The Ireland Funds Women in Leadership Luncheon was held on December 6th 2024 at the San Francisco Four Seasons Hotel. Sarah Friar, CFO at OpenAI; Lorraine Twohill, CMO at Google; and Amy Roberti, Head of Public Policy at Stripe were the Guest Speakers. The event was chaired by Ruth Cotter, SVP at AMD Corporation; EJ Farrell; Meagan Levitan at Corcoran Icon Properties; and Jeannie Sangiacomo. Consul General Micheál Smith welcomed the audience of over 350 guests and spoke of the impact that The Ireland Funds has made across the island of Ireland.
In an inspiring conversation, journalist Janet Reilly, led a wide- ranging discussion with Sarah, Amy and Lorraine, covering topics like emerging trends in AI, adapting to the incoming administration, leadership challenges, as well as imposter syndrome, dealing with failure – and how they’ve grown to be some of the most powerful leaders in Silicon Valley – and globally. The panel shone as a trio of dynamic women who are honest, practical and entertaining, with a great sense of humor, while remaining close to their Irish roots. The room was abuzz, filled with friendship and goodwill and a wonderful sense that the Holidays have begun.
Marjorie Muldowney, Vice President of The Ireland Funds, thanked Sarah, Lorraine and Ruth for their lively and engaging presentation, recognizing that they provide light and ambition for so many in the room. She described the role of The Ireland Funds in supporting many women in need in Ireland. She recognized several of the arenas where women are leading organizations that support the advancement of opportunities for women and children throughout the country, providing access to education and supporting a myriad of community programs to young and old. In an emotional tribute, Marjorie recognized the huge significance of one of our greatest champions, former Board Director Maureen O’Brien Sullivan, who passed away in April. Maureen was one of the early drivers behind this Luncheon, one of its first Honorary Chairs, and much missed.
Key sponsors included Stripe, AMD Corporation, Google, Kennedy Wilson, ABM Industries, Citizens Private Bank, IDA, Invest Northern Ireland, William Fry LLP & Allied Irish Bank (AIB), SVG Ventures, APSC (Alice Phelan Sullivan Corporation),and University of Galway. The event was generously supported by Maureen O’Brien Sullivan, Ruth Cotter, EJ Farrell, Meagan Levitan, Jeannie Sangiacomo, Sheila MacLean, Eileen Moore Murphy & Bart Murphy, Orla MacLean, Elizabeth Ferrari, Susan & Harry Hartford, Betsy & Bill McKiernan, Cinta Gibbons of Cinta Salon, Linda Rogers of Dolby, Mary & Joe Toboni, and Diane Wilsey. Other important sponsors included Kerri Murphy Hogan, Janet & Clint Reilly, Ann Miller, Mary Conlon-Almassy, Kathleen Daly, and Sheila Gleeson. A most sincere thank you to each of you!
Thank you to our wonderful Silent Auction donors including The Merrion Hotel, Sheen Falls Lodge, Four Seasons Hotel, Mary & Joe Toboni of Toboni Vineyards, San Francisco Giants, Meagan Levitan, and Brian Walsh at Epic Steak.
A sincere thank you to all our guests for joining us at this sensational Luncheon supporting the work of The Ireland Funds. We look forward to welcoming everyone to another festive reunion at the San Francisco Gala Dinner on Friday, March 7th, 2025.
