Who We Are

After finishing college Eamon worked as a research physicist in England, he returned to Ireland to a job as a physics lecturer in Dublin Institute of Technology (now TU Dublin). Subsequently Eamon worked as DIT/CDVEC Education Officer, and Head of School in IT Tallaght (now also TU Dublin).  

Eamon served as an elected county councillor on South Dublin County Council, was chairperson of the County Development Board, a member of the Governing Body of IT Tallaght, and member/chairperson of Boards of Management of a number of Community Schools and Colleges. 

Dervla King has a background in social research, community development, and international volunteering, and is currently working as Programme Manager with Comhlámh. She has taken part in several solidarity-based volunteer placements with VSI, and been involved as a board member since 2020. Dervla has a particular interest in VSI’s work on peacebuilding and migrant solidarity initiatives, and is a member of the Risk, Governance and Policy Committee. 

Aidan was born and raised in the US where he has an extensive background in similar organisations to VSI. Promoting peace and solidarity has long been something he has had an interest in and was instrumental in pushing him into socially responsible investing and to joining the VSI board. In his high school years Aidan applied his passions to creating and leading a club of 30+ members to deliver baked goods to homeless shelters across Chicago, which he continued throughout his undergrad. During his summers Aidan worked as an unpaid counsellor at a summer camp to mentor and support children’s development.  

Aidan holds an MSc in Finance from UCD Smurfit and has five years of experience working in the financial services industry, with a particular focus on ESG and sustainability investing. He brings this financial expertise to his governance roles, serving as a Board member and the Treasurer for VSI. In this capacity, Aidan is responsible for financial oversight and contributing to the strategic direction of the organisation's programmes and initiatives. 

Elsa has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, working with social enterprises, charities, and community groups. Elsa believes that knowledge combined with small actions can change the world.  

Passionate about communications, the importance of storytelling and the circular economy, she has held multiple roles within the food redistribution sector and founded a purpose-driven business focused on the circular economy.   

She is currently the Network Manager with Community Resources Network Ireland (CRNI), where she leads the development of a national network of reuse and repair organisations, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and supports capacity-building initiatives aligned with Ireland’s circular economy and environmental sustainability goals.

Julieth Kweka is a Master’s degree holder in International Development Practice with a strong passion for social justice, community empowerment, and inclusive development. She has worked with vulnerable communities across East Africa and Ireland, supporting initiatives focused on community development, advocacy, and social inclusion. Her work is driven by a commitment to creating sustainable change, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering meaningful connections across diverse communities.