JACQUELINE Ann Cleary is CEO, principal and founding partner of Atlas Data Systems, LLC, which provides information technology services and business solutions to a broad range of Fortune 1000 companies. A native of York, Pennsylvania, Cleary received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton, and is now a member of the university’s President’s Business Council.

Her paternal grandparents hailed from counties Tyrone and Derry. Her mother’s family came to the U.S. during the Famine, and were natives of Co. Cork. She received her Irish citizenship in 2006.  “My Irish heritage explains my fondness for raising a pint or two. It is in my blood!” Cleary says. 

“While as a child I used to roll my eyes as my grandparents waxed poetically of Ireland’s rolling green hillsides, as I grew older I too became aware of the vibrant beauty of the green grasses of Ireland and New Jersey. Green has always been my favorite color; my feel good color that makes me happy, highlighting the sensitive side of me that rarely comes out. 

“As a businesswoman, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize that green is the color of money – but I equate that to financial stability for my family. Which is another Cleary/Derrick Irish trait passed down — the value and satisfaction of an honest, hard day’s work.  “As a business owner and mother of three, I want my children to greet each day with a smile, to try their hardest at school and have fun at play, to cherish family and embrace their Irish heritage. After all, we are who we are, in part, because of the family that came before us nd the traditions they brought with them on their journey overseas. “So while I celebrate March 17 with the rest of the nation, I’m proud to be Irish the other 364 days as well. Go ahead, kiss me!”

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