​​​Boys Town’s 115th Mayor, Jennifer Nguyen, received an exciting opportunity when she was invited to the All Ireland and United States Sister Cities Mayor’s Summit in Dublin, Ireland, April 21-24, 2016.

The summit was the first of its kind and brought together 200 United States city mayors, business, education and youth leaders from the 60 cities that are the “sisters” of cities in Ireland. As Mayor of Boys Town, the sister city of Boys Town Founder Father Edward Flanagan’s birthplace, Ballymoe, Ireland, Jennifer was invited to not only attend but to also speak at the summit.

During her speech, Jennifer focused on the history of Boys Town and the positive impact of the program upon her life and the thousands of other residents over the past 98 years.
While attending the conference, Jennifer also had the opportunity to meet many of Ireland’s leaders, including President Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina Higgins, and Lord Mayor of Dublin Críona Ní Dhálaigh. 

In addition to attending the conference, Jennifer and her Family-Teachers, Scott and Kimberly Kavanaugh, also took-in the Irish sites and culture. They visited Father Flanagan’s hometown and his house, stopping to visit with the Collins family who now own the property of Father Flanagan’s birthplace. They even attended a “football” game!

Boys Town is proud to share a connection with Ireland and to be able to show the work we do with children and families. Thanks again to the Sister Cities Mayor’s Summit for inviting Jennifer!