Siobhan Carney
Mayo connection?
I was born in County Mayo and lived in Kiltimagh until I emigrated to the US 15 years ago.
Where in the world are you now?
I live in New Jersey and work in New York City where I am the Policy Director at an Institute within the City University of New York - Institute for State & Local Governance (ISLG). ISLG is a good governance think-and-do-tank. I work with policymakers across New York City and State - mostly on issues relating to the criminal legal system, police reform, environmental justice, non-profit management and social service delivery. I also work with elected officials and their Chiefs of Staff, building core competencies in leadership and management, community engagement and policy-making.
What you love and miss about the County?
County Mayo is my home, and always will be! I have a deep respect for Mayo's history, culture, landscape and people and the pride-of-place that runs through the veins of everyone from County Mayo - even those who, like me, have become part of the large Mayo Diaspora living across the globe. I miss being directly involved in the strong commitment to community engagement that I experienced and still witness (over social media) taking place across the small towns of County Mayo.
What you think of Home to Mayo?
I have long admired Mayo CoCo's commitment and leadership in engaging its Mayo Diaspora and keeping us all connected to our home. Initiatives like this are even more important at a time where we have all experienced isolation from a global pandemic.
Plans to come home?
I spent Christmas in Kiltimagh and plan to visit, once again, this summer!