Mary Cronin is an Executive and SVP of Government Affairs at 6K Inc. in North Andover, MA. Her former roles include managing director of Smith Dawson & Andrews, a federal government affairs firm in Washington, D.C., executive director of the Northeast Midwest Congressional Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, lobbyist for Fairfax County Public Schools and legislative director and campaign manager for an Assistant Majority Whip in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Most recently she built Strategy Hub, a Woman Owned Small Business offering consulting expertise across a variety of disciplines and industries. Mary has a Master’a Degree in Global Business Administration from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, an MA in Strategic Security Studies/International Security from the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, an MS in Public Affairs from the University of Massachusetts, McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies, and an BA from Saint Michael’s College.

David is a former human resources lawyer and has been a charitable nonprofit executive for 17 years. David’s organization, the National Council of Nonprofits, is the foremost and largest association of public charities in the US. David oversees the public policy program at the federal, state, and local levels. David also serves as Church Council Chair for Beverley Hills Community United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA.

Elaine is an English Language Learner Instructor at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Elaine has been involved in International Education and Study Abroad programs since. Elaine is honored to be a part of The Wishing Chair Foundation Board. Elaine’s experiences with Institute of Study Abroad Ireland have been so wonderful and she hopes to be able to work toward enabling more students to participate in the experience of a lifetime.

Jana has an associate degree in accounting and has owned and ran my own business since 2017. Jana is also a substitute teacher at her local school and works closely with students in special circumstances.

Jana has volunteered and been a board member for her local hockey organization, 4h and other youth organizations. Jana has worked many fundraising events and sales campaigns to raise funds for these groups.

Aoife is a Communications Specialist who has worked in various roles across Community and Social Justice, including the Mayor of London, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and the Irish Department of Enterprise. Aoife holds an MBA from Ulster University and has been involved in grassroots campaigning in London and Ireland for the last decade.

Melissa is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education at the College of William and Mary. Melissa’s research answers questions about access and equity to study abroad opportunities, particularly among community college students. Melissa’s research and her own experience as a low-income student abroad led me to become involved in the Wishing Chair Foundation, as she very firmly believes that study abroad opportunities should be available to all students, regardless of their background.

Celine Jobson, an alum of the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland is now a senior at New Jersey institute of Technology majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in legal studies. She’s the Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity Chi Zeta Chapter and the President for NJIT’s National Society of Black Engineers. Celine is currently interning with Merck Co. as a Quality Assurance Specialist and plans to attend Law school after graduation to become a pharmaceutical corporate lawyer.

Neil is passionate about helping others, leveraging his inventive nature to fund projects and support career growth. With over 20 years in mentoring and creative fundraising, he has significantly contributed to Kids Making It, a Wilmington, NC nonprofit teaching woodworking and trades to children. Currently in B2B sales, Neil brings 30 years of experience spanning consulting, sales, marketing, and product development across various industries. His global sourcing expertise has led to partnerships with major retailers like Williams Sonoma and Target.

Celine Jobson, an alum of the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland is now a senior at New Jersey institute of Technology majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in legal studies. She’s the Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity Chi Zeta Chapter and the President for NJIT’s National Society of Black Engineers. Celine is currently interning with Merck Co. as a Quality Assurance Specialist and plans to attend Law school after graduation to become a pharmaceutical corporate lawyer.

Diane has over 12 years of experience as a program coordinator, professor, and lecturer in international business and economics at various educational institutions. She initiated a study-abroad program at a community college and founded a statewide coalition for international studies. Passionate about global education for over 30 years, Diane has served as a program leader and course designer, and is a Gilman International Scholarship advisor. Additionally, she has board experience, including serving as President of a private school board for two years.

As a young person, Jennifer was fortunate to spend a year living and studying abroad, gaining a broader perspective and appreciation for different cultures. This experience inspired them to encourage cultural exchange among other young people throughout their adult life. Meeting the foundation’s creators later deepened their appreciation for Ireland’s rich history. Jennifer now aims to merge these experiences by facilitating opportunities for other young individuals to study at the institute and discover the wonders of Ireland.