Events Digest
2025 Nollaig na mBan Women’s Leadership Celebration
On the morning of January 8th, Irish American Partnership supporters gathered in Washington DC for the annual Nollaig na mBan Women’s Leadership Celebration, honoring Dr. Norah Patten as the 2026 honoree, recognizing her as a trailblazer for women’s leadership in science and innovation.
After a gracious introduction by Ireland’s Deputy Head of Mission, Fionnuala Quinlan, kind remarks delivered by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, an inspiring invocation by Fr. Jack Hurley, and thoughtful remarks by Deputy Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau, Chyanne Holmes, Dr. Patten was met with an enthusiastic and warm reception.
In conversation with Chief Presenter with BBC News in Washington, Caitriona Perry, Dr. Patten shared her inspirational story growing up in Ballina, county Mayo and visiting NASA in Cleveland, Ohio at eleven years old. Since then, she has been on a personal space quest and has navigated a career to bring her on a journey to the stars.
Norah Patten is set to make history as the first person from Ireland to travel to space. Reflecting on the opportunity, Dr. Patten described it as “an incredible honor to represent Ireland, the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences, and our research community.”
In recognition of our honoree, the Partnership was delighted to present a $10,000 grant to The Norah Patten Foundation. This grant honors her historic role as Ireland’s first astronaut and supports her work to advance scientific discovery while inspiring young people to look beyond boundaries and dream boldly.
