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WIP Academy 2025

Aimee Fitzpatrick


Rio Ferdinand Foundation

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Barry Murphy


Spunout

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Cáit Ramsay


Lifehack

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Catherine Coyle


Londonderry YMCA

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Cillian O’Hagan


Start360

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Clara Priestley


Start360

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Demi Laverty


Northern Ireland Youth Forum

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Elliot Davis


Barretstown Children’s Charity

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Fionntán Gregory


Crisis Café CIC

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Georgia-May Staunton


SpunOut

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Hollie Wilson


EastSide Partnership

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Ignatius (Iggy) Gudyma


For Your Freedom and Ours CIC

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Jacky Casserly


Crosscare Dundrum Rathdown Youth Service

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Jodie Floyd


Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club

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Káláiné Akinniranye



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Kirsty Donaghy


Phoenix Education Centre

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Liam McMahon-Buggy


Citywise Education

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Marwa Zamir


UNHCR, Irish Refugee Council

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Mia Grange


Finglas Community Learning Hub

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Peace Chukwurah


Black & Irish

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Pearse Smith


YouthLink: NI

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Peter McAuley


EA Youth Service

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Rachel McCay


Scouting Ireland

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Rin Walsh


Co-operation Ireland

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Roisin Teghen


Solas Project

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Roy O’Halloran


Céim ar Chéim Moyross Youth Academy

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Sarah Hogan


Moyross Youth Academy

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Sarah Somerville


Rethinking Conflict

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Sean Guerrine


Citywise

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Shonagh Doyle


Start360

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Sophie McCool


Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS)

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Sophie McGarrity


Walkway Community Association

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Tanaka Chawana


Black, Northern Irish and Proud

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Tobi Olukoya


Black & Irish

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office@wiprogram.org

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Custom House Square
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office@wiprogram.org
028 9099 2729

The Washington Ireland Program supports, inspires, and develops leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds who are committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland.

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Aimee Fitzpatrick
Rio Ferdinand Foundation

Aimee is a project co-ordinator for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and piloted the Beyond the Ball program. Her work prioritises sport and inclusion, health and wellbeing, safer and stronger communities and skills and training. Aimee continues to work with young people and communities to provide opportunities and progression pathways. Aimee has enjoyed water, outdoor pursuits, kayaking and canoeing from an early age. She began helping with summer camps for a local outdoor pursuits company at the age of 17 working her way up to organising and running activities to managing the centre. Aimee worked with a Youth on Water program which focused on breaking down barriers between the PSNI and young people in local communities. In her spare time she enjoys country music and volunteered to help organise and run a charity sponsored dance. Dance for Lucy raised a huge £109,266.68 for charity building Two Schools and seven wells in Africa as well as benefiting seven local charities.

Barry Murphy
Spunout

Barry volunteers with Spunout, Ireland's youth information website. He was recently elected to represent the South West region on the National Action Panel where he will work on media campaigns to drive change. Barry is a first year Law and French student at University College Cork. Alongside his studies he works part time as a bartender, and as a French tutor to leaving certificate students. Passionate about equality and access to education, Barry also works with students who normally wouldn’t get the opportunity to receive one to one lessons. He has a keen interest in international relations and acts as finance officer with UCC Europa Society. In Summer 2025, he will travel to Strasbourg to run a workshop in the European Parliament for this year's European Youth Event. He is also involved with UCC’s Philosophy Society helping to run and taking part in weekly debates.

Cáit Ramsay
Lifehack

Cáit is a youth support worker for Lifehack in Derry. She has a passion for working with children and young people. With experience in residential care, homeless accommodation, respite, and youth projects, Cáit particularly enjoys getting to know young people and supporting the development of their life passions. She especially enjoys advocating for non-verbal children. Cáit is committed to social justice and has worked with Alliance for Choice on their mission to eradicate violence against women and girls. She has been involved with Kind Minds in creating a mental health resources app, something she feels strongly about due to the limited support currently available for young people. Cáit is driven by her belief in equal opportunity and education for every child in Ireland and seeks to implement this through her work.

Catherine Coyle
Londonderry YMCA

Catherine is the project development officer at Londonderry YMCA. She helps oversee the running of youth programmes, particularly their monitoring and evaluation whilst voluntarily managing the organisation’s communications and social media. Catherine has been involved with Londonderry YMCA for 8 years and has progressed from a volunteer to part time youth worker and now a senior leader in the team. Catherine has a passion for supporting the growth and development of the young people who attend the programmes run at Londonderry YMCA and strives to ensure that they are flourishing and reaching their full potential. This passion originated from volunteering at the youth club whilst completing a degree in Psychology at Ulster University. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys baking, board games and going on walks with her dog.

