Announcing NCAFP’s 2025-26 Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders

Declan Barry

Founder and Managing Director, ExportExplore

Declan Barry is the founder of ExportExplore, a Belfast-based consultancy supporting inward investment and export development across Europe and the United States. He currently serves as Authorized Trade and Investment Representative for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and has previously represented the U.S. states of Delaware, Virginia, and Arizona, as well as the Swiss Canton of Neuchâtel. A graduate of Ulster University and Boston College, Declan has led initiatives linking small business growth to government policy, with a focus on post-conflict regions. His work with Invest Northern Ireland and Antrim Enterprise Agency reflects his commitment to inclusive economic advancement. He co-founded the Bridges Beyond Boxing charity, using sport and cultural exchange to connect young people from Northern Ireland and the United States. In 2025, Declan became a fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building.

Euan Carroll

BioHGen Team Lead, Development Engineer, CATAGEN

Euan Carroll is a development engineer at CATAGEN, a Belfast-based Net Zero technology company, where he leads the development of biohydrogen systems converting sustainable biomass into clean fuel. He holds a first-class honors degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. Through the UNITECH Program, Euan studied at Chalmers University in Sweden, worked on sustainable development in Denmark, and attended leadership and innovation workshops across Europe. In 2024, he was named one of Northern Ireland’s 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers, leading a river pollution project and exploring the potential of agricultural waste for energy production. Beyond engineering, Euan volunteers with DePaul Ireland, mentoring refugees and supporting integration in Belfast.

Aaron Callan

Alderman and Local Councillor, Causeway Coast and Glens 

Aaron Callan serves as an alderman on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, representing the Limavady area since 2014 and contributing to decision-making on planning, education, economic development, and infrastructure. He is also a governor at Limavady Grammar School, a commissioner at Coleraine Harbour, where he chairs the Strategy Working Group, and a parliamentary researcher to Gregory Campbell CBE MP. Aaron’s previous professional experience includes financial crime compliance at Danske Bank and FinTrU, and risk assurance at PwC. He holds an LL.M. in Law and Governance from Queen’s University Belfast, an MA in Peace and Conflict Studies, and a BA in History from Ulster University, and has completed leadership programs including the Washington Ireland Program and the Fellowship for Political and Civic Leaders with the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building. Aaron has appeared on the BBC and UTV and is a fellow of both the RSA and the Institute of Leadership.

Shane Donnelly

Primary School Teacher, St John’s English Primary School

Shane Donnelly is a primary school teacher with a passion for education and sports. He holds a first-class honors BEd in Primary Education with Physical Education from St. Mary’s University College, Belfast, where he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Sport and Physical Education for Young People. Shane has taught at a private school in Madrid and worked with children from marginalized communities in India and Tanzania, observing how education can provide pathways to a better life. An avid sports enthusiast, he plays for and coaches his local GAA club, has organized ‘GAA for All’ camps, and has coached at Oakwood Special School.

Elisha Duddy

Communications Officer, European Commission

Elisha Duddy, from Omagh, Co. Tyrone, is a communications professional specializing in climate policy, EU affairs, and community engagement. She manages communications promoting the circular economy and Green Deal policies at the European Commission Representation in Ireland, including influencer partnerships, high-profile events such as Bloom and the National Plowing Championships, and campaigns for EU funding programs like PEACEPLUS and the Brexit Adjustment Reserve. Previously, Elisha worked with the Irish government on developing Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, and in Belfast led grassroots integration initiatives through HAPANI for asylum seekers. She is developing Borderline Green, a writing project exploring climate justice and policy fragmentation in Northern Ireland.  

Olivia Hamill

Professional Development Consultant at QUB

Olivia Hamill is a Professional Development Consultant at Queens University Belfast, supporting academic staff in enhancing teaching practices through personalized mentoring and strategic training programs. Her career includes roles as a Business Studies lecturer and leadership development consultant, where she designed and delivered programs in management, coaching, and innovation. Olivia holds a Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (2024) and earned a PGCE in Business Studies with distinction from the University of Sunderland. She also completed a Master’s in Business Studies and a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Media Communication at the University of Ulster, alongside certifications in mentoring, systems thinking, and sustainable education.

