Former Irish President Mary Robinson
By Irish Echo Staff
The Boston-based Irish American Partnership will today, Wednesday January 6, announce its 2021 honorees at the Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) online event "Celebrating Women’s Leadership."
Hosted by the IAP, the women’s leadership event will feature global leader and Seventh President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour, Samantha Barry, Ireland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, and co-anchor and national broadcast journalist with RTÉ, Caitríona Perry.
Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas), is held each year in January throughout Ireland to celebrate women’s leadership within the family and community, said an IAP release.
"The Partnership commemorates this tradition with a celebration spotlighting Irish American female leaders and the positive impact they have worldwide."
The Partnership will virtually host and welcome "these four vanguards of women’s leadership, honoring each one for their deep commitment to, and achievements in public service, humanitarian causes, journalism, politics and diplomacy that has blazed a trail for the next generation of female leaders," the release added.
“We are deeply honored to welcome President Robinson, Ambassador Byrne Nason, Samantha Barry, and Caitríona Perry as our 2021 Nollaig na mBan honorees,” said Mary Sugrue, Chief Executive of the Irish American Partnership.
“Nollaig Na mBan is a celebration of women, their strengths, their dedication, and their aspirations. We have been celebrating Nollaig na mBan for the past nine years and in 2021 we hear from four of Ireland’s own. These honorees exemplify women who positively transform their societies and make enduring contributions to our world.”
Transatlantic supporters across the United States and in Ireland will enjoy an inspiring program with musical performances, special guest appearances, and messages of thanks, the IAP release continued.
In honor of the four women, proceeds of the Nollaig na mBan Women’s Leadership Celebration will be donated to the Mary Robinson Centre, Ireland’s first Presidential Library and Museum, and to primary schools that have had an impact on the honorees' lives.
This event, which begins at 5 p.m. EST, is free to attend. Registration is open at: https://www.irishap.org/events/nollaig2021
