Our Board
LUKE GIBBONS
Founder and Chairman
Luke Gibbons is a fully funded Irish Research Council PhD Candidate and Company Law Seminar Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin. He is also a Former Fulbright Scholar and Researcher at Harvard Law School. Luke’s research investigates directors’ duties and corporate climate change risks between the EU and USA. In 2022, Luke’s research excellence was recognised as he was named Irish Law Student of the Year, and in 2024, he was awarded in the Top 40 Under 40 Irish in America.
In 2019 Luke founded the environmental educational initiative ‘EnviED’. For this work he was named as the Most Outstanding Person Under 40 in Ireland for Academic Leadership and Achievement 2021 and has recently been listed in the Top 30 Under 30 Environmental Educators in the World by the North American Association for Environmental Education.
Luke is also a Climate Reality Leader appointed by Former US Vice President Al Gore, an appointee to the TikTok Climate Leadership Alliance by Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and is currently appointed to the European Youth Energy Forum.
Luke also holds a First Class Honours Law Degree with a Gold Medal from Trinity College Dublin and a BCL Masters in Law with Distinction from the University of Oxford where he graduated as the Honoré Scholar.
In 2023, Luke was a Legislative Fellow to Congressman Matt Cartwright on Capitol Hill, he is a previously chair of the European Youth Parliament and an incoming Casimir Pulaski Scholar at the European Academy of Diplomacy.
MATTHEW TALBOT
Board Member
Matthew Talbot is a student at the College of Europe in Belgium. He is studying on the MSc. in European Economic Studies programme and holds a BSc. in Financial Maths and Economics from the University of Galway. Throughout his academic journey, Matthew has demonstrated a profound passion for the intricate world of global economics and international public policy. He founded and led the University of Galway's Economic Society since his second year in the university.
Matthew is a proud alum of the Washington Ireland Program, a highly competitive and renowned leadership program. This experience allowed him to further develop his leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of Irish-American affairs, while forging valuable connections with fellow scholars and meeting some of the most esteemed leaders from Ireland and America.
Matthew has also gained practical experience in the field of international relations. He has worked at the Embassy of Ireland in the United States. His time at the embassy provided him with invaluable insights into diplomacy, international affairs, and the special relationship between Ireland and the United States.
With an ardour for economics and a dedication to fostering intellectual discourse, Matthew founded the University of Galway Economics Society in 2021. The aim of the society is to provide a vibrant platform for students to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend events, and deepen their understanding of economic principles.
KACPER BOGALECKI
Board Member
Kacper is a Quercus Active Citizenship Scholar, Medical Student, Executive Representative for the UCC Students’ Union, Monitoring Committee Member of OBESSU, and a Washington Ireland Program Alum from the Class of 2023. Originally from Gdańsk, Poland, Kacper attended St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, and is now studying Medicine at UCC.
Within his leadership and representative journey, Kacper started off as a member of his student council, later becoming Vice-President and President. He also served as Head Boy in his final year of school. During this time, he coordinated award-winning projects on climate, sustainability, and mental health. He also served as the chairperson for multiple campaigns that raised thousands for local charities such as Pieta House and the Kerry Hospice Foundation.
Simultaneously, Kacper served as an Officer of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union. He served two terms as a Regional Officer and, in his final year of school, he became the International Officer of the organisation. During his term, he represented students on global forums, advocated for abolishing direct provision, and heavily contributed to TV, radio, and newspaper media to advocate for student rights. He was also part of the effort to ensure fairness in State Examinations in 2020, 2021, and finally in 2022.
In the summer of 2023, Kacper took part in the Washington Ireland Program Emerging Leaders, where he completed a full curriculum on leadership and service in Washington D.C. and New York City, while also completing an internship in the U.S. House of Representatives. He now serves as a Volunteer Team Lead for the Washington Ireland Program Class of 2024.
EVE SHERIDAN
Board Member
Eve Sheridan is a graduate student and George Moore Scholar in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Galway in 2022. Her research interest is on medical device design for cardiovascular applications. She is passionate about using her engineering skills to improve healthcare and treatment outcomes for patients. Eve is also a professional Irish dancer and has performed in shows such as 'Rhythm of the Dance' and 'Celtic Legends' for audiences across Asia, Europe, and the US. She enjoys sharing her love of Irish music, dance, and culture with everyone in Boston.
KATIE MOLIHAN
Board Member
Katie Molihan, is a recent graduate of Dublin City University, with a Bachelor of Business Studies, and a final year marketing specialism. Katie was a member of the Washington Ireland Program Class of 2023, a program surrounding service and leadership, which saw her travel to Washington D.C. While in D.C, she undertook an internship in political consultancy and fundraising, a role which allowed her to work on the campaigns of various Senators and Congressmen. She has a keen interest in politics, public policy, PR, and communications.
Katie values diplomacy relations within Ireland and the United States, where she has been lucky to meet with high level diplomats and government officials from both the US and Ireland, who have highlighted similar points. Millions of Americans have heritage from a small island nation on the periphery of Europe, including those who have made it to the White House.
SEÓNA COSGROVE
Board Member
Seóna Cosgrove graduated with a degree in Food Science from University College Dublin in 2022. She has been living in the United States since August 2023, beginning in New York and then moving to Boston in April of this year. Seóna is intrigued by all aspects of the Food Industry, in particular the creative research and development side of things, with her previous role before moving to the US being in this department.
Seóna has a strong connection with the US as she was born here before settling in Ireland. She looks forward to exploring as much of the US during her time here, experiencing new food, music and culture.
Discovering the essence of
our network
At IAYPN, we are dedicated to empowering young professionals through rich networks that bridge Ireland and America. Our mission is rooted in collective and sustainable growth, individual journeys, and inspired stories. Sharing your unique narrative is essential – it can open doors to unparalleled opportunities.
