Irish American Partnership Nollaig na mBan Women’s Leadership Celebration in D.C.
January 8, 2026 @ 8:00 am - 9:30 am
$150
Welcoming 2026 Honoree
International Institute for Astronautical Sciences -Astronaut 003 & Aeronautical Engineer
DR. NORAH PATTEN
Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) is held each year in January throughout Ireland to celebrate women’s leadership within the family and community. The Irish American Partnership commemorates this tradition by highlighting impactful Irish and Irish-American female leaders.
This year the Irish American Partnership celebrates Dr. Norah Patten as the 2026 Nollaig na mBan Honoree, recognizing her as a trailblazer for women’s leadership in science and innovation.
A proud County Mayo native, Dr. Patten is an aeronautical engineer, Global Faculty Member at the International Space University, passionate STEM advocate, and award-winning children’s author. In June 2024, it was announced that she will join the IIAS-02 spaceflight with Virgin Galactic, becoming the first Irish person in space on the Delta Mission, alongside Dr. Shawna Pandya and Kellie Gerardi.
Be inspired in Washington, DC, as the Irish American Partnership honors an extraordinary leader whose work continues to push boundaries and spark the next generation of explorers.
The proceeds of the annual Nollaig na mBan Women’s Leadership Celebration will be donated to the O’Neill School Grants program.
