Lola joined Momentum in March 2022, bringing over 20 years’ experience and a wealth of knowledge in the fields of inclusion, empowerment, charity, fashion, hospitality and retail.  Originally from Panama, Lola came to Ireland in 2015.   Settling into her new life in Leitrim without existing social and support networks made her sympathetic to the isolation many newcomers to Ireland feel. Her solution was to throw herself into her local community, joining local groups and volunteering her time for causes that matter to Lola. She was one of the participants in the Immigrant Council’s Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme 2021-2022, training migrants in the fundamentals of Irish politics. She was chosen as class speaker for the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme where her moving speech inspired her colleagues and high-profile attendees.  It is well worth a watch – https://youtu.be/SIM9SuwQthU.

Lola is an advocate for social justice. Over the last five years, she has worked with various Leitrim authorities in projects that advance the integration of new communities in Ireland. She sits on the board of the Leitrim Volunteer Centre and is currently Secretary of the board. Furthermore, she’s an inclusion pillar in the Leitrim Local Community Development Committee representing Leitrim International Community Group.

All of her life experience and volunteer work is a beautiful foundation to her role as  Inclusion & EU Programme Specialist with Momentum.  In her time off, Lola enjoys Zumba because what’s better than dancing to exercise? Lola also enjoys being a foodie so trying new cafes or restaurant is a must – she’s still waiting for a good Mexican restaurant to open in Leitrim. If you love to bake then swap recipes with her as in a previous life she was the owner of a bakery. She shares her zest for life with her husband Kevin and her loving cat Glenn.