Board Member
Why MIHC?
I first discovered the Maine Irish Heritage Center while talking about my heritage and connections to Irish culture with my uncle, Ryan Lizanecz, and a family friend, James McClay. What stood out to me was the Maine Irish Heritage Center’s dedication to celebrating and preserving Irish culture in Maine. I value celebrating cultures through understanding history, public service, and community involvement. During my time at Saint Anselm College, volunteering and community service were core parts of my experience. I plan to bring that same enthusiasm and willingness to give back to the Maine community during my time working with the Maine Irish Heritage Center.
Your Irish Roots
My family is originally from Northern Ireland, and we eventually emigrated to the United States. Irish culture and identity have always been an important part of my family’s story and sense of heritage.
Interests & Hobbies
I come from a small family in Windham, Maine, that values giving back to the community. In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar, listening to music, going for runs and hikes, playing chess, and watching sports on TV. While I was in school at Saint Anselm College, I was a part of the Club soccer and frisbee team, where we would come together to give back to the school in various ways. Most notably, we would help create crafts with kids at the Christmas fair, and I participated in a kids’ night out program, where foster and adopted children would come and play soccer, basketball, or any other gym activity for the night. Staying active in my community and giving back through volunteering was a core value that I was instilled with at Saint Anselm.
Your Background
I recently graduated from Saint Anselm College in May, a small liberal arts school located in Manchester, New Hampshire. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Criminal Justice. I gained experience by volunteering for the VITA program, where a team and I prepared tax returns for those who were unable to do so. Before going to school in New Hampshire, I was born and raised in Windham, Maine. I have also recently accepted a position as a staff accountant at Brooks & Brooks CPA, where I will be starting in September. I have also applied to begin the process of becoming a licensed CPA. I would like to contribute to MIHC’s mission through my enthusiasm for culture and heritage, organizational commitment, and desire to grow professionally in the nonprofit, business, and finance sectors.