Jessica Kirk

Why am I proud to be Northern Irish?

The answer is simple- Northern Ireland is one of the most innovative places on earth, and it's exciting to see it slowly become recognised as one of the talent capitals of the world. Our 'per capita' successes in everything from industry to inventions, sport and arts, rivals anywhere else on the Planet. That's incredible. That makes me 'Proud to be NI'.

Maya Angelou once said "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".

That quote helps to sum up my personal 'feeling' about Brand NI - the "buzz" that is so hard to describe. A mixture of utter excitement and sheer pride. Hearing the stories that come out of NI, from our history of innovators like Kelvin to the inventors of today with their revolutionary bike lights and steri-free needles. As a twenty-something this gives me belief, in myself, my opportunities and my future. My generation can only inherit a future we help to deliver. We need to grab the opportunity and make NI an even better world to our children.

My role with Brand NI is to launch positive initiatives that add value to NI society and make a difference.
I am currently completing my Masters in Management at Queens University, Belfast. Previous Vice-president of Equality and Diversity at Queens Students Union (2012-13). This year I am course representative for Management, Post-graduate representative at Student Council and hold the position of student representative on University Senate. I also enjoy volunteering for the SOS BUS NI and sit on the regional council for Diabetes UK.