b'TheIrelandFunds havebeenEmma Pengellygraduated along-standingsupporterofWIP,amodelfor from WIP in 2002 and is now the Special Advi-post-conflict development that helps young people col- sor to the First Minister of Northern Ireland, laborate to address underlying issues in Northern Ireland. Peter Robinson MLA. Recalling the impact of Bryan Patten, WIPs Executive Director explains, The WIP on her career Emma notes that, support of The Ireland Funds has enabled WIP to bringThe Washington Ireland Program really togetheremergingleadersfromallcommunitiesto opened my mind and eyes to the opportunities reflect on the future they want for Northern Ireland, andthat people can take to actually make a differ-to give them the skills to make it happen. ence, not just as an elected representative but Each year, WIP selects a diverse group of 30 emerg- in all the different roles on Capitol Hill or in ing leaders to join our community. Ensuring the diversityDC, all contributing to trying to make peoples of program participantsgeographically, socioeconomi- lives better.cally and otherwiseis a priority; at least one-third of participants come from disadvantaged backgrounds and receive full scholarships. Theyear-longprogramofpersonalandprofes- ChrisJohnston was a student sional development brings outstanding college studentsfromNorthernIrelandandtheRepublicofIrelandon the WIP Class of 2001 and is now a business toWashington,DCforsummerworkplacementsand leader in Belfast. Chris is the founder of the fast leadershiptraining.Throughanintenseeight-weekgrowing tech start-up, Adoreboard.com, which scheduleinWashingtonDC,WIPparticipantsaremeasures how people feel about brands online. formedintoateamandchallengedtodeveloptheir He is part of a new start-up scene in Belfast, vision for the future of post-conflict Northern Irelandbringing new jobs to Northern Ireland.and Ireland. WIP challenges you in so many ways and Amodelforpost-conflictdevelopment,WIPsprovidesanopportunitytobeinspired.The well-respectedprogramofleadershiptrainingandidea of servant leadership is a core value of WIP. servicehassuccessfullydevelopedadiversealum- It is about allowing people to remove barriers nigroupof550.WIPsalumniarepracticedand that stand in their way to achieve their greatness accomplishedambassadorswithvaryingviewpoints,in their particular field.but they have a shared commitment to movebeyondtheirdifferencestoresolvethepressing issues that will define the island ofIreland in the 21st Century.WIPsalumniarenowemergingin Having invested in our community for 20 years, leadership roles, in positions that cut across awiderangeofsectors,includingpublicWIP continues to invest in the future of service,law,business,communicationsNorthern Ireland and Ireland by:and media, education, technology, the artsandnonprofits.Manymem-Developing and supporting a community of leaders and bersoftheWIPcommunityare influential supporters from diverse backgrounds who activelyparticipatinginthe are committed to a peaceful, prosperous and shared currentNorthernIrelandfuture for Northern Ireland and Ireland.peacetalksandotherCreating opportunities for new thinking to address related initiatives. substantive long-term issues through thoughtful, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue. Supporting individuals and communities to take new action to find practical and principled solutions to challenges facing the island today.connect2015 | 43'