connect 2017 • 86 AROUND THE WORLD CHICAGO January, 2017 The Chicago Young Leaders gathered at the Ocean Cut Restaurant, hosted by Managing Partner Matt Moore, to discuss their upcoming 2017 events and to meet the new Consul General from Ireland, Brian O’Brien. Colleen Nolan, the Chair of the Chicago Young Leaders, talked about the up- coming Summit in New York later that month. She encouraged members to take advantage of this special opportunity. Meghan Lee and Katie Nallon gave an update on the upcoming Green Gala. Consul General Brian O’Brien talked about the Consul- ate’s priority of focusing on deepening Ireland’s relationship with the United States. It was a wonderful opportunity for the Young Leaders to connect with old friends and meet new ones. Several of the Regional Advisory Committee Members joined the gathering to support the Young Leaders. June, 2017 The Ireland Funds hosted a Leadership Forum breakfast in Chicago with former United States Ambassa- dor to Ireland, Kevin O’Malley. Ambassador O’Malley served as the U.S. Ambassador from 2014-2017. During his time as Ambassador he visited every county in Ireland, engaged with the peace process in Northern Ireland and strengthened the relationship with the country where his grandparents were born. As Ambassador, he expanded support for Creative Minds, a favorite project of his. Creative Minds has invited prominent U.S. artists, writers, filmmakers, digital culture innovators, musicians and medical people to share their experience with young Irish audiences. Ambassador O’Malley also spoke to Ireland Funds’ supporters about the business opportunities in Ireland, Brexit, the political process and the upcoming changes in Ireland’s leadership. The breakfast was hosted by Board member Tom Meagher, of GCM Grosvenor, and was attended by board members of The Ireland Funds America along with several key supporters. Chicago Young Leaders Kick off the New Year Chicago Leadership Forum Breakfast with Ambassador Kevin O’Malley 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 Jack O’Callahan, Rachael O’Callahan, Meghan Lee 2 Bridget Monahan, Abbey Canning 3 Kathleen Weber, Dan Gibbons, Maggie Dolehide, Colleen Nolan, Bob Dolehide, Colleen Tully 1 Amb. Kevin O’Malley, Stan McCarthy, Tom Meagher 2 Amb. Kevin O’Malley, Amb. Jim Kenny 3 Abbey Canning, Amb. Kevin O’Malley, Patrick Canning