Meet Jessica Clary, winner of our 2018 IAYL People’s Choice Spirit Award!
Jessica enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF) in 2009 after graduation from high school and went through about a year and half of training for aviation management. She graduated from State University of New York (SUNY) at Rockland with an Associates in Mass Communication in 2011 and went on to attend SUNY New Paltz completing her Bachelors in Digital Media Production. In efforts to converge both her passions of media and the military she is currently in pursuit of a professional studies degree in order to combine both fields. Ultimately, her goal is to commission in the Air Force a public affairs officer. Jessica is currently working full time at Madison Square Garden and part time in the United States Air Force.
She loves being outdoors and traveling to different countries with the ability to fully immerse herself in its culture. She grew up visiting her mother’s family in Co. Kilkenny and Co Tipperary and enjoys spending time with friends and family whenever she gets a chance. Jessica enjoys volunteering for children in need at afterschool programs and through the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Throughout her college years, she raised money for breast cancer and pediatric aids foundations by helping organize walks and other activities to raise money. She hasn’t forgotten where she’s come from, serving as a soundboard and mentor to SUNY New Paltz media seniors transitioning into the workforce.
Jessica hopes to serve as a role model to young girls, to show them that they truly can do anything if they set their minds to it. With a lot of hard work, she attributes her success to the mentors that have guided her along the way. She wants to teach girls that it’s not just about being beautiful on the outside but being a good person, strong, and confident on the inside.
Hear what she had to say about her year as the 2018 Irish American Young Leader:
“Over this past year as the 2018 Irish American Young leader I’ve been lucky enough to attend so many local and international events.
But this year was the first year I had ever gone to Ireland, on my own, and being the 2018 IAYL provided me that opportunity. I experienced and saw everything in a whole different light. Not that going over every summer as a little girl and seeing all my family wasn’t an experience in itself, but the Rose of Tralee festival is pure magic. Whoever gets the chance to experience it this year, take in every moment, make every friendship and eat every piece of chocolate possible. Ireland won’t be the same after Tralee.
IAYL isn’t just about my experiences, it created amazing opportunities for some young women sitting right in this room. It’s created family, and friendships that I know we’ll never forget.
I’ve seen Jamie and Miranda go to camps in Ireland and learn more about and coming back bursting at the seams with stories and a greater appreciation for their heritage. Growing stronger not only as young leaders but Irish women as well. I’ve witnessed our rosebuds and buddies get amazing grades in school, and win trophies after practicing their steps over and over again to make sure they are perfect in time for the their big moment.
Not only did I gain such a great friend in Sarah, but I was adopted into the Ward family while in Ireland. Tom and Liz you two are absolutely amazing and thank you for sharing your family experiences with me. I hope the adoption papers don’t expire today cause you’re stuck with me for the foreseeable future.
To whoever receives the 2019 Irish American Young Leader title tonight – You have an amazing ride ahead of you, take a million pictures and enjoy every second. It’ll be a year you’ll never forget.”