The Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission was established to advance trade and investment between Ireland and Connecticut, support Irish owned businesses, and collaborate on important policies.

Kinealy, who is internationally recognized as a leading Irish historian and scholar, has completed extensive research on Ireland’s Great Hunger. Her work on abolition has paved the way for multiple publications and the creation of a statue of Frederick Douglass, the abolitionist leader, which stands proudly in Quinnipiac’s Law Library on the North Haven Campus

“I look forward to exploring in more depth what connects us in Connecticut with people on the island of Ireland,” Kinealy said. “Having lived and worked in both Dublin and Belfast, I think I have an unusual perspective to offer.”In her new position as commissioner, she said she hopes to make advancements like she has in all her past positions.

“One of my goals is to help build bridges and create bonds that foster creativity, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability,” said Kinealy. 

On her path of educating people about Ireland, she is currently working on the third volume of her textbook “Black Abolitionists in Ireland.” In addition to her textbook, Kinealy shares her wealth of knowledge as a history professor at Quinnipiac. 

Kinealy strives to make a positive and innovative learning environment for her students.

“Working with young people is a privilege — their energy gives me energy,” she said. “The students at Quinnipiac have a special quality of compassion. Kindness and curiosity are virtues that I value highly.”