Two young entrepreneurs, Emma Stephenson and Khaula Bhutta, are set to speak before US lawmakers at Capitol Hill about economic opportunities in Northern Ireland.
Accompanied by a delegation from Queen’s University Belfast and led by Joe Kennedy III, the US special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs, Stephenson and Bhutta will share their insights on the prospects arising from 25 years of peace in the region.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday and organized in collaboration with Irish American Congressman Richard Neal, will bring together representatives from the US Government and industry to explore avenues for economic development in Northern Ireland.
Two Female Entrepreneurs (Credits: Witney Gazette)
Stephenson and Bhutta will offer firsthand accounts of their entrepreneurial journeys as young women in a society emerging from decades of violence.
Their experiences launching and growing their own businesses will provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in a post-conflict environment.
Northern Ireland has made significant strides in economic development since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which marked the end of the Troubles—a period of ethno-political conflict that lasted for three decades.
The peace agreement paved the way for stability and opened up new possibilities for economic growth and prosperity in the region. Stephenson and Bhutta’s presence at Capitol Hill is symbolic of the progress Northern Ireland has made in rebuilding its economy and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Two Female Entrepreneurs (Credits: Driehaus College of Business – DePaul University)
Their stories highlight the resilience and determination of the Northern Irish people to overcome the legacy of conflict and build a brighter future.
The delegation led by Queen’s University Belfast underscores the important role that education and research institutions play in driving economic development. Universities are not only centers of learning but also hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
Joe Kennedy III’s involvement as the US special envoy to Northern Ireland for economic affairs demonstrates the United States’ commitment to supporting Northern Ireland’s economic growth and development.
By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and young entrepreneurs, the event at Capitol Hill aims to foster greater collaboration and partnership between the United States and Northern Ireland.
Emma Stephenson and Khaula Bhutta’s appearance at Capitol Hill is a testament to the progress Northern Ireland has made and the potential for continued growth and prosperity in the region.
Their voices serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Northern Irish people to build a peaceful and prosperous future for generations to come.
