My name is Marissa Berry, I'm 29 years old, and I am an insurance underwriter for weddings and other special events across the United States.
I graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and have lived in nearby Havertown ever since. As an adult woman with ADHD, I hope to someday help women with similar struggles in their personal and professional development.
Most of my family hails from Co Mayo. My great-grandparents came over in the 1920s and made their home in Philadelphia. My grandfather's uncle served as a member of the H Company (Aughagower) of the West Mayo Brigade during the Irish War of Independence. His name now lives on a memorial by the canal in the centre of Westport. My family continues to grow their Irish connections three generations later.
In my free time, I do as much as I can within the Philadelphia Irish community. I am currently Vice President of the Donegal Association of Philadelphia and have the honour to serve as Assistant Ball Chair for the Donegal Ball, an event that has been taking place for 133 years.
I am proud to be able to represent Philadelphia in this year's Rose of Tralee Festival!
