BOSTON, January 7, 2020 (PR.com) – The Irish American Partnership (www.irishap.org) was delighted to host the 2^nd annual Nollaig na mBan [women’s Christmas] Breakfast Celebration on January 7, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power was honored for her deep commitment to humanitarian causes and to public service throughout her outstanding career in journalism, academia, politics and diplomacy that has blazed a trail for the next generation of female leaders.

 

The Partnership commemorates the Nollaig na mBan Irish tradition with a breakfast highlighting Irish female leadership and the positive impact these women have worldwide.

 

WHEN SAMANTHA MET SAMANTHA…

In a frank and open conversation with media powerhouse and Irish native Samantha Barry, Editor-in-chief of Glamour [Conde Nast], Ambassador Power discussed growing up in Ireland and her troubled relationship with her father, her role as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, her working relationship with President Obama and Vice President Biden, and the importance of storytelling in foreign diplomacy: 

 

“In my Irish family, being able to tell a lovely story was imperative. The ending is important but you need to be able to hold the stage.”

 

“We are delighted to welcome Ambassador Power as our 2020 Nollaig na mBan honoree. She is a leading international voice for human rights, and along with her deep affinity for Ireland, is a natural choice to showcase Irish women’s leadership,” said Mary Sugrue, CEO of the Irish American Partnership.

“In the past, we have been privileged to have as keynote speakers former President Mary McAleese, Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S Anne Anderson, Mary Davis CEO of Special Olympics International, Kathleen O’Toole former Garda Chief Inspector, former President Mary Robinson, Baroness May Blood of the Integrated Education Fund, and Avila Kilmurray of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Fund among others. Samantha Power joins these speakers’ in their full commitment to service, record of outstanding leadership, and passion for women’s full participation in public life. These are the traits we seek to exemplify in a Nollaig na mBan honoree.” 

As part of the morning’s program, the Partnership donated a gift of $10,000 in Ambassador Power’s honor to University College Cork. This gift will be used to fund an early intervention initiative to introduce third level education to young girls—targeting DEIS (Delivering Equality in Schools) primary schools in Cork. The non-profit organization also donated a gift of $5,000 to Scoil Beara National School in Ballincollig Co. Cork, in honor of their celebrated alumna Samantha Barry. 

For on Irish American Partnership programs and events please visitwww.irishap.org.

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ABOUT THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP

The Irish American Partnership connects Irish and Irish American communities directly with education and community programs in Ireland, North and South, honoring our heritage by investing in Ireland's youth. Since 1986, the Partnership has raised more than $33 Million for Irish children, students, schools, and communities in need, empowering the next generation by equipping teachers and community leaders with the resources they need to educate and inspire. We invest in the people, culture, and ideas that build a peaceful and prosperous Ireland, one that preserves the Irish way of life we cherish while also creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Ní neart go cur le chéile – we are stronger together. For more information please visit www.irishap.org.  

ABOUT SAMANTHA POWER

Samantha Power is an Irish-American academic, author, and diplomat who served as the 28th U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as well as a member of President Obama's cabinet. President Obama has called her "one of our foremost thinkers on foreign policy," saying that "she showed us that the international community has a moral responsibility and a profound interest in resolving conflicts and defending human dignity."

From 2009 to 2013, Power served on the National Security Council as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, where she focused on issues including atrocity prevention; UN reform; LGBT and women's rights; the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities; and the prevention of human trafficking. Called by Forbes "a powerful crusader for U.S foreign policy as well as human rights and democracy" when it named her one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women," Power has been recognized as a leading voice internationally for principled American engagement in the world. She has been named as one of Foreign Policy's "Top 100 Global Thinkers" and has twice been selected as one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People." Her book "A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide” won the Pulitzer Prize and “The Education of an Idealist: A Memoir” is a New York Times bestseller. 

 

ABOUT SAMANTHA BARRY

Samantha Barry is the editor-in-chief of Glamour where she oversees content, development, and consumer experiences across the brand’s digital, social, video, and print verticals. She has strengthened Glamour’s commitment to body positivity by showcasing size-inclusive brands and models across all channels. Prior to joining Glamour Barry served as executive producer for social and emerging media at CNN Worldwide. Under her leadership at CNN, the network became the most followed and fanned news organization in the world. She spearheaded the organization’s 2016 election coverage across social platforms, which received the first ever Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in social media.

 

Join the conversation – tweet the team and they will tweet you back! @Irishaporg #nollaigboston

 

PRESS:

Clodagh Boyle         clodagh@irishap.org

617 723 2707 office