Buffalo Congressman Tim Kennedy has taken the wraps off the Washington Ireland Program (WIP) Emerging Leaders Class of 2026 and the WIP Academy Class of 2026 at a special event this morning at the University of Notre Dame’s Washington, DC, office.
For over three decades, WIP has played a significant role in post-conflict Ireland by bringing together leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for outstanding leadership and skills-development programs.
WIP has a diverse community of over 1,000 alumni who are delivering on that vision — including former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly MLA, who is in D.C. this week for the St Patrick's Day celebrations.
The new Emerging Leaders Class will see 30 talented future leaders from across Ireland venture state-side this summer.
Saluting the Class of 2026, Congressman Kennedy praised the program for "advancing peace and reconciliation across Ireland" and "equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and connections to make a positive lasting impact on society."
He added: “Our nation takes great pride in our collective contribution to the peace process in Ireland, and initiatives like the Washington Ireland Program build on what has been achieved. I commend this program's dedication to lasting peace in the region.” SALUTING THE W.I.P. CLASS OF 2026
That was a view echoed by deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly.
“The Washington Ireland Program has shaped, encouraged and supported generations of young leaders to help build a better future for our society," she said.
The launch featured a discussion with journalists Sam McBride and Fintan O'Toole who have recently penned a book on the prospects for a United Ireland.
