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WIP Academy 2026

Aaron Kennedy


Scouting Ireland

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Áine Kane


Scouting Ireland

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Aisha Alameen Betro


Aisha AED Initiative

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Ben Johnston


NI Alternatives (Greater Shankill)

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Blessing Oliveira


AkiDwA

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Caitlin Wilson


SERC SU

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Cara Kerlin


Belfast City Youth Council

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Chloe Carson


DICE Futures Project

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Claire Njanina


Urban Magazine

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Colm Teague


The Advantage Foundation

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Dagmawit Tefera


Crosscare

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Daniel Fairley


East Belfast Community Development Agency

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Ebere Edeh


Black and Irish

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Franek Dobronski


Spunout

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Gareth Wright


East Belfast Mission

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Gia Francesca McCormick


SERC Student's Union

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Jacob Allen


EastSide Partnership

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James Reynolds


Children’s Law Centre

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Katelyn Benson


Spunout

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Katie Deery


Thrive Sperrins

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Katie Russell


Girlguiding Ulster

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Kian Mooney


DCU Educational Disadvantage Centre / Dublin Northwest Partnership

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Leah Watt


Evolve

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Louise Sharkey


GOAL Global’s NextGen Youth Network

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Lucy Daly


Patch

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Lydia Hamilton


Youth Link NI

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Michael Monahan


Latton O’Rahilly GAA

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Nathan Vaughan


NI Alternatives (Ards & North Down)

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Odhrán Doyle


Scouting Ireland

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Sarah-Jane Baxter


Forward South Partnership

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Tania Lipper


Spunout

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Zein Ibrahim


NI Alternatives

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Zöe Cummins


Citywise Education

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office@wiprogram.org
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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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Aaron Kennedy
Scouting Ireland

Aaron is a dedicated community leader within Scouting Ireland, with extensive experience in volunteer coordination and governance. Currently serving as the County Commissioner for South Kildare, he provides executive oversight for 15 Scout Groups in his area. In this role, Aaron manages County Events, compliance, and volunteer support to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, and youth-led programming. His background includes a three-year tenure as County Secretary and ongoing engagement as a Venture Scouter and Group Secretary with 4th Kildare Town Scouts. Aaron is also a member of the project team for Larch Hill International Scout & Guide Centre, assisting with the running of national facilities. He is passionate about fostering resilience and teamwork in young people through outdoor education.

Áine Kane
Scouting Ireland

Áine Kane is a 25-year-old Scouter from Dublin. She is a Scout Section Leader in 5th Dublin/1st Port Ringsend Sea Scouts. She has been Scouting since she was 10 making this her 15th year in the organisation. Áine has represented Scouting Ireland nationally and internationally since she was 15. Most recently she represented Ireland & Scouting Ireland in the Ship For World Youth programme 2024 in Japan and represented Scouting Ireland in Overture Diversity Network in Finland. She was also expedition lead for the venture challenge in 2023. Áine is works in the Logistics and Supply Chain sector as well as being a part time student in TU Dublin studying Logistics, which she is very passionate about. She is committed to scouting, sustainability and equality and is looking forward to learning from others in the WIP Academy.

Aisha Alameen Betro
Aisha AED Initiative

Aisha is the founder of the Aisha AED Initiative, a community-based project focused on improving awareness of cardiac arrest and increasing access to CPR and AED education. By working with volunteers and local organisations, she supports community outreach and training to make life-saving knowledge more accessible. Aisha is studying Advanced Therapeutic Technologies at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Her studies have introduced her to data analysis, healthcare technology, and innovation, and she is interested in how these areas can be applied in practical, people-focused ways. Alongside her studies, Aisha is involved in student leadership, youth engagement, and community initiatives. She is motivated by collaboration, learning from others, and contributing positively to her community, with a growing interest in public service, healthcare innovation, and inclusive decision-making.

Ben Johnston
NI Alternatives (Greater Shankill)

Ben is a Restorative Practitioner and Counsellor with Greater Shankill Alternatives. Working on the STARS (Striving Towards A Restorative Society) Project, he aims to imbed restorative practices across the Shankill community focusing on schools, community groups and the PSNI. As a counsellor, Ben brings specialist experience in suicide, mental health, and addiction. He integrates therapeutic insight into his restorative work to ensure support is both accountable and healing focused. As well as supporting individuals and families using a combination of restorative and counselling interventions in his work, Ben is also an experienced trainer, delivering programmes in suicide prevention, Trauma Informed Practice, restorative approaches, and mental health. He holds qualifications in Restorative Practice, Counselling and a Degree in Management and Leadership Development with Ulster University. Ben uses his lived experiences to inform how he works today, continuing to serve the community that he was born into.

