Mallory McSweeney
Where do you live? Chicago.
Current company and position? I am a Meeting & Events Manager at CBRE, overseeing internal and external programming, sales, operations, and business development for two dynamic meeting and event spaces. I am also a licensed real estate broker with Compass, primarily representing my husband’s residential development company, Cashel Homes.
First job and what it taught me? My first job was at the Taste of Chicago, working at the legendary Reilly’s Daughter booth. That summer role introduced me to the hospitality and events industries and, unbeknownst to me at the time, set the course for my career. The experience strengthened my ability to thrive in a fast-paced, public-facing environment and taught me the satisfaction that comes from long, demanding day of "graft". It also pushed me outside my comfort zone - joining a team of strangers as a fairly shy teenager challenged me to build relationships quickly, a skill that has proven invaluable throughout my career.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? Growing up in Chicago’s Irish community, among both newcomers and long-established families, I was steeped in the culture from an early age. I love connecting with people and supporting the city’s Irish organizations, in deference to my roots (Galway, Limerick). I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago and have previously held leadership roles with Ireland Network Chicago, the Irish March for You Committee, and the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago, where I served as President. I’ve also had the fun honor of judging both the Chicago Rose Selection and the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen Contest. I often play the role of connector, helping newly arrived Irish transplants find the right people and resources as they establish themselves in Chicago. Having lived in both Galway and Dublin, I understand firsthand how meaningful each connection can be when starting a new chapter and building community. My Donegal-born husband and I are lucky enough to travel to Ireland several times a year, most recently to celebrate our son’s baptism in his home parish.
Biography: Mallory McSweeney is a Meeting and Events Manager at CBRE, tapping into her strong background in hospitality, real estate, and client engagement. Prior to joining CBRE, she built her career in Chicago’s hospitality industry, holding roles in Event Sales, Marketing, and Business Development. In addition to her work in events, Mallory is a licensed real estate broker with Compass. She studied History at Marquette University and Irish Studies at the University of Galway. Mallory is proud to be from the South Side of Chicago and was overjoyed to welcome her first child, Philip, this past May.