Cillian O’Hagan
Start360

Cillian works in Start360 as a Community Prevention/Intervention Practitioner for Targeted Life Skills. He supports young people who are at risk of, or already using substances, in developing life skills and gaining knowledge about harm reduction and safety. His work provides young people with a non-judgmental, safe, and active learning experience. Cillian also works at NOFA (National Orchestras For All) which provides young people from all backgrounds to play in an inclusive non-auditioned national orchestra to develop and grow within music and outside of it. Cillian’s youth sector journey began as a volunteer at Youth Initiatives working with 11-18 year olds. His passion for youth work drove him to seek the ability to better advocate for young people's futures and their fundamental rights to play, be safe, grow, and learn. Cillian is also a Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate from Queen's University Belfast.

Clara Priestley
Start360

Clara works as a Communications and Engagement Officer at Start360, a leading provider of support across Northern Ireland. Prior to stepping into the community and voluntary sector, Clara studied Politics at Liverpool Hope University where she was elected as President of the Students’ Union. During her term, she led on sexual violence campaigns and advocated for policy change. Clara’s deep commitment to peace advocacy and legacy reconciliation led her to study her Masters in Irish Politics at Queens' University Belfast. She is particularly interested in working alongside marginalised communities, who may need support in order to enter a level playing field. This devotion to equity has come from a lengthy study of Feminism and intersectionality faced by women globally.

Demi Laverty
Northern Ireland Youth Forum

Demi is a passionate youth worker and currently works in the Northern Ireland Youth Forum. With lived experience of homelessness, poverty, and systemic disadvantage, she brings a compassionate, empathetic and informed perspective to her work. She supports homeless young people and educates communities about the realities of homelessness, aiming to break stigma and push for systemic change. Demi is a final year Community Development and Youth Work student at Ulster University. Her main focuses are on the intersection of poverty, trauma, and policy. She advocates on the consequences of adverse childhood experiences, dual diagnosis systems, and systemic oppression, particularly in Northern Ireland. Through grassroots youth work she engages in public awareness campaigns, individual change, and interactive content to educate and inspire change. Determined, Demi is trying to build a platform and network that bridges lived experience with policy reform, striving for a more just and inclusive society where disadvantaged voices are heard and respected.

Elliot Davis
Barretstown Children’s Charity

Elliot Davis is the Assistant Camp Manager, specialising in programming, at Barretstown — a charity dedicated to rebuilding the lives of children affected by serious illness through therapeutic recreation. Passionate about creative programming and social action, Elliot has worked across Ireland, the UK, and the US supporting young people and their families. Previously, Elliot was a designer with the Centre for Social Action at The Diana Award and worked at The Painted Turtle in Los Angeles, part of Paul Newman’s Serious Fun Children’s Network. He studied Medicine at University College Dublin, where his interest in social impact deepened. Elliot is passionate about driving change in paediatric healthcare, exploring how systems can better support the whole family during serious illness. A collaborative leader, he believes in creating environments where teams lift each other up. Elliot is also a classically trained singer, having performed in venues including the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Cork Opera House.

Fionntán Gregory
Crisis Café CIC

Fionntán began his work for the Crisis Café as a volunteer for four years before becoming a full-time worker. The Crisis Café is based in Newry and works with young people to reduce the stigma around mental health by providing clinical help in a non-clinical environment. Through this work, Fionntán has attended summits, conferences, represented Northern Ireland on BBC Children in Need on Countryfile, and fundraised for charities by running marathons. Using his background in music, Fionntán has helped to provide emotional support through musical expression for children and young people to help them with their daily resilience and mental health struggles. He aims to use and develop his existing skills with WIP Academy to both share his knowledge and learn from others.

Georgia-May Staunton
SpunOut

Georgia-May is currently studying Criminology, Law and Social Studies at Ballsbridge College of Further Education and is a past pupil at the Deaf-Village-Ireland where she partook in a QQI-Level-3 in Irish Sign Language. She strives to create positive change in society and is actively involved in advocacy and the voluntary sector. Her work on SpunOut’s National Action Panel has provided her with the opportunity to gain valuable experiences and insights into real life problems being faced by young people across Ireland. As a result of her passion for helping others, Georgia-May was invited by the RCSI & King’s College London to be a part of a 3 yearlong Youth Psychological Research Advisory Group. She received the Lord Mayor’s Award in Dublin in 2023.

