On Thursday June 4th, over 200 guests from the Washington Ireland Program (WIP)  community gathered on the rooftop of LiUNA’s headquarters in Washington DC for our annual Celtic Chefs Fundraiser.  They enjoyed an evening of craic and Celtic-inspired cuisine, as we celebrated the leadership of Samantha Barry. Through the generosity of sponsors and guests, we raised $280,000 which will directly support WIP's innovative leadership programs. 

Caoimhe McCauley from the WIP Class of 2026 opened the speaking program by saying, "I see my time in Washington DC this summer as an opportunity to move beyond familiar environments and perspectives, because I know that real growth comes from challenging my own assumptions and learning from people whose experiences differ from my own – this is the essence of WIP.”  Caoimhe spoke of the generosity and welcome from the host family community, and the gratitude that she and her classmates feel towards many people who have chosen to invest in them.  

Deputy Ambassador Fionnuala Quinlan thanked the guests for their investment in young leaders from across the island of Ireland. She said, “This Washington experience is transformative for young leaders in our communities, and that transformation is possible because of your commitment, your vision for the future, and your generosity.” She paid tribute to outgoing Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau, Richard Cushnie and noted that he has served the people of Northern Ireland with distinction. Deputy Ambassador Quinlan finished by congratulating Samantha Barry on the Spirit of WIP Award and noted that “her career has been defined not only by excellence and innovation, but authenticity, integrity and a commitment to opening doors for others.” 

WIP Board Member Michael O'Hare spoke of why he and his family have invested in the Washington Ireland Program Alumni Engagement Strategy. He said, “Last year my brother Eamonn and I spent some time in Belfast meeting with a number of WIP Alums. Around the table were people from different backgrounds and perspectives.” He continued by saying, “What struck me was not that they agreed with one another - quite the opposite. What struck me was the common determination to make things better. They were thoughtful, they were ambitious, they were willing to engage with difficult issues, and most importantly, they believed that they could make a difference. As I listened to them, I found myself feeling something that can be in short supply when discussing Northern Ireland - optimism.”  

Michael then moved to the presentation of the Spirit of WIP Award to Samantha Barry. He spoke of Sam’s journey to becoming one of the most influential Irish voices in American media and said, “Anyone can succeed when the path is clear. What is far more difficult is succeeding when the rules are changing. Samantha built a reputation not by protecting the past, but by understanding the future.” Michael added, “the ability to anticipate change rather than just react to it is one of the defining characteristics of exceptional leadership.” Michael closed his remarks by saying, “what impresses me most is not the titles [Sam] has held, but the impact that she has had. Throughout her career, she used her platform to elevate others, to champion women and girls, and create opportunities for voices that might otherwise have gone unheard. In many ways, these qualities reflect what WIP seeks to develop in its own emerging leaders. Curiosity, courage, resilience, and a commitment to lifting others up as they succeed." 

In her acceptance remarks, Samantha Barry thanked the WIP Board and supporters for the award. She spoke directly to the guests at the event by saying, “When you give your time, your money, your rooms, you’re not just giving to an abstract idea, you’re widening a young person’s view of what’s possible in the world.” Sam continued by saying, “WIP is built on a simple but demanding idea - that there's power in bringing people together who are not like-minded and asking them to meet each other with respect and empathy. Not just to argue, but to understand.” She added that "It's very easy to stay close to people who agree with us and write off the people who do not. WIP does the opposite in such a monumental way.” Sam shared some advice with the WIP Class of 2026 and said one of the most powerful questions that they could ask was, “What do you think?” She said, “when you ask this question and actually wait for the answer, something shifts. And that’s the kind of leadership that we need more of.” Sam finished by saying, "I'm deeply grateful for this award, and very proud to be connected with a program that believes in young people, that believes in Ireland's place in the world, that believes in public service and the simple radical act of bringing people together." 

WIP Executive Director Nicola Skelly closed the speaking program by paying tribute to outgoing Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau Richard Cushnie and described him as an incredible partner whose wisdom and support has been so helpful to WIP. She led guests in a short remembrance of WIP Board member John McCarrick who passed away recently and spoke of his warmth, generosity and wisdom. Nicola finished by saying, “to the entire WIP community - host families, Board members, donors, work placement providers, Alumni, government supporters who continue to show up year after year. Your support means more than you know. WIP is a story of vision, impact and ambition, built over 30 years through the belief, generosity and commitment of so many supporters."