Blessing Oliveira
AkiDwA

Blessing to is a Young Changemaker with AkiDwA, where she has been actively involved in raising awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM), engaging with TDs in the Dáil to advocate for stronger education and prevention efforts. She was also selected as one of three representatives from the programme to speak at the European Parliament, sharing the group’s work in promoting awareness and standing against FGM. Blessing is also a member of Plan International Ireland’s Youth Action Panel, contributing to youth led initiatives focused on gender equality. She is studying Law with Social Justice at University College Dublin and serves as Public Relations Officer for UCD St. Vincent de Paul, helping to organise outreach initiatives, fundraising events, and awareness campaigns that support people experiencing homelessness. Blessing has a strong commitment to advocacy, equality, and community engagement. Through her studies and advocacy, she hopes to pursue a career in international law and human rights.

Caitlin Wilson
SERC SU

Caitlin is the Disability Officer for her campus in SERC Student’s Union. She is level 4 Social Care student who is passionate about helping those in her community with neurological conditions and learning disabilities. Caitlin volunteers with several youth organisations in her community working with young people aged 7-16 years old. She serves as on the Board of a charity devoted to raising awareness and supports for Tourette syndrome for all age groups. She also delivers training on Tourette syndrome to both peers of people with Tourette syndrome as well as the people providing care to the individuals. Caitlin has a powerful belief in equal opportunity for all and aims to shows this through her actions in a voluntary setting, professional setting, and even in her personal life where she supports family and friends with neurological conditions and learning disabilities.

Cara Kerlin
Belfast City Youth Council

Cara is the Chairperson of Belfast City Youth Council, having done work on mental health, women’s safety and respect in the community. She is a One Young World Ambassador, having attended the 2025 summit in Munich, Germany. Having a strong interest in history Cara is a member of the National Gallery of Ireland’s Youth Panel as well as the Council of British Archaeology Youth Board. She has used Oral History to discuss everyday life in the troubles and highlight rural perspectives. Cara has started her own campaign to implement a Health and Social Care Youth Board to give young people with Health issues a chance to improve their experiences inside and outside the hospital. She has met various MLAs and organisations to discuss issues for young people face when diagnosed. Cara is also a pursuing a degree in Law at Queen’s University Belfast.

Chloe Carson
DICE Futures Project

Chloe Carson is a long-standing member of the DICE Futures Project, having been involved for over a decade. Her journey with DICE has grown alongside her, shaping both her personal development and values. The DICE Futures Project is a youth-led programme centred on empowerment, inclusion and opportunity, supporting young people to build confidence, skills and meaningful connections in a safe and creative environment. Through her long-term involvement, Chloe has taken part in leadership development, creative projects, peer support and collaborative decision-making, helping to shape activities that reflect the needs and voices of young people. Being part of DICE for over a decade has given Chloe a strong sense of community, resilience and responsibility. She is passionate about youth advocacy and creating spaces where young people feel heard, supported and able to thrive. Chloe is also a Media student at Queen’s University Belfast.

Claire Njanina
Urban Magazine

Claire is a Northern Ireland-based journalist and community advocate. Growing up in a society shaped by division has inspired her commitment to inclusion, dialogue and peacebuilding through education, culture and public engagement. Her journalism focuses on people-centred storytelling, amplifying underrepresented voices and reflecting Northern Ireland’s evolving cultural landscape. She is passionate about ethical communication, public service and using evidence-based dialogue to strengthen cross-community understanding. Claire serves the local community and is driven to empower and educate others. She volunteered as a Maths and English tutor for Syrian refugee children, co-facilitated Black History Month events at the Ulster Museum, and organised community initiatives supporting homelessness charities. Through the WIP Academy, she hopes to deepen her leadership skills, develop transatlantic connections and contribute to building a more inclusive and forward-looking Northern Ireland. Claire has previously studied Law and Economics and holds a masters in Broadcast Journalism.