Hollie Wilson
EastSide Partnership

Hollie works as the Volunteer Coordinator for EastSide Partnership, a regeneration charity in Belfast. She is committed to fostering social connection, promoting cultural heritage, and creating inclusive spaces where people can engage with the arts, nature, and community life. A passionate advocate for Irish language and music, including traditional Irish music, she believes in the power of creative and cultural expression to strengthen identity and bring people together. She holds a BSc in Event Management and an MSc in Sustainable Development, where her thesis explored the role of traditional arts and intangible cultural heritage in community sustainability. She has a particular interest in rural community cohesion, and how this translates to an urban setting. Hollie has also previously worked with The Conservation Volunteers, where she delivered community engagement and well-being programmes to connect people with green spaces, including a personal development programme for young adults in alternative education. She later worked as a sustainability practitioner in the arts, supporting organisations in integrating environmental responsibility into their work.

Ignatius (Iggy) Gudyma
For Your Freedom and Ours CIC

Ignatius (Iggy) emigrated to Northern Ireland in 2005 at seven years old and has since forged a diverse career pathway, spanning both the public and private sector. He is a founding member of the Friends of Poland initiative within Stormont, a small consultative organisation which seeks to promote the interests and impacts of legislation on the Polish community in Northern Ireland. With degrees in Biomedical Science and Law, Iggy's journey took him to the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast, where he engaged in significant cross-cultural initiatives, including Polish Saturday Schools and promoting the historical contributions of Poles in Northern Ireland. Now employed at Baker McKenzie, Iggy is eager to embrace new ideas of community, network with other professionals and making the most out of every opportunity.

Jacky Casserly
Crosscare Dundrum Rathdown Youth Service

Jacky Casserly is a dedicated youth worker with Crosscare Dundrum Rathdown Youth Service. She has a background in youth arts, STEAM education, and climate justice. Jacky has worked across various organizations and volunteered with SpunOut.ie, the National Youth Council of Ireland, and Eurodesk, leading creative and youth-focused initiatives. Committed to empowering young voices, Jacky has contributed to projects centered on global citizenship, arts-based advocacy, and youth-led learning, equipping young people with the skills and confidence to actively participate in social change. Through the Washington Ireland Program, Jacky aims to enhance their policy and leadership skills, gaining insights to improve youth advocacy and engagement in Ireland.

Jodie Floyd
Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club

Jodi grew up attending her local youth club, Ledley Hall, where she now volunteers and works part-time. Through her time as a young person in Ledley Hall she gained incredible opportunities, such as being the East Belfast representative in the UK Youth Parliament for 3 years, which ultimately inspired her degree choice. Having observed the impactful support offered by youth systems in Northern Ireland and in her local community, Jodi is motivated to pursue a career in international youth work or with NGOs dedicated to supporting young people worldwide. She is also a recent History and International Relations graduate from Queen's University Belfast.

Káláiné Akinniranye

Kirsty Donaghy
Phoenix Education Centre

Kirsty is the Office Manager at Phoenix Education Centre in East Belfast. The Phoenix Education Centre are dedicated to addressing educational disadvantage and promoting community education by providing mentoring and support and education and training. She is passionate about making education more accessible and engaging. Kirsty enjoys developing initiatives that appeal to young people, particularly those who may feel disconnected from traditional learning environments.

Liam McMahon-Buggy
Citywise Education

Liam is a first-year engineering student at TUD Tallaght with a strong passion for youth work and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). He is dedicated to empowering young people through educational technology, from teaching foundational coding skills to guiding learners toward professional-level expertise. For the past six years, Liam has worked as a STEAM Officer with Citywise Education, where he teaches children aged 8 to 18 how to use, adapt, and understand technology that they may not encounter in their daily lives. His role allows him to inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers, making technology more accessible and engaging for young people. As a current Gold Gaisce participant and Pal, Liam also supports aspiring leaders in his community on their Gaisce journeys, helping them develop personally and professionally. His diverse experience in leadership has enabled young people from Tallaght to participate in national and international programs like ESB Science Blast, First LEGO League, and Erasmus+. Having grown up in a disadvantaged area, Liam is driven to give back to his community by creating opportunities for youth education and growth. Through his dedication and experience, he aims to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Marwa Zamir
UNHCR, Irish Refugee Council

