Meet the Team
Jacqueline (Jackie) Gilna
Founder and CEO
Jacqueline (Jackie) Gilna stands as a passionate, award-winning leader and entrepreneur, boasting an impressive career spanning three decades.Her leadership skills shine through in her adeptness at steering multi-lingual, international teams toward collaborative success. With a rich tapestry of experiences across the private commercial sectors at C level, government, and non-profit realms, Jackie has showcased exceptional skills in navigating diverse environments.
Her unwavering dedication to Ireland is evident in her pivotal role in cultivating and nurturing Irish Diaspora networks, underscoring her commitment to uplifting and empowering communities. Her entrepreneurial acumen and innovative spirit have been instrumental in driving progress and fostering connections that transcend borders. Jackie's contributions have been recognized through nominations for the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. Her expertise extends to matters concerning cross-cultural trade relations, demonstrated by her presentation to the Oireachtas. Jackie's innate talent as a connector and networker opens doors effortlessly, establishing her as a dynamic force propelling positive change in today's intricately interconnected world. Her relentless commitment to community empowerment and her innate ability to forge impactful connections cement her legacy as a true trailblazer.
NIALL WATTERS
BRAND AMBASSADOR
Niall Watters is a dynamic multilingual commercial executive renowned for his adeptness in propelling companies toward rapid international growth. With a proven track record, Niall possesses a profound understanding of the mechanisms involved in scaling businesses swiftly across borders. His acute expertise lies in effectively mobilizing and commercializing projects, steering them towards successful outcomes.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Niall is a sought-after keynote speaker, delivering impactful insights to diverse audiences. He is frequently invited to share his knowledge and experiences with students, academic institutions, and global enterprises, captivating audiences with his expertise and engaging speaking style. Niall's passion for fostering international business growth and sharing his expertise makes him a standout figure in the commercial landscape.
JORDAN MILLAR
HEAD OF DIGITAL MARKETING & MEDIA
Jordan Millar brings a wealth of competitive experience and a fervent dedication to the representation of Ireland to his role as the Head of Digital Marketing & Media at We Are Global Irish. With nearly a decade of honing his skills across public speaking, debating, business strategy, consulting, and global projects, Jordan embodies the essence of a seasoned Irish Competitor.
Jordan's journey began in the realm of competitive debating, where he traversed regional, national, and global platforms, proudly representing Ireland at the World University Debating Competitions in Mexico and Thailand. Transitioning from debating to the intricate domain of business strategy case competitions during his pursuit of a Bachelor of Corporate Law degree, Jordan proved his mettle by emerging undefeated in his competitive consulting career. His triumphs include clinching two National Irish Titles and securing numerous regional accolades, setting the stage for his upcoming participation in the prestigious CBS World Competition, with aspirations of securing the gold for Ireland.
His skills across consulting case competitions and strategic client projects ignited a fervour for business strategy and marketing, culminating in the recognition of the Irish Student Consulting Project Lead of the Year 2022. Jordan's leadership spearheaded the inaugural ISCG student business project, achieving remarkable success for the client’s business and earning accolades for his exemplary work.
Currently alongside his role at We Are Global Irish, Jordan is pursuing an MSc in Consumer Psychology at the University of Galway. He envisions a continuation of his mission with We Are Global Irish : promoting Irish businesses and organizations on the global stage.
Jordan Millar stands poised to amalgamate his expertise, passion, and strategic acumen to help propel We Are Global Irish’s brand to the highest calibre on the global spectrum.
ERIC THOMPSON
ACCOUNTANT
Eric Thompson is a seasoned finance professional with an extensive tenure spanning over a decade. His expertise encompasses finance, bookkeeping, accounting, and risk management, catering to a diverse clientele base. Eric is driven by goals, boasting a track record of delivering precise reporting and astute budget management.
Over the years, Eric has garnered comprehensive experience with startups and is skilled across the entire spectrum of financial responsibilities, adeptly handling roles as a Bookkeeper, Accountant, and Financial Controller. His proficiency spans various essential duties, including multiple currency management. His expertise extends to complex areas such as currency hedging, international payments, and receivables, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge in the financial landscape. Eric's wealth of experience and dedication to meticulous financial oversight make him a valuable asset in delivering comprehensive and effective financial solutions.
JOANNA MARIE JUSTO
DIGITAL MANAGER
Joanna Justo is an indispensable asset to our team, bridging the digital and administrative realms seamlessly. Her career boasts success across diverse industries, and her professionalism is characterized by its emphasis on collective effort, creating an atmosphere where every voice is valued. Her knack for blending tech innovation with creative finesse makes her an invaluable contributor to our team's achievements.
She plays a key part in supporting our team across digital marketing and administrative tasks and blends her love for tech with creative flair, helping shape our online image to connect with audiences globally, staying true to our company's goals. With a Business Administration degree in Operations Management, she's skilled in admin tasks, digital strategy, events, and campaigns.
Kelley Mondesiré
Brand Ambassador
Kelley Mondesiré is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning multiple industries, including television production, art, healthcare, and business consultancy. With over two decades of experience in the television business, Kelley earned international acclaim as an award-winning producer, showcasing her exceptional talent and creativity in delivering captivating content to audiences worldwide.
With over 17 years of experience in a private medical practice on Wall Street, Dr. Kelley Mondesiré has cultivated a deep understanding of client needs and service excellence. Her expertise extends to the field of integrative therapies for breast cancer patients, where she serves as a subject matter expert and panellist, sharing her insights at major hospital and health organizations globally, as well as at prominent world summits.
Kelley's dedication to innovation and leadership in her field has been recognized with the prestigious Chase for Business Luminary Fellowship issued by JPMorgan Chase & Co. in 2022. This esteemed fellowship highlights her outstanding contributions and commitment to driving positive change and innovation in the business world.
Kelley brings invaluable B2B expertise across multiple sectors to the We Are Global Irish team. She leverages her extensive experience and expertise to create impactful B2B & B2C global go-to-market strategies in the medical device, biotech, and AI SaaS sectors. Her proven expertise empowers businesses to navigate complex market landscapes and achieve sustainable growth on an international scale.
In her Brand Ambassador role, she also provides strategic insights and guidance, helping to promote Irish businesses on the global stage and foster economic growth and collaboration across borders. In addition to her successful career in television, Kelley is also a respected exhibiting artist and showcased her work in prestigious galleries across the United States and France. Oh, and did we mention, she is the proud Mama of a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, a V-twin softail cruiser, in case you didn’t know!