Colm Teague
The Advantage Foundation

Colm is an Engagement Officer at The Advantage Foundation, a non-profit based in Belfast which utilises employability and entrepreneurship to unleash the potential of young people through projects, workshops and programmes. Alongside his role at The Advantage Foundation, Colm is a filmmaker and videographer, producing documentaries, short films and social media campaigns exploring identity, online culture and division in modern society. In 2025, he was a part of the Participatory Journalism Fellowship with the Social Change Initiative. This allowed him to use filmmaking to advocate for change. With Voicing the Void, he has worked on video productions addressing prevalent issues in Ireland today, including homelessness, addiction, hate crime and social exclusion. Colm is passionate about how creative expression can act as a vehicle for change, break down barriers and bring people together. In his spare time he likes to write, develop short films, run, draw and play the banjo.

Dagmawit Tefera
Crosscare

Dagmawit is a social care worker with Crosscare, supporting homeless families experiencing vulnerability and crisis. She is passionate about children’s safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and early intervention, and is committed to creating safe and stable environments for children. Dagmawit is also an alumna of the GOAL NextGen Youth Programme and has been involved in Voluntary Service International (VSI) projects, engaging in youth-led and global justice initiatives. Her work is grounded in empowerment and collaboration, and she hopes to continue developing within safeguarding and family support services, making a meaningful difference for children and families.

Daniel Fairley
East Belfast Community Development Agency

Daniel works in the East Belfast Community Development Agency as a Youth Co-ordinator. His role supports and connects those working within the youth sector, enhancing communication, sharing opportunities, and promoting collaborative approaches to the emerging needs of young people across East Belfast. Through this role Daniel works in partnership with relevant statutory and voluntary stakeholders to ensure the needs are met with a multiagency approach. He is also responsible for the implementation of a youth work strategy for east Belfast. This is fulfilled through working with the ‘Youth Work Strategy Group’ to ensure each aim is addressed. Complimenting his passion for empowering young people, Daniel studies Psychology with counselling at the Open University.

Ebere Edeh
Black and Irish

Ebere is the Advocacy Manager in Black & Irish, an organisation who advocate for the Black community in Ireland, build and connect all Black communities with wider Irish society and educate everyone in Ireland to adopt an anti-racist mindset. Through her advocacy roles with STAND and Black and Irish, she transforms lived experience into meaningful advocacy, ensuring underrepresented voices are embedded in decision-making processes. She is deeply committed to intersectionality in human rights, advocacy and law. She developed an “Understanding Intersectionality” workshop during STAND’s Ideas Collective, which she has since delivered to universities and NGOs. Inspired by Audre Lorde’s words, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives,” Ebere grounds her advocacy in the belief that justice must be inclusive and interconnected. Whilst studying Law at Maynooth University, she created a period poverty campaign that provided free menstrual products to over 15,000 students and has hosted panel discussions on diversity in law and intercultural education. In 2025, she was nominated as a finalist for the Irish Red Cross Young Humanitarian Awards. In her spare time, Ebere also enjoys travelling.

Franek Dobronski
Spunout

Franek is a member of Spunout’s South-East Action Panel. Through the panel, he lobbied TDs in the Irish Parliament and worked on creating the Eco-Anxiety Documentary with Ireland’s Climate Youth Delegate to COP in Brazil. He is a delegate on the National Youth Assembly of Ireland representing the EU-Youth Dialogue Young Voices and the National Youth Council of Ireland. Franek has represented young people on numerous government forums addressing ministers and both the Tánaiste and Taoiseach, along with organising youth assemblies on relevant youth issues in Ireland. Having served as an An Taisce Climate Ambassador in 2025, Franek was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award at the end of the programme. He has also represented Ireland in the European Parliament in Brussels with Concern Worldwide and represent Ireland on the Global Rights Alliance, an international student led human right’s organisation. Last year Franek took part in a campaign run by Forum Polonia, addressing the stereotypes around Ireland’s polish community.

Gareth Wright
East Belfast Mission

Gareth is an Employment Mentor with East Belfast Mission, supporting individuals facing complex barriers to access employment, training, and volunteering opportunities. His work is rooted in grassroots community development and engagement, building trusted relationships within local communities and working directly with individuals and families experiencing poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. Gareth has supported people through one-to-one mentoring, outreach, and community-based initiatives, helping them to build confidence, develop skills, and take meaningful steps towards employment and participation. He is passionate about tackling poverty and empowering communities, and believes in practical, community-led approaches that respond to real local need. Gareth is committed to creating opportunities, strengthening local support networks, and ensuring that those who are often overlooked are supported to reach their full potential.