Marwa is a Youth Leader at the Irish Refugee Council and a member of the Refugee Advisory Board (RAB) for UNHCR, advocating for refugee rights and inclusion. She has worked directly with young people in Direct Provision, developing culturally sensitive workshops that focused on social integration, education, and career planning. Marwa is a third-year law student at Maynooth University and an active youth activist. She serves on the Plan International Youth Advisory Panel, working on global gender equality initiatives. She is a Youth Delegate for the National Youth Assembly of Ireland and represents the Assembly on the Young Ireland Advisory Council, which provides independent advice on government policies affecting young people.

Mia Grange
Finglas Community Learning Hub

Mia is a volunteer at the Finglas Community Learning Hub, a centre that provides learning support to secondary school children of all ages. She is passionate about raising awareness of addiction, rehabilitation, and help within communities suffering from the effects of addiction - such as antisocial activity and crime. At school, Mia was nominated as a prefect, where she mentored first-year students and acted as a liaison between her peers and school management. In sixth year, she volunteered on the Lourdes pilgrimage, supporting individuals with physical and emotional needs. Her interest in social justice, global affairs and political engagement was sparked during secondary school, particularly through studying Politics and Society for her Leaving Certificate and led her to study International Relations at Dublin City University. Mia enjoys learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives of others. Engaging in these discussions deepened her understanding of leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility.

Peace Chukwurah
Black & Irish

Peace is a primary school teacher, graduated from Dublin City University, with a passion for education, representation, and social impact. She is dedicated to ensuring every child feels valued, heard, and included, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. Peace serves as the Education Manager at Black and Irish and is a GOAL NextGen Youth. She was a class representative in both secondary school and university, developing leadership and public speaking skills while advocating for her peers. As one of the 2% of minority teachers in Ireland, Peace understands the importance of representation in education. She is committed to ensuring marginalised students see themselves reflected and empowered. As a speaker and writer, Peace discusses education, diversity, and inclusion, using her platform to inspire change. Motivated by the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child", Peace believes in community and collective action. She enjoys drawing and going to the cinema.

Pearse Smith
YouthLink: NI

Pearse is a Peace Plus Youth Worker at Youth Link: NI and Youth Worker in Charge at Lagmore Youth Project dedicated to peace education. He specializes in designing innovative programmes that address social issues and promote community relations. Pearse has managed international teams, coordinated youth assemblies, and delivered impactful long-term and short-term projects. He is dedicated to empowering young voices and creating inclusive environments. He studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) at Queen’s University Belfast and is currently enrolled on a part-time postgraduate course in Peacebuilding: Concepts and Approaches at Ulster University. He is deeply committed to making Northern Ireland a safer, more respectful, and inclusive space for future generations.

Peter McAuley
EA Youth Service

Peter has participated in the Horizon’s Youth Leadership Programme and the cross-community TBUC programme. He is an A Level student, studying Maths, Geography and Computer Science at St Killian’s College. He is a Senior Prefect and member of the Leadership Team. Peter is passionate about amplifying the Youth Voice to bring awareness to local issues. He volunteers at the local youth club and community events. Through Horizons, he worked with MLAs from SDLP, Sinn Fein and Alliance, Translink and the local Mayor to change rural area bus times. Peter presented his findings and solutions to MLAs at Stormont. He created a cookbook for cooking on a budget and funds raised will go to a local foodbank. Through school he also fundraised over £1500 for Saphara: Be The Change which helps children in poverty in India receive an education. Peter fundraised for the school’s Gold GAISCE President’s Award, which he completed over the Summer.

Rachel McCay
Scouting Ireland

Rachel has volunteered with Scouting Ireland as a Cub and Scout Leader for 10 years in the 23rd Antrim section. She has been an Activity Challenge Points Coordinator (ACPC) for the Cubs in Down and Connor where she organised multiple camps and events annually. She was also the Digital Coordinator of the Northern Province (Northern Ireland, Co. Donegal and a section of Co.Leitrim) managing and designing social media content, newsletters and signage. In 2024, she became County Coordinator of Down and Connor where she supported all sections’ ACPCs with their programming, applied for grants and organised both provincial and national activities. Rachel is driven by witnessing Cubs’ and Scouts’ growth in the organisation. Her deep passion for Scouting is a significant aspect of her life, and she consistently look forward to engaging in camps and activities. While friends and family often playfully remark on her dedication, her enthusiasm remains unwavering.

