NICOLA SKELLY
Executive Director
Nicola Skelly has twenty years’ senior experience in higher level education, heading up the Vice-Chancellor’s office at Queen’s University Belfast, and holding a previous position as Head of the University’s Research Policy and Postgraduate Office. An advisor to five Vice-Chancellors at Queen’s University, Nicola has provided integral support on complex and sensitive issues, and has worked closely with global figures such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, whilst leading the development and implementation of the work of the Queen’s University Executive Board.
CLAIRE RUMPSA
Director of Engagement
Claire Rumpsa is WIP’s Director of Engagement. Prior to joining WIP, Claire worked in East Africa in public health and water treatment. Claire is an alum of the WIP Class of 2004, and has served in a variety of roles in the organization over the years, including Director of Leadership Programs. Claire received an LLB from Queen’s University Belfast, and an MSc from University College Dublin.
CAOIMHE NÍ MHAOLAGÁIN
Director of Programs
Caoimhe is the WIP Director of Programs. She completed her degree in Economics, Politics and Law from Dublin City University. Throughout her time in college, she was heavily involved in both society life and the students union. Before joining the team, Caoimhe has worked as Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, DCU Clubs and Societies Events Administrator and BNP Paribas. She was also a member of the WIP Class of 2016, where she stayed with the Hueys and worked with the American Chemistry Council.
NICOLE PARKINSON-KELLY
Recruitment and Events Officer
Nicole is the Recruitment & Events Officer based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She travels across Northern Ireland and Ireland recruiting participants for both the Emerging Leaders Program and WIP Academy. She studied Social Policy at Ulster University (Jordanstown) before serving two elected terms as the Vice President for Education in Ulster University Students’ Union. She graduated from the WIP Class of 2021 where she completed a work placement with LIUNA before entering the recruitment and talent acquisition sector with AMS for two years. She is an active volunteer in her community, passionate about peacebuilding, creating accessible opportunities for young people and advocating for young people’s rights and gender equality. She was the Vice Chair of the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, sat on the All-Island Women’s Forum and is a One Young World Ambassador.
SAMMI BURKE
Director of Operations
Sammi is the Director of Operations based in Asheville, NC but commutes regularly to DC. She studied Equine Business Management at Johnson & Wales University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2015. Sammi worked for WIP from 2016-2020 as an event intern, development associate and community manager before spending a few years in the private sector and then for a fiscal sponsor. She returned to the WIP team as Director of Operations in the Spring of 2024.
RACHAEL WILKINSON
Director of Special Projects
Rachael is the WIP Director of Special Projects with responsibility for Alumni engagement. She previously held roles in marketing and event management with BMW and BBC Northern Ireland. Rachael then worked in Queen’s University Belfast for 17 years, with roles including Events and Conferencing Manager, Domestic Student Recruitment Events Manager and Executive Operations Manager. Rachael has a BA Hons Degree in Politics from Queen’s University Belfast and was a member of the WIP Class of 1996, completing her internship with Senator Tom Harkin.