Jilleen Barrett ’23: She’s Got Irish Roots and a Rising Career in the Bronx

Jilleen Barrett ’23 has always taken pride in her Irish heritage. A native of Sayville, Long Island, she recently visited Ireland and traveled around the country, including a visit to the hometown of her mother’s ancestors, Moneymore, in County Donegal.

“Moneymore has only 12 houses,” she laughs. “We were confused at first and didn’t realize that we’d arrived!”

Barrett has arrived professionally, as well. As the director of communications and marketing at the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), her work is instrumental in promoting local businesses, schools and organizations. And that work is being noticed. The Irish Echo, the largest circulation newspaper serving an Irish American audience, has named Barrett to its 2025 40 Under 40 list in recognition of her efforts in promoting the people and communities of the Bronx. She and the other 39 honorees will be celebrated at the Irish Echo’s 18th Annual Awards Dinner, marking a significant milestone in Barrett’s blossoming career.

Her Manhattan University education played a crucial role in starting her on the path to success. She chose Manhattan for its campus environment and proximity to the city, as well as its Lasallian Catholic foundation. As a communication major with a concentration in journalism, Barrett quickly immersed herself in the University’s student publications. She joined The Quadrangle, working as editor for the arts and entertainment and features sections, eventually becoming managing editor for the newspaper. Her involvement gave her invaluable exposure to the breadth of University life, and she was able to interview key figures within the administration and student body.

“That ended up being a really enriching experience for a lot of reasons,” she says. “I knew so many people on campus and knew what they were doing because we were writing so many stories every week. It gave me a really good perspective of all the great things that were happening on campus.”

She also served two years as editor-in-chief for LOTUS, the fashion and lifestyle magazine, and interned at The Riverdale Press and the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). Through ASME, she wrote for Smart + Strong Publishing, which focuses on health-related topics.

“After doing that, I was able to freelance because of all the connections that I made,” she recalls. “My senior year, I freelanced three articles with professional publications, which for me was just so exciting.”

Following graduation, Barrett continued to build her career with a six-month internship at Bustle Digital Group, specifically with the websites Romper and ScaryMommy. In 2024, thanks to her connections with Rob Walsh, a former Manhattan University administrator, Barrett landed her current position at the Bronx Economic Development Corporation.

In her role, Barrett oversees newsletters, social media and website content for the BXEDC. She also writes for The Bronx Beat, a segment on 1010 WINS radio, and works on content development and coordinates filming for a video series, also called The Bronx Beat, in collaboration with the YES Network. The segment showcases positive Bronx-based stories and promotes small businesses in the borough (including Manhattan University local favorite Lloyd’s Carrot Cake).

“The effort is to get people to be more aware of small businesses,” she explains. “For example, a lot of people who visit Yankee Stadium are not from the Bronx. So we work to get them more aware of how there are great restaurants in the neighborhood — they don't need to go to a chain.”
“I’m getting the chance to connect with a lot of different people in the Bronx,” she continues. “Some of whom share my Manhattan University roots, and some are at these new places that I get to explore.”

She also helps plan events for the Bronx Tourism Council.

“So far I’ve helped plan the Bronx Ball and the Tour de Bronx bicycle race,” she says. “Currently, we're planning Savor the Bronx Restaurant Week. I'm contacting places where I used to eat in college, like Jake's Steakhouse and Tin Marin. I’m able to say, ‘I think that you would really benefit from this restaurant week because Manhattan students are going to come, I promise you that!’”

Barrett continues to do freelance magazine writing in addition to her marketing work. She deeply appreciates the career opportunities she’s had so far, and is enthusiastic about what the future holds.

“It's great for my career to be able to do so many different things,” she reflects. From her days as a Manhattan University student and internships to her current career and 40 Under 40 kudos, she concludes, “It continues to be a truly enriching experience.”