Cathleen Patricia Steinau is a third-generation Irish American who has been an active member of the Irish community for a large majority of her life. She grew up Irish step dancing with the Kathleen Mulkerin School of Irish Dance, toured Ireland as an Emerald Dancer in 1997, and was crowned Queen of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2003. Her role as Parade Queen and involvement in the Irish community led her to join the New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee in 2003, where she has been an active member ever since.

Over the years Cathleen has chaired and co-chaired many events for the Parade Committee, served as President and Vice President of the West Haven Irish American Club, and is also a member of the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club and Irish American Community Center.  One of the many things Cathleen loves about the parade is the fact that it is steeped in tradition.  After completing the Officer roles of Chief of Staff, Secretary, and Parade Chairman; Cathleen is incredibly honored to be named the 2025 Grand Marshal and will be the 13th female to hold this position since the Parade's inception in 1842.

Cathleen is currently employed as a kindergarten teacher at Calf Pen Meadow School in Milford and has been teaching elementary school for over 20 years.  She is the proud mother of her son, Liam Connor.  Cathleen enjoys reading, Irish step dancing, paddle boarding and lives with her family in West Haven. She loves living by the beach, spending summers on the shore with friends, and the fall season on the football field, watching her son play for the West Haven Seahawks 11U Team.  Cathleen is a proud Westie at heart!