Kathleen Rourke
Where do you live? Saratoga Springs, NY.
Current company and position? In 2022, after nine months of behind-the-scenes preparation, I launched my business specializing in clothing design, with a focus on textile design and dresses. I manage all aspects of the business, with some of my favorite responsibilities including design development, sampling, cost negotiation, and building strong customer relationships. My designs can be viewed at KathleenMaeve.com. I am proud to continue working for myself full-time and look forward to a successful fourth year in business.
First job and what it taught me? My first job was in the Finance Department at The Business Council of NYS, where I applied my Accounting degree to financial reporting and improved my analytical skills. Working in a member-driven, business-to-business organization taught me the value of strong professional relationships and financial management. The insights I gained during this time continue to influence how I run my own business today.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? I am a proud and active member of the Irish-American community in Albany, NY. In 2023, I was honored to be elected President of the North Albany Limericks and to serve as Marshal of the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I currently chair the Miss Limerick Contest, where I mentor young women who share a passion for Irish heritage and history. I am also a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Albany Division. I competed as a Champion Irish Dancer for 18 years with The Farrell School of Irish Dance. I am the fourth generation of Irish Dancers in my family and look forward to passing on this tradition by bringing my daughter Maeve (age 4) to dance classes in the near future.
Biography: Kathleen Rourke is a proud Irish-American living in Saratoga Springs, NY, with her husband Brian and their children, Liam and Maeve. A fourth-generation Irish dancer and former Champion with The Farrell School, she remains active in Albany’s Irish community as Chair of the Miss Limerick Contest. Kathleen is Past President of the North Albany Limericks and served as Marshal of the 2023 Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With experience in Accounting and Finance, she launched her clothing design business, KathleenMaeve.com in 2022. Specializing in textile design, she manages her business while balancing a busy family and honoring her Irish heritage.
