EIL Staff

Aideen O’Leary joined EIL Intercultural Learning as Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, bringing a truly global outlook shaped by living in seven countries and travelling to more than fifty. A Cork native, she holds postgraduate qualifications in Finance and an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability. Her professional background spans international banking and six years in the development sector across Africa.

Before joining EIL, Aideen led the Irish charity Bóthar through a period of renewal, strengthening governance, restoring financial transparency, and rebuilding fundraising capacity. Fluent in French and Spanish, she believes deeply in the power of intercultural learning to foster empathy and understanding.

At EIL, she combines her leadership experience and strategic vision to support meaningful global engagement and expand opportunities for participants to connect across cultures and communities.

Originally from Moldova, Domnica Bivol brings extensive experience in strategic leadership, finance, and sustainability to her role as Head of Finance and Administration. She holds a BA in International Relations, an MBA, and a Management Leadership accreditation, and is a member of the Institute of Accounting Technicians Ireland. Domnica has worked across both corporate and non-profit sectors, with a particular focus on organisational development and financial governance.

Her work aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting her commitment to ethical management and long-term impact.

Outside the office, Domnica enjoys mindfulness, gardening, and spending time in nature. She combines analytical precision with a deep sense of care, helping EIL grow sustainably while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Born and raised in Germany, Carolin Chucholowski first came to Ireland as a teaching assistant and soon fell in love with the country’s culture and landscapes. With a background in teaching English and Mathematics, she brings strong educational and intercultural skills to her role in EIL’s Global Citizenship Department.

Carolin has lived, studied, and worked across several countries, including the United States and Spain, and joined EIL in October 2022.

She is passionate about promoting cross-cultural understanding and empowering young people to explore global issues through experiential learning. Outside work, she enjoys hiking, climbing, table tennis, and learning to surf. Carolin’s enthusiasm, curiosity, and educational insight make her a valued member of the EIL team, contributing to programmes that inspire active global citizenship.

Mary Watson joined EIL’s Cultural Groups team in 2022 and now serves as Assistant Manager. She holds a BA in Film Studies and Italian and an MA in PR & New Media from MTU Cork. Mary began her career in animation sales and distribution before spending two years teaching English in South Korea, where she developed a passion for intercultural education.

Returning to Ireland, she worked in PR and marketing for arts organisations and festivals, blending creativity with communication strategy.

At EIL, she draws on her diverse background in media, education, and culture to coordinate innovative programmes for international visitors. Mary enjoys travel, film, and cultural events, and is dedicated to creating experiences that celebrate Ireland’s artistic and historical richness.

Laura Hughes joined EIL in 2023 after relocating from Dublin to Cork. She holds a BA in Photography & Visual Culture and an MA in Information & Library Studies. Before joining EIL, Laura spent six years working in public libraries, managing cultural programmes and collaborating with national arts bodies.

She values lifelong learning, cultural access, and community engagement, principles that align closely with EIL’s mission.

A passionate reader, traveller, and singer-songwriter, Laura brings a creative perspective and strong organisational skills to her role. At EIL, she helps design and coordinate cultural group programmes that inspire discovery and connection, fostering deeper appreciation for Ireland’s artistic and social heritage.

Therese Casey studied English and Archaeology at University College Cork and spent several years working on archaeological excavations throughout Ireland. She later transitioned to English-language education, where she taught students from around the world for over a decade. Her dual background in archaeology and language teaching gives her a unique perspective on culture, place, and communication.

At EIL, Therese coordinates study abroad programmes, helping international participants engage deeply with Irish culture and heritage.

She is passionate about education, travel, and lifelong learning, and enjoys staying active outdoors despite the Irish weather. With her expertise and warm approach, Therese ensures each student’s study abroad experience is enriching and memorable.

Sarah Brosnan joined EIL in 2024 as Programme Coordinator in the Study Abroad Department. She graduated from University College Cork with a BA in International Spanish and Politics, combining academic excellence with a passion for global engagement. Her Erasmus year in Alicante and subsequent experiences living in Seville deepened her understanding of cultural exchange and language learning.

Sarah’s research into charity regulation across the UK and Ireland reflects her interest in effective governance and social impact.

Before EIL, she taught English in Spain, Austria, Malta, and Ireland, developing strong communication and cross-cultural skills. Enthusiastic about travel, languages, and education, Sarah supports EIL’s mission by helping students immerse themselves in Ireland’s culture while building meaningful international connections.