Rin Walsh
Co-operation Ireland

Rin has been a participant in Co-operation Ireland's Future Leaders programme since he was sixteen where he has organised social action projects annually to raise money for homeless charities, such as Simon and Cork Penny Dinners. He is also passionate about advocating for better facilities and awareness for mental health in Ireland. Rin loves helping people in his community through charity events and volunteering at local youth centres in Cobh and in Cork City. He is very passionate about working with children and young people, helping them achieve their goals and grow as people. Rin volunteers once a week at sea scouts and he is currently involved in Cork YMCA's Leaders in Training programme, training to work with young people, facilitating activities and events.

Roisin Teghen
Solas Project

Roisin volunteers with the Solas Project, a nonprofit charity empowering children and young people to realize their self-worth and potential. They help motivate youth to chase their dreams, drawing from their own experiences of perseverance. Roisin is also a 2nd Digital Marketing student at TU Dublin Blanchardstown, with a strong passion for community service and personal development. Born in Ireland to parents originally from Cameroon, she holds both cultures close to their heart and values the blend of their heritage. She attends monthly meetings with the Cameroonian Society Group of Ireland, to discuss social developments and explore ways to support funding and improve the day-to-day lives of young people and families in Cameroon. Roisin also works in Mowlam nursing home located in Dublin, gaining valuable skills in empathy, patience, and communication. Every Christmas, Roisin organizes events to provide food and support to homeless individuals and families in need. Through these diverse roles, she continues to develop leadership, advocacy, and organizational skills with a focus on both youth empowerment and community service.

Roy O’Halloran
Céim ar Chéim Moyross Youth Academy

With seven years of diverse and extensive experience across the disability, homelessness and youth sectors; Roy is a dedicated Youth Justice Worker committed to supporting and empowering young people from socially excluded or disadvantaged areas through their education. He is committed to helping young people navigate challenges and build brighter futures. Roy is from Limerick City and previously studied Social Care Work at the Technological University of the Shannon. He is actively involved in the development of a non-for-profit called the ‘Irish Skateboarding Association’, aimed at fostering a sense of inclusion and diversity in the sport through events and advocacy pieces for more skateable spaces. Roy sees the sport as more than a hobby—it’s a tool for connection, self-expression, and community building. Roy is looking forward developing his practice and knowledge even further with the help of the WIP Academy.

Sarah Hogan
Moyross Youth Academy

Sarah works full time at Moyross Youth Academy in Limerick and is a dedicated Youth Justice Outreach Worker with a strong foundation in community engagement. She is committed to supporting at-risk youth navigating the justice system and education system. Sarah is passionate about mentorship, advocacy, and providing essential resources, helping young individuals make positive life changes and pursue brighter futures. She is from Limerick City and has previously studied a higher-level diploma in Community, Wellness, Empowerment, Leadership and LifeSkills (CWELL) at The University of Limerick. Sarah is dedicated to giving back to her community in every way possible, leveraging her networking and communication skills to support these young people and their families. She also works part-time in the University of Limerick as a student support mentor and a community envoy. Her role often involves facilitating communication, building relationships, and advocating for the needs and interests of the students and the communities they choose to represent.

Sarah Somerville
Rethinking Conflict

Sarah is a first-year law student at Queen’s University Belfast. She is particularly interested in how the legislature and politics work together to promote social change. Being from Belfast, Sarah is deeply committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse groups. She demonstrates this through her involvement in Rethinking Conflict - an organisation that empowers young people to engage in meaningful discussions about community politics and peacebuilding in Northern Ireland. She honed her leadership skills as Head Girl at Strathearn School and participated in political debate with the European Youth Parliament. Beyond academics, Sarah is dedicated to community engagement, volunteering at Oxfam and practicing archery at her local community centre.

Sean Guerrine
Citywise

At 18 years old, Sean started as an Afterschool Intern with Citywise Education in Jobstown, West Tallaght. He works with young people across underserved communities to help them reach their full potential. He has also worked on Citywise programme replication efforts in other areas across Dublin with The Plough in Ballymun. Sean was previously the Chairperson of the Citywise Education Youth Steering Committee, implementing the organisation’s first ever Health & Wellbeing Room through a European Solidarity Corps Volunteering project. He also represented Citywise Education at the annual Seanad Na Nog initiative in Seanad Eireann where he advocated for improved services in the care sector. Passionate about serving young people, Sean has worked with his local TD for increased social worker support within the Child in Care team in Tusla, fundraised for his local primary school’s garden which had been vandalised and served as Student Council Chairperson for three years in secondary school. He is dedicated to helping young people reach their full potential and addressing educational inequality in Ireland. In 2023 Sean was nominated and won the heart of gold award in the annual Tallaght person of the year awards. He currently studies Level 5 Social Care with Psychology at Greenhill Community College and hopes to pursue a degree in Social Work.

