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.

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.

Rebecca Kelly-Manders holds a degree in Culinary Arts and has worked in the food service industry since 1997. In 2011, she launched the award-winning food truck Street Chefs, went on to establish the Tallahassee Food Truck Association, and partnered with the City of Tallahassee to help create the Food Truck Court in 2013.

In 2017, Rebecca founded the non-profit REfire Culinary Training Program, which supports individuals with felony convictions in gaining employment within the hospitality sector. Since its inception, the programme has helped more than 120 participants earn certifications and secure employment, while maintaining a recidivism rate of just 9% among graduates. Rebecca brings extensive non-profit leadership experience and deep hospitality industry expertise to the EIL AFS Ireland Cultural Groups Team, helping to ensure participants enjoy the highest quality programme experience.

Her achievements include being named one of the 2014 25 Women You Need to Know, receiving the 2017 Oasis Trailblazer Award, the 2019 Small Business Development Council Community Champion Award, the 2019 New Leaders Council Askew Non-Profit Leader Award, serving as 2022 Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Coordinating Council, and receiving the 2023 National Association of Reentry Professionals Pace Award. Outside of work, Rebecca is a devoted New York Mets fan and a passionate hamburger enthusiast.

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.

Rebecca Ryan has over 15 years’ experience in the field of education. She holds a BA in Social Care from Waterford Institute of Technology and an MSc in Education, Public Policy and Equity from the University of Glasgow, as well as a postgraduate qualification in Creativity and Change from MTU.

Originally from Cork, Rebecca has lived and worked in a number of countries, including Italy, France, Spain, the UAE and Scotland, and has travelled extensively. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong interest in public policy and in how different systems and structures shape societies and support diverse communities.

Rebecca is passionate about social change, equity and creativity, and is committed to applying these values in her work to support the development of programmes and positive experiences for all students.