Gia Francesca McCormick
SERC Student's Union

Gia is currently the elected Women's Officer for SERC's Student Union in which she provides practical advice and signposting to students regarding Women's issues. SERC is a successful Further Education college in Northern Ireland. The Student's Union are working to provide a space for students to express their views whilst improving student's morale and well-being. She has formerly worked with the Northern Ireland Youth Forum and attended a conference in Westminster during this time to discuss topics that are important to young people and to explore different perspectives on issues from across the UK. Gia has had direct experience of living in a women's refuge. Grateful for the charity’s support, she chose to use her time spent there to help other women that have faced difficult situations. She has a deeper understanding and empathy for those who have had these experiences which drives her passion for women's rights and ending violence against women and girls. Outside of college she can be found judging and competing in cosplay competitions across Ireland.

Jacob Allen
EastSide Partnership

Jacob works at EastSide Partnership, where he plays a key role in efforts to reduce educational disadvantage across East Belfast. His work supports EastSide Learning's strategic priorities for 2025-2030, this includes championing early years development, embedding wellbeing and trauma informed practice, strengthening numeracy, literacy and core skills for life, and promoting confident transitions and diverse education pathways. Jacob brings a thoughtful, people centered approach to his work, shaped by his interest in community engagement, listening to people’s experiences, and widening access to opportunity. Alongside his role, Jacob volunteers with a range of youth programmes, reflecting his commitment to supporting young people beyond the workplace. He is motivated by projects that bring teams together around a shared goal, and he is dedicated to developing his skills, contributing to meaningful change, and continuing to grow professionally in the years ahead.

James Reynolds
Children’s Law Centre

James is a dedicated mental health advocate using his own experiences to fight for children's rights in line with the UN Commission on the Rights of the Child. He creates safe spaces through youth work, to support young people, giving them the platform to speak up on issues in their community including topics such as mental health and homelessness. James brings experience from working and engaging with a variety of youth organisations, such as the Northern Ireland Youth Forum where he served on the Executive Committee, the Children’s Law Centre, Friends Forever International and Belfast YMCA. He hopes to use his experiences and his learning from the WIP Academy to develop his leadership further to support his team and to grow as a youth worker. James is studying community youth studies at Ulster University, on his path to becoming a fully qualified youth worker.

Katelyn Benson
Spunout

Katelyn Benson volunteers with SpunOut, Ireland’s largest youth organisation dedicated to empowering young people to drive personal and social change. She serves on the North West Action Panel and the Academy Advisory Committee, working in diverse settings to address issues affecting young people through media engagement and community involvement. In addition, she represents Sligo–Leitrim as the National Youth Council of Ireland’s ‘Local Champion’, advocating on key issues impacting young people. Passionate about societal improvement, Katelyn works as a Policy Research Intern in the Houses of the Oireachtas, conducting detailed research across areas including environment and agriculture. She also supports students as an Academic Assistant at Atlantic Technological University. Katelyn is a recent graduate from the University of Galway, having studied Law, Sociology, and Politics. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys music, film, art, rugby, and yoga in spare-time.

Katie Deery
Thrive Sperrins

Katie is a studying studying Post-Primary Education, with a focus on History and Business Studies. She is especially passionate about pastoral care. She has previously completed the Pope John Paul II Award, an experience that provided many opportunities to engage with and support her local community. Volunteering during this time ignited Katie’s passion for community development. She has been a member and volunteer for a number of years at the Cornstore Youth Club, where she enjoys supporting younger community members.

Katie Russell
Girlguiding Ulster

Katie is a former Advocate for Girlguiding UK and a trainee leader for her local unit. Over the past number of years, she has been involved in the production and delivery of the UK Girls’ Attitude Survey. Katie has engaged with elected representatives in the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly, presenting the findings of the attitude survey at public and political events to advocate for positive change for girls and young women across the UK. With a particular interest in gender and equality, she has represented the interests of girls and young women with senior business and civic leaders, including addressing the issues of online safety and artificial intelligence with global tech companies. Katie also studies International Relations and Politics at Queen’s University Belfast. She enjoys traveling and learning languages with a has a good working knowledge of French.

