A NORTHSIDE student is celebrating after winning a prestigious opportunity on a respected leadership program in Washington.
Robert Kelly from Ballymun will now take part on the Washington Ireland Program (WIP), which selects emerging leaders for a rigorous program of public service and leadership development.
WIP has brought together emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds for its transformative program for more than two decades now.
Robert, a student of Marketing, Innovation & Technology at Dublin City University (DCU) was one of 31 students selected from 16 different universities and institutions across Ireland.
WIP supports students to develop their full potential through two core principles – leadership and service.
Each student undertakes prestigious work placement at some of the most illustrious and influential levels of professional life in Washington DC and New York, including congressional offices, international corporations, law firms and media organisations.
Students are hosted by American host families who open their homes and allow participants to experience an authentic slice of American life.
The class will also have the opportunity to learn from each other and from leaders at the highest levels of American political, business and cultural life.
WIP participants complete a challenging leadership curriculum designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to meaningfully contribute to society.
The skills it cultivates —respect, dedication, perseverance, confidence, teamwork and critical thinking, among many others —benefit participants well beyond their time on the program.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Robert to this year’s Washington Ireland Program class,” said Bryan Patten, Executive Director of the WIP.
“WIP seeks students who demonstrate leadership potential and have a substantial track record of service. Robert exceeds these requirements and I’m sure he will take full advantage of the busy program of training and development WIP provides.”
When Robert has successfully completed the program, he will join WIP’s distinguished alumni. This diverse, all island network share a commitment to shaping the future of Ireland and Northern Ireland. More than 600 alumni, including An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, have graduated from the program and are now excelling in roles across the political, business, legal, entrepreneurial, advocacy and cultural sectors on the island.
Another former graduate was Robert’s local TD, Noel Rock (FG), who worked with former First Lady and USA presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton while she was New York Senator.
For many graduates, their contribution to social and political progress on the island represents a continuation of what they learned on the program.
For more information or to arrange an interview contact the WIP Office at office@wiprogram.