Kathlyn (Katy) Rosamund Haskins

PhD Candidate, Ulster University

Kathlyn Haskins is a PhD candidate at Ulster University with a background in the humanities and social justice. She holds a BA in English and History and an MA in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice. Her work bridges academic research and community engagement, centring community voices in social change. An experienced youth worker, Kathlyn is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for young people to grow and thrive. She lives in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Dara Keeve

Legal and Policy Officer, Committee on the Administration of Justice

Dara Keeve is a Policy and Legal Officer at the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), Northern Ireland’s leading human rights NGO. Her work focuses on advancing Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, socio-economic rights, and democratic governance. Dara holds a BA in French and Irish and an LLM in Human Rights Law (with distinction) from Queen’s University Belfast, where her dissertation examined Irish Language provisions in the Identity and Language Act 2022. She has represented CAJ at the United Nations and Council of Europe committees, coordinates the Equality Coalition, and authors policy reports. Her previous roles include Account Executive at a public affairs agency and Referral Coordinator at ASSIST NI, supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She serves on the boards of the Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta, and is an alumna of the Boardroom Apprentice programme. 

Máirtín Mac Gabhann

Founder and Campaign Manager, Donate4Dáithí

Máirtín Mac Gabhann co-founded and leads the Donate4Dáithí campaign, which successfully introduced Dáithí’s Law (Northern Ireland’s soft opt-out organ donation system) during a political deadlock. Following the law’s enactment in 2023, Máirtín continues to raise awareness of organ donation and supports grassroots campaigns in health and education. Awarded an MBE for his contribution, he is a regular speaker at events involving policymakers, healthcare professionals, and universities. His campaigns are recognized for shifting narratives and delivering impact. With a background in education and strong public affairs experience, Máirtín focuses on connecting local action with global learning, using storytelling, lobbying, and strategic engagement to bridge systemic gaps.

Malachy McManus

Manager at a large professional services firm

Malachy McManus is a manager at a large professional services firm. His work fosters transatlantic collaboration, and he advises on corporate legislation and compliance. As a One Young World Ambassador, Malachy has hosted leadership discussions for global audiences, written on environmental stewardship for The Irish News, and mentored junior colleagues. In the community, he plays and coaches for Drumragh GAA, fundraises for environmental projects, and has led inclusive youth programs.

Emma Murphy

Government Affairs and Campaigns Officer, Queen’s University Belfast

Emma Murphy is the Government Affairs and Campaigns Officer at Queen’s University Belfast with a strong background in campaigning and public affairs. She holds a BA in English Literature and will graduate with an MA in Politics in 2026 from Queen’s University Belfast. Emma was elected as the Education Officer and then the President of Queen’s Students’ Union and campaigned to introduce cost-of-living and mental health measures. She has a particular interest in higher education and its effects on the Northern Irish economy. She has also contributed to the conference celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the Shared Island Youth Forum, and several academic conferences. She is committed to shaping inclusive, evidence-based policy that strengthens transatlantic cooperation and uplifts communities in Northern Ireland.

Daniel James Toft

Policy Officer, Ulster Farmers’ Union 

Daniel Toft is a policy, communications, and operations professional with experience across parliamentary, academic, and charitable sectors. He is a policy officer at the Ulster Farmers’ Union, representing agricultural interests in legislative discussions and developing member-led policy positions. He also serves as chief of staff at Friends of the British Overseas Territories, overseeing strategic operations, stakeholder engagement, and projects. Daniel holds a first-class BA in Politics from Queen’s University Belfast and is completing an MSc in Political Science (Conflict Studies & Comparative Politics) at the London School of Economics and Political Science. 

Grant Warren

Constituency Assistant 

Grant Warren is completing an MA in Global Security & Borders at Queen’s University Belfast and works as a constituency caseworker for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Northern Ireland, preparing policy briefs and supporting public-facing initiatives. His research contributes to a strategic review of the peacebuilding charity Cooperation Ireland. A first-class honors graduate in French and History from Queen’s University Belfast, Grant has been active in student life as events officer and treasurer of the Literific debating society, helping to expand civic engagement and host high-profile guests, including former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May.