Kian Mooney
DCU Educational Disadvantage Centre / Dublin Northwest Partnership

Kian’s passion for education first emerged during Transition Year, when he served as a peer mentor to incoming first-year students. Since then, he has continued to invest in youth development through his work with the Finglas Community Learning Hub and Beneavin De La Salle College, where he teaches and supports students both academically and personally. He is deeply committed to his local area and aspires to become the best educator he can be, with the long-term goal of working as a guidance counsellor to further support young people in reaching their full potential. Kian has a strong interest in sport and martial arts, using both as platforms to positively engage and mentor young people in his community. He recently completed his studies in Business Management and English at Maynooth University.

Leah Watt
Evolve

Leah works in community engagement with Evolve, where she supports local initiatives to strengthen youth networks. She is passionate about evidence-based policy, restorative justice, and empowering communities. Leah is focused on using restorative justice approaches for policy reform that addresses structural inequality, and translating research into practice to drive systemic change. She previously studies Politics and Criminology and hopes to bring her mix of practical experience and academic background to contribute to this year’s WIP Academy.

Louise Sharkey
GOAL Global’s NextGen Youth Network

Louise is the co-chair of GOAL Global’s NextGen Youth Network who bring young people together to deepen their understanding of Global Citizenship. They guide young, motivated changemakers to learn about the growing global crises with a focus on climate and health systems. The Youth Network work together to imagine solutions for the future by creating awareness-raising materials that feed into GOAL's public engagement activities. Louise’s interest in public policy, youth work and community engagement also led her to being a gender and politics journalist for STAND and volunteering as a Youth Educator in non-formal educational politics themed workshops with Eurobug. She studies Law and Political Science at Trinity College Dublin and has interned with the Irish Consortium on Gender-based Violence, RTE Solicitors’ office, and William Fry solicitors. Louise plays guitar and has been songwriting for 6 years. Her love for music has led her to teaching songwriting to teenagers in her area and performing at music festivals, such as The Block Party.

Lucy Daly
Patch

Lucy is Platform Director at Patch, Ireland's community for talented young builders aged 16–21, based at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin. She runs a 7-week summer programme, rapid grants, and a San Francisco Fellowship, and is a strong advocate for equitable access to STEM education and entrepreneurship, particularly for women and those from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds. She is also a Mercedes-Benz BeVisioneers Fellow, developing a computer vision tool to monitor Ireland's native freshwater fish populations and creating educational games around biodiversity. Lucy co-founded Vapebox, a vape recycling social enterprise that won the Irish Enactus National Finals and reached the Top 16 at the World Cup. During her Mechanical Engineering studies at Trinity College Dublin, she was the captain of Formula Trinity, leading the team to build their first ever car and win numerous awards. Lucy is a maker at heart - from crochet and stained glass to fighting robots at Robowars.

Lydia Hamilton
Youth Link NI

Lydia is a Peace Plus Youth Worker with Youth Link NI, delivering the Empower 2 Transform programme across community groups and schools throughout the greater Belfast area. Through this role, she is committed to addressing social issues and strengthening community relations, creating safe and meaningful spaces for young people. Since the age of 17, Lydia has been actively involved in youth work within church settings. She studied Applied Theology with Youth and Community Work from Moorlands College and is passionate about supporting young people in their spiritual development whilst helping churches be welcoming communities where every young person feels valued. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the beautiful landscapes of Ireland and enjoys travelling with her husband to discover new countries and cultures together.

Michael Monahan
Latton O’Rahilly GAA

Since 2024, Michael has served as Runaí of Latton O’Rahilly GAA. Although unable to participate in Gaelic games due to a lifelong health condition, he has found his place within the club through dedicated service as a youth coach, statistical analyst, and now as Runaí. A primary school teacher by profession, Michael recognises the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual can thrive, regardless of interest or ability. He seeks to bring this ethos to his volunteer work and aspires to help Latton O’Rahilly GAA continue to strive for excellence both on and off the field, while creating greater opportunities for all members of the community.

