Patricia Lee

Spraoi Board

Patricia is a native of Galway, living in Malin, Inishowen for the past 22 years. She is married to Liam, and they have two children – as well as a rescued dog and cat. Patricia loves to walk on the many fabulous trails around the Inishowen Peninsula, can disappear with a good book and is always up for adventures and travel. Having graduated in Psychology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, then as a postgraduate of the University of Limerick (HR Management) and of Ulster University (Social Policy and Administration) Patricia believes that education can lift all boats.

With a background in social justice, equality and tackling disadvantage, Patricia has worked with and for the community and voluntary sector for over 35years. This started in Limerick working with disconnected young people in the late 1980s, working in Léargas on ESF funded Programmes and then programme managing the ESF New Opportunities for Women (NOW) Programme within the National Women’s Council of Ireland up to 2000. Having moved from Dublin to Donegal in 2000 she has run her own social research consultancy in tandem with managing cross-border projects and then a parenting support charity (2007-2019).

In her current position as IDP Research Officer the work involves identifying needs, making the case, advocating for change, amplifying impact, and telling the story. Patricia leads the IDP work that involves education, young people, health and well-being and family support services. Recent work through IDP includes securing the Sláintecare contract for Inishowen, a consultative policy submission on the impact of Brexit on our collaborating coastal communities and successfully securing funding for several transnational projects. Patricia volunteers on a wide range of committees and working groups and believes wholeheartedly in giving back.