Shonagh Doyle
Start360

Shonagh is a dedicated youth worker in Start360, which provides person-centred support services to young people, adult offenders, and families across Northern Ireland. She works in the youth engagement service which helps provide a supportive and inclusive environment. Shonagh has a lot of experience of working with young people, particularly those facing addiction and with disabilities. Shonagh graduated with a degree in BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Communication and Counselling Studies at Ulster University in 2022. Alongside this she completed her OCN level 2 which inspired her to become a youth worker. She hopes to pursue this career and additionally qualify as a Play Therapist and help young children with trauma and hidden harm. Born in Cookstown in Co.Tyrone, Shonagh is passionate about young people having a voice and equality in all. In her spare time she enjoys Hyrox training, reading and spending time with her dogs.

Sophie McCool
Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS)

Sophie is a second-year Natural Sciences student at The Open University, specialising in Biology and Environmental Science. Passionate about sustainability and conservation, she has been involved in various environmental education and restoration initiatives with organisations such as the Belfast Hills’ Partnership, Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS), and Queen’s University. In her current role, she engages care home residents in recreational and nature-based activities to support their emotional and physical well-being. As a Youth Ranger, she is gaining hands-on conservation experience while deepening her understanding of environmental stewardship. She continues to expand upon her knowledge and skills through courses on climate change & justice, ecological resilience and regenerative practices. Beyond her studies, Sophie enjoys gardening, language learning, and exploring sustainable living. Drawing on her experience in caregiving and leadership, she aspires to develop projects that educate and encourage others to connect with, care for and protect the natural world.

Sophie McGarrity
Walkway Community Association

Sophie is a Community Support Worker at Walkway Community Association in East Belfast who provide community development and support through a range of programmes and activities. She is in her second year at Ulster University, studying an undergraduate degree in Community Development. Sophie has a background in business having achieved an undergraduate degree in Business Studies, a HND Level 5 Diploma in Business Management, and an ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership. Sophie is passionate about working in the community and is currently employed in East Belfast where she was born and reared. Sophie is aware of the social issues and challenges faced by others in the local area and aims to make a difference in the lives of the people she works with. Sophie’s passion for advocacy drivers her to work tirelessly, ensuring that voices of the marginalised are heard and their needs are met. Outside of work and academia, Sophie enjoys camping, reading and spending time with her friends and family.

Tanaka Chawana
Black, Northern Irish and Proud

Tanaka is a Program Manager in the real estate sector with a BSc in Geography and Management and an MSc in Construction Project Management. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces—both physical and social—through equitable storytelling and representation. During university, she led the TEDx Loughborough Society, curating platforms for underrepresented voices. Her commitment to inclusion continues through her work with the REACH Network, Women’s Network L, and Black Professionals in Construction (BPIC). She also participated in the BBC’s Black, Northern Irish and Proud documentary, highlighting her advocacy for identity and belonging. Tanaka regularly speaks on panels about diversity in the built environment and is dedicated to shaping systems where all communities feel seen and heard. Through WIP, she hopes to deepen her understanding of collaborative leadership and contribute to building a more equitable, shared future for Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Tobi Olukoya
Black & Irish

Tobi is a dedicated international development professional with a strong passion for intersectional gender equality, humanitarian action, and migration. With an MSc in International Development from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Honours) in International Politics and Law from Middlesex University London, UK, she leverages her academic background to drive meaningful change. Over the past five years, Tobi has garnered valuable experience through roles in international and community development, working with NGOs, social enterprises, and advocacy groups. She has actively contributed to migrant youth capacity building, diversity and inclusion, and equitable social participation through notable organisations such as Black & Irish, Ainembabazi Children Project Uganda and the Irish Global Health Network. She has also previously participated in the 10,000 Black Interns programme at London Funders. Currently, Tobi serves as a Development Intern with the Global Programmes Unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland. In this position, she supports Ireland’s global cooperation programmes beyond Africa, focusing on Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

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