Tierna Kelly graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics in 2022. After graduation, Tierna worked as the constituency officer for Patrick Brown MLA working in her home constituency, South Down. She briefly worked as a campaign assistant in Alliance’s most successful local elections in 2023, where she was also elected as the youngest councillor to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Since her election, Tierna returned to Patrick Brown’s office as communications and research officer. She is interested in integrated education and building a peaceful society for young people in Northern Ireland.