Aislinn Speranza.
Where do you live? Bayside, NY.
Current company and position? Diversity & Outreach Coordinator for Skanska USA Civil.
First job and what it taught me? My first job was a volunteer position as a Religious Education Aide at St. Martin De Porres parish throughout my high school years. I learned a lot about my Irish-Catholic heritage - mainly from my mom, Tara, who was a catechist for nearly 20 years. I had the opportunity to work with children and how different learning styles can have a positive impact on each kid. I was able to teach them the importance of our religion while spreading kindness and putting good into the world. I was able to take what I learned during my time as a teacher's aide and appreciate the many masses my family brought me to when I visited them in Ireland a few years later.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? I am lucky to have two generations of Irish women who live nearby. My grandmother, Mary, was born and raised in County Roscommon before coming to the United States. My mother, Tara, is first-generation Irish and spent a lot of time going back to Ireland - both County Roscommon and County Donegal - to visit her families. While my granddad, Seamus, passed away 20 years ago, we still keep his memory alive by the Irish music my family listens to, the books we read, and the family events my cousins run. In early 2024, I was fortunate enough to join the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and that only reinforced my love for my culture and faith. Whether it was the Donegal events on my grandad's side or the stories of Roscommon that my grandmother continues to share, I am incredibly blessed to have inherited the hardworking mentality, humor, and kindness of my family. Ireland is more than my heritage. Ireland is my heart.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... I am an avid soccer player. I was captain of my collegiate team and continue to play in multiple leagues across New York State. My Grandad played soccer (which is probably where I got the love of the game from) and spend most Sundays watching soccer with my Nana. I was fortunate enough to support NY/NJ Gotham at nearly every game this past season.
Biography: Aislinn Speranza is an Irish-American who excels as Diversity & Outreach Coordinator at Skanska USA Civil Northeast. She focuses on enhancing DBE participation among high-profile construction projects and bolstering community engagement across NYC. Aislinn completed her undergraduate studies at Wilkes University in 2019, where she earned two bachelor's degrees. Aislinn also earned her MBA in Ethical Leadership from Marist College in 2023. Aislinn is a member of LAOH and spends her free time playing soccer, and hiking with her dogs, Molly and Lucky. Aislinn would like to thank her family - both in the US and Ireland - for their love and support.
