Aileen Kennedy
Where do you live? New York City.
Current company and position? Options IT, Director Trading Infrastructure Operations.
First job and what it taught me? Waitress for weddings in a popular wedding venue near home. It strengthened my understanding of teamwork and how to balance a lot of things at one time while.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? I am very lucky to come from a family who always put a strong emphasis on all aspects of Irish culture and heritage, be it traditional music, dance, sport, literature, language and history. Going to university strengthened my love for this even more. When I moved to New York keeping in touch with this was very important. I am an avid supporter of Irish writers and artists, a regular concert or session attendee for music, I have a particular love for GAA handball, and upon moving here joined GAA teams and Irish dancing as a way to meet people as well as keep ties to Irish Heritage alive. A new way I am trying to embrace my Irish heritage is by incorporating more Irish language into my day to day in 2025.
Biography: Aileen hails from Boyle in Co. Roscommon, she pursued her undergraduate degree in English and History at Maynooth before moving to Belfast to complete a masters in Irish studies with a focus on Irish history from Queen’s University and she remained in Belfast going on to join Options Technology. Aileen has been a cornerstone of OIT's Trading Infrastructure Operations for eight remarkable years, bringing exceptional skill and passion to her role as Director. Since relocating to New York City in 2018, she has been instrumental in managing trading operations for one Option’s largest US clients, demonstrating unparalleled commitment and strategic leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, Aileen embodies a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. Previously a member of the Manhattan Gaels and O'Donovan Rossa GAA teams and the O'Donnell School of Irish Dancing, she reached a significant milestone by competing at the World Championships in 2019, showcasing her determination and competitive spirit. She is actively involved in corporate social initiatives, including the Women's Network, Irish Networks and supporting Irish American charities. Her dedication to professional development is evident in her efforts to mentor and train new members of the trading infrastructure team, helping to cultivate the next generation of talented professionals. A true New Yorker at heart, Aileen balances her dynamic career with a love for cultural exploration, often spending her spare time discovering the city's vibrant art scene through Manhattan's numerous galleries and indulging in her passion for reading. Her exceptional blend of professional excellence, Irish community involvement, and personal interests makes Aileen Kennedy a truly outstanding colleague and leader.
