Sharing experiences and fostering valuable connections built on respect and trust is at the heart of the IFI’s work. A key example is the IFI funded the American Management and Business Internship Training (AMBIT) capacity building programme, facilitated by the US Consulate in Belfast and managed by the Washington Ireland Program (WIP).

AMBIT has been instrumental in forging partnerships and fostering collaboration, not only to support individual growth but also to amplify awareness of the IFI's vital work on both local and international stages.

Annually, successful participants from diverse professional and community backgrounds travel to key US cities to explore issues affecting some of the most deprived communities. These issues often resonate with AMBIT participants, mirroring the everyday challenges encountered in community, peace, and reconciliation work across the island of Ireland. Recent trips have explored themes such as youth unemployment, community development, intergenerational trauma, mental health, and promoting democratic renewal.

This year’s AMBIT 2025 group met with non-profit organisations, government departments, and Congressional Representatives in Boston and Washington. We spoke with Alison Wallace and Dan Gorman from this year’s cohort to share their personal experiences.

Alison is a strategy manager for the Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership in Derry/Londonderry, which focuses on reducing economic, health, and social disadvantage in the city's Waterside area.

Dan is a programme coordinator for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, which empowers young people by creating opportunities and pathways to advance equality, drive social mobility, and realise their potential.

What three words best describe your AMBIT experience?

Alison:   Good Practice, Networking, Leadership.

Dan:       Transformational, Rewarding, Supportive.  

What’s your key takeaway from AMBIT that you can apply to your work with communities here?

Alison- My key takeaway is the importance of partnership working with a range of stakeholders to the delivery of successful project.  Partnership working was evident in all the projects we visited with community workers stressing how partnership working benefited their project and the outcomes for participants/residents.  

Dan- One of my key takeaways is the importance of vertical trust – ensuring that decision makers and grassroot communities are connected in a way that fosters genuine collaboration. By building long-lasting relationships with those who share a common vision, we can align resources, expertise, and influence to create real, lasting change for our communities. In my professional role, I will apply this by leveraging partnerships more effectively. AMBIT has reinforced that progress isn’t about working alone- its about working smarter, together. Another major take away for me is my confidence growth from this programme. I feel I've left the USA a different person and a better person both professionally and personally. It's been a life changing experience that I will never forget.

Why do you think the AMBIT programme remains an important part of an individual’s development?

Alison- I think the AMBIT programme remains an important part of an individual's development as it provides an opportunity to not only learn about new models of working but also to reflect on their own practice and how it can be improved to benefit the people they engage with.  The networking opportunities while in America with Northern Ireland Politicians, funders and other stakeholders is also invaluable allowing community leaders to engage with local decision makers to raise the profile of their organisation and the work they do to improve the lives of local people.  Being able to link and learn from local community leaders that you would otherwise never have made contact with was also invaluable allowing contact to be made for future project development and delivery both within Northern Ireland and on a cross-border basis.

Dan- The AMBIT programme is invaluable for individual development, not just because of the skills and insights gained through the programme but due to the relationships built along the way. The connections I made with my peers were just as impactful as the formal learning experiences. It was empowering being surrounded by like-minded people who are all passionate about making a difference. We had an opportunity to challenge each other’s thinking, share experiences and collaborate for solutions. I have formed a network of support, guidance and inspiration that will continue to shape my professional growth.