25.
San Francisco Rose Katie McFadden Hello Everyone! My name is Katie McFadden and I’m 22 years old, living in San Francisco, CA. I am beyond excited to be representing the city in which I was born and raised as the San Francisco Rose. I am currently working as a firefighter for the state of California where I respond to a variety of different and meaningful calls. I love what I do because every day is different, and I get to give back to my community. In the future I aspire to become a Captain with the San Francisco Fire Department, where I will be able to help future generations learn about themselves and their careers. Growing up in San Francisco has given me an amazing opportunity to learn and stay in touch with my Irish roots. Both my maternal grandparents were born and raised in Co. Kerry, in Ballyheigue and Causeway. My paternal grandfather was raised in Donegal and my grandmother was born and raised in San Francisco. When I am not working, I love to travel, hike, and spend time with family and friends. I am an outgoing and friendly person and I am delighted to start the Rose Tour with an amazing group of like-minded and passionate women.
26.
South Australia Rose Charlotte Burton Hi! I’m Charlotte, I’m 27 years old and I’m from Adelaide, South Australia, where I live on Kaurna land. I am a multi-disciplinary artist, working primarily in video content creation. I work at The Growing Space, a disability-focused company where I produce videos aimed at empowering disabled people. As a disabled woman myself, being able to engage with my community in this way is incredibly rewarding. I also am a founding member of DIDA (Disability, Illness and Divergence Association) a group dedicated to supporting disabled and chronically ill students in higher education through peer support. In my free time, I dance (Irish, Tap and Contemporary), play soccer for the Adelaide Jaguars, and paint. I take great pride in my Irish heritage, which comes from my parents who emigrated to Australia from Ireland in the 1980s. My Mother hails from Youghal, Co. Cork and my Father is from New Ross, Co. Wexford. I grew up with a profound appreciation of Irish culture, particularly the language and music. To be a part of the Festival is an amazing opportunity for me to submerge myself in my heritage and reconnect with Ireland.
27.
Sydney Rose Aoife Butler Hello! My name is Aoife, I am 28 years old and I am from Co.Wexford. I came to Australia four years ago, to follow my late brother Matthew’s dreams. After qualifying with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mental health nursing, I made the move in 2019 to travel and experience the place where my brother spent the last years of his life. I am now an Australian permanent resident and hope to get my citizenship in the near future. I am working as a mental health clinical nurse educator in St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney while also studying my Masters in Mental Health. I am very passionate about mental health, including honouring my late brother’s memory. I am proud to be representing Sydney during their 60th anniversary year, for this year’s Rose of Tralee International Festival, it is so heartwarming to see the joy it has brought to my family & community both at home in Ireland and in Australia. I hope to be a positive role model for young people, knowing that despite the challenges you may face in life, if you keep working hard and believing in yourself you truly can do anything!
28.
Texas Rose Eden Kasprak Howdy! My name is Eden Kasprak, I am 25 years old and was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I am honoured to represent the Texas-Irish community as the 2023 Texas Rose. As someone who keeps her Texas roots near and dear to her heart, I currently work at a Country Dance Hall and a family-owned Country Western store. My community means a lot to me, which I celebrate by volunteering with children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and walking dogs at the Austin Animal Center. With the work I do through my community, my professional goal in life is to become a clinical psychologist. I am a very empathetic and passionate person, which stems from my Irish roots. My paternal ancestors hail from Kildare and my maternal ancestors emigrated from Dublin. Hooleys were very popular in all households, and as kids, we would perform skits and songs during family gatherings. In my free time, I love to country dance, play Gaelic Football, and try to find the best vegan spots in town. I am excited for my journey through Ireland, making life-long friendships, and meeting inspirational and motivated women!