rebuild trust (with themselves and with others) through conversation, reflection, and emotional awareness.
“It’s about equipping people with the skills to navigate difficult and uncomfortable conversations at home, at work, wherever,” Sorcha says. “Yes, it’s conflict resolution, but really, it’s about restoring connection.”
Sorcha Mallen during the Ideas Collective 2020
And “connection” is such an important principle for STAND. On the Rooted Resolutions website it says “If we could treat the conflicts in our lives as opportunities to lean in & learn, who would we be?” And this really aligns with STAND’s approach too. So, when Sorcha heard about STAND from a family member, she was immediately drawn to it.
In carrying out her vision for positive change and turning it into a real life social enterprise, Sorcha was facing some challenges. The first one was that she would consider herself an ideas person rather than a doer: “The idea for Rooted Resolutions had been sitting in my mind for years before I finally acted on it.” she recalls. Moreover, she initially believed she had to do it all on her own, thinking this would be the only way of making the project feel authentic and a true reflection of herself. However, she soon realised that this wouldn’t be the best way forward.
“One of the biggest things I learned was how to communicate my work effectively. Understanding how to articulate the mission of my project, reach the right audience, and make it accessible. It’s one thing to have a great idea, but if people don’t understand what you’re offering or how it benefits them, it’s hard to gain traction. The structure of the program helped me break through barriers that might have otherwise stalled me. Small obstacles, like figuring out how to find clients, build a framework, or even just take that first step, can feel overwhelming. The support from facilitators and peers kept me moving forward, and those little confidence boosts along the way made a huge difference.”
That community, she says, was a key part of her growth. “I learned so much from the people around me, including other participants, and facilitators like Declan and Eamonn. There was such generosity and openness in the group.”
"I think that the most special moment was winning the Mental Health and Wellbeing category. It gave me that extra bit of validation and the confidence to believe in my idea and give it a go."
Since then, Rooted Resolutions has evolved into a multi-faceted project. Sorcha now runs workshops and coaching sessions with students, professionals, and community groups across Ireland. She also works one-on-one as a Synergy Conflict Coach, helping people explore and move through interpersonal challenges with more confidence and self-awareness.
“It’s not just about resolving arguments,” she explains. “It’s about helping people become the most authentic version of themselves because that changes how we show up in every relationship.”
Her advice for anyone thinking about applying to the Ideas Collective or starting a passion project is simple but powerful:
“Believe in yourself. Believe that what you have to say matters. Some days, all you can give is one small step, and that’s enough. Just keep going.”
Now part of the growing STAND alumni network, Sorcha continues to stay connected to the wider community of social changemakers.
“Being part of STAND means knowing someone’s in your corner,” she says. “Now, I want to pay that forward to support others who are just starting out, who have big, bold ideas and just need someone cheering them on.”
"And for anyone starting out, I’d say don’t be afraid to change and grow. Your project will evolve as you do. The key is staying true to your vision and way of being. If you do that, you can’t really fail, it’s just learning and progress."
Interested in joining the STAND community or learning more about the Ideas Collective?
Explore our programmes or read about more changemakers stories on our Stories of Impact page.