Nathan Vaughan
NI Alternatives (Ards & North Down)

Nathan is a committed youth worker with a speciality and focus on building resilience, supporting positive choices and raising aspirations among young people. He works with young people from 10-25 years old providing consistent and meaningful support during some of life's most important transitions. His practice centres on creating safe, welcoming and empowering spaces where young people feel heard, valued and capable of shaping their own futures. He does this through a mix of working on different youth projects, which include one-to-one work, group work and partnerships with schools and the local community. Nathan wants to help young people navigate challenges, discover their strengths and develop confidence in their own potential. He is dedicated to delivering the tools to young people they can use to make good choices, informed and ambitious decisions about their future.

Odhrán Doyle
Scouting Ireland

Odhrán is an active member of Scouting Ireland and has engaged in initiatives both on a local and national level. He currently volunteers with 6th Tyrone Cookstown, and serves on the National Venture Programme Team, the Chief Scout Support Team, and the National Youth Rep Support Team. Through these roles, Odhrán is actively involved in shaping programmes, supporting youth representatives, and contributes to the development of national initiatives. He plays a key part in creating resources and guidance materials that are used by scout groups across Ireland, helping to strengthen programme delivery and youth participation throughout the country. Passionate about youth voice and meaningful leadership, Odhrán collaborates with groups around the country to provide support, encourage engagement, and ensure young people feel empowered within the organisation. His commitment reflects his belief in creating positive impacts within Scouting.

Sarah-Jane Baxter
Forward South Partnership

Sarah-Jane is a South Belfast Health Capacity Worker at Forward South Partnership, working alongside communities to address health inequalities through community development, wellbeing initiatives, and capacity building. She also chairs the South Belfast Dementia Friendly Initiative; a collaborative network focused on creating a more inclusive community for people living with dementia. She brings over ten years of experience supporting communities across Belfast. Her work is grounded in a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, creating safe and inclusive spaces where people feel heard, respected, and empowered. Drawing on her lived experience, Sarah-Jane leads with empathy, reflection, and compassion, with a strong awareness of the hidden barriers linked to trauma, mental health, and inequality. She is passionate about systems change, social justice, community-led approaches and hopes to further strengthen her leadership, influence, and ability to amplify underrepresented voice.

Tania Lipper
Spunout

Tania has been a member of Spunout’s National Action Panel since 2024. Through this, she worked on a campaign to encourage young people to vote in the recent Presidential election and she has travelled to the European Youth Event in Strasbourg with Eurodesk-Léargas. Tania works as a Travel Officer with An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme. Passionate about the environment, she promotes sustainable travel and works with schools to remove barriers to travel for students and their wider communities. During her time at the University of Limerick studying Politics and International Relations with Public Administration and Leadership, she was involved with numerous societies and was elected as the Student Representative of the Department of Politics and Public Administration to the UL Student Council.

Zein Ibrahim
NI Alternatives

Zein was born and raised in Ballymena and comes from a mixed racial background, an experience that has profoundly shaped his commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation which led him to study International Relations before his masters in Peace and Conflict Studies. Navigating identity across different cultural and social spaces has strengthened his ability to build trust, foster dialogue, and promote understanding across divided communities. He is currently a Project Officer on the PEACEPLUS IGNITE programme, supporting youth leadership, cross-community engagement, and social innovation. He also serves as a Housing Manager at Retreat Housing, an initiative that purchases homes and rents them to disadvantaged refugees at 20% below market rate, supporting their transition into the private rental sector and promoting long-term stability and integration. Earlier in his career, he worked in Corporate Social Responsibility roles within some of the largest refugee camps in Africa. Through the WIP Academy, he hopes to strengthen his leadership and contribute to a more inclusive future.

Zöe Cummins
Citywise Education

Zöe is an educator and youth worker from Arklow, Co. Wicklow. She previously studied Astrophysics at Trinity College and is now completing a Level 8 Certificate in Global Youth Work and Development with Maynooth University. She is currently the STEAM Officer for Citywise Education, a youth education centre in Jobstown, Tallaght. She develops and delivers programmes to young people aged 8-18 to encourage and empower them to pursue a future in STEAM which connects her academic and voluntary sector interests. She has most recently established the BioTechies programme. Zöe has spent the past 8 years advocating and campaigning for education access and quality. She has held roles such as Education Officer and Deputy President of the Trinity College Dublin Students' Union and Trinity Access Programme Ambassador. She has recently been appointed as the Operations Manager for Pint of Science, a charity that organises science talks in local cafés and pubs to make science research more accessible to the public.

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