Being a member of Cork Rotary Club allows me to give back to this city that received me with open arms

TELL us about yourself;

I am Maria Alejandra, Alé for short. I relocated to Cork for work a year ago and I fell in love with the city immediately.

I come from Argentina, where I lived for my whole life. I grew up in the city of Buenos Aires, where I studied law and English, and I got my first university diploma as a Certified Legal Translator.

After many years of freelance work as a translator for different websites, magazines and as a language trainer for several companies, I got an offer from Ernst & Young to start working in IT.

I worked in technology for six years before the bank I currently work for relocated me to Cork as I moved into the financial sector.

Soon after arriving in Cork, I heard about the Rotary Club of Cork from a friend and started joining the weekly meetings at the Metropole. 

There I found a great group of passionate people who embody the Rotary motto of ‘service above self’ and devote their time and efforts to improving the community through associating with different charities to raise awareness and funds in aid of different causes.

For me, Rotary was already a familiar name as I grew up, seeing the work and impact of the local Rotary Club of Barracas, my home town. Being a member of the Rotary Club of Cork is both a way for me to keep a connection with home, as well as to give back to this city that received me with open arms.

Where were you born?

I was born in the city of Buenos Aires, in Argentina.

Where do you live?

I live in the city of Cork.

Family?

I am an only child, but I grew up with my cousins so I never felt that I was ever alone.

Best friend?

My oldest friends are back home in Argentina, but I am happy to have already built a new group of friends from different backgrounds and origins here in Cork.

Earliest childhood memory?

Having been raised in a large Italian family, one of my earliest memories is sitting at my grandparents’ dinner table, having one of those loud and generous meals you would normally just see in movies and assume are an exaggeration of the Italian stereotype, with cousins running around, amazing home-made food and the warmth of closeness. Big table, big family, big meals, that´s the main component of my childhood, something I am grateful for, and that only makes me think how lucky I am to have had the privilege and the luxury of a happy childhood.

Person you most admire?

As I grew up in the ’90s, with my parents being very interested in politics and human rights, a person I always looked up to was Nelson Mandela. 

I admire his fortitude and perseverance, and, in particular, his ability to forgive despite injustices.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

I went to Easter Island a few years ago during the Tapati Rapa Nui festival, where the King and Queen of the Island are chosen. It was a really fun and colourful display of Polynesian culture. I love learning about new cultures so it was very exciting!

Favourite TV programme?

Doctor Who.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I have been known to make very good empanadas lately.

Favourite restaurant?

I can’t choose one favourite, I like a lot of places for casual dining, like Son of a Bun, Rossini, and The White Rabbit.

Last book you read?

I am currently reading a book called Grass, by Sheri Tepper. It is a sci-fi novel set in the future, where humans have colonised other planets because Earth´s resources are scarce. It explores challenges around ecology, religion, and colonisation.

Best book you read?

That’s a tricky question. I don’t know if it is the best book I have read, but it is a book that has left a lasting impact on me. The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, a small story about an idyllic town where everyone´is happy at the expense of keeping secret the pain and suffering that sustains the town´s prosperity.

Favourite song?

Again, I don´t have a favourite, but I like a song by Argentinian singers Mercedes Sosa and Gustavo Cerati called Zona de Promesas.

Do you have a pet?

Yes, I do! I have two cats that I had to leave back in Argentina, but I am looking forward to bringing them here as soon as possible.

Morning person or night owl?

I try to be both, but I am OK with taking the odd lazy day to relax with a nice book, or going for a walk from time to time.

Your proudest moment?

Graduating from the University of Buenos Aires and having my parents and all of my friends celebrating this achievement with me. 

I was very proud to finally be able to finish my degree after long years of studying and working a full-time job.

Spendthrift or saver?

I love going on occasional shopping sprees, just like a lot of people, but I am very organised and goal-oriented financially speaking, so I go more on the saver side most of the time.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Coming from a city like Buenos Aires, where public transport is vital for its five million inhabitants plus the people who live in the outskirts of the city, I would say that Cork could use a bit of better public transport that would allow people to move around without the need to get a car. Reducing the volume of traffic on the roads is usually a good thing from a lot of different perspectives.

What makes you happy?

Just like anyone, I would say, spending time with the people I love and seeing them happy. I am also very happy when I participate in volunteering activities that get me closer to people and to feel that I am making a difference.

How would you like to be remembered?

I don´t know. Somebody who always tries to do the right thing, I suppose.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I am very engaged with the Rotary Club of Cork. The Club is currently working very hard on the celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Tree of Remembrance in the St Patrick’s Day Parade, recognising the generosity of the people of Cork in raising money for local charities. 

Both the organisation of the parade and the tree itself are a joint effort by the Rotary Clubs of Cork and Bishopstown, with the help of the Douglas and Glanmire Clubs.

I know that Rotary’s participation in the St Patrick’s Day Parade is going to be something special!

And a special piece of news, the Rotary Club of Cork are preparing for the their 100th anniversary serving the people of Cork in 2026

Organised by Cork City Council, the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 1pm on Sunday, March 17. See www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie