Regina O’Dwyer was born and raised in the Inwood section of upper Manhattan. Her father, Sean O’Dwyer, came from Golden, County Tipperary, and her mother, Rita A. Russell, from the Bronx. Regina attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School in the Bronx, thereafter, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Dominican College of Blauvelt and a Master’s
Degree from Lehman College. Regina obtained permanent certification in speech and language pathology, and is a licensed speech and language pathologist with a Certificate of Clinical Competence. Egina O’Dwyer has dedicated over forty-three years to her profession, and for the past twenty-four years, Regina has been a member of the Bronxville Public School District. Regina was a champion Irish dancer and played the piano and accordion. She competed at both the Mid-Atlantic and National levels, winning three North American championships and represented New York at the All-Ireland Fleadh
Cheoil in Ennis, County Clare, and in Listowel, Co Kerry. Regina is a member of the County Tipperary N. & B. Association since 2001, where she rose through the chairs to become President of the Association, and United Irish Counties (UIC) Delegate. Regina was honored by the Tipperary Association in 2014, and again in 2024 on the 150th Anniversary of the Association. Regina served as Recording Secretary for the United Irish Counties Association and has been the UIC Feis Chairperson for the past ten years. In 2024, her received the Rose Cosgrove Distinguished Service Award from the United Irish Counties Association. Regina is married to George Pena, for over 34 years, and they have two children: Kelly Ann and Ryan.