Evadne McLilley

Plant-based Lifestyle Coach, Influencer, Podcaster, YouTuber, Author, Creative Designer, Event Curator, Motivational Speaker, Community Leader & Ambassador, Founder & CEO of: Ev McLilley Wellness, Inc., Ev McLilley Teas & Herbs & IMPACT - Global, New Market St. Elizabeth Community

Evadne McLilley is a serial entrepreneur who has dedicated herself to Healthy Lifestyle Coaching, Marketing, Leadership Mentoring, Community Building & Empowerment for her entire adult life. She uses every opportunity she gets to motivate people and influence positive changes.

Evadne was born, raised and educated on the tropical island of Jamaican. While living there, she knew from early that she wanted to be an entrepreneur so after working a few jobs (including classroom teacher), she decided to go into business fulltime. Her first business venture was in Event Planning, Event Decor & Gift Curating. The second business (a partnership) was the manufacturing of bulk baking powder (raising agent) for the restaurant, wholesale and supermarket industries exclusively. During those same years, she also spent a great deal of her time influencing changes in the Mandeville, Manchester Municipal Town where she resided. Being a natural born agent of leadership and change, she headed the Junior Chamber International (JCI) - Mandeville Chapter for three years during which she and her team successfully lead and implementing large community projects while training young people to lead effectively. She received the Mandeville Junior Chamber “10 Outstanding Presidents Award for Excellence in Leadership” at their Chapters 25th Anniversary Celebrations in 1999. Having a desire to do more for humanity, she decided to broaden her horizon, so in 2001 she migrated to the USA.

She obtained tertiary education at Northern Caribbean University (Jamaica) and City University of New York (New York) from which she graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business Management.

In 2008, Evadne started a thriving business in the construction industry after working in it for three year. She was excited to setup her own office in the upper section of Bronx, New York, where she served Registered Architects, Engineers, License Contractors and License Plumbers from all over NYC. The business was however, severely affected by the crash of the housing/building market during the “Great Recession” of 2009 which left her no choice but to close the business in 2010. After recognizing the great need for her knowledge and skills in the fields of nutrition and wellness in 2016, Evadne decided to leverage her leadership skills along with her prior studies in nutrition to give “Service to humanity” in another meaningful way – Wellness Coaching!

The passion to serve both people and community were always intertwined for Evadne, so it is no surprise that while she is building her businesses, she is also giving back to her native community in Jamaica via the community project “IMPACT Global – New Market, St. Elizabeth Community”, where she once again seeks to influence young people to build a better community and create lasting change. The organization, which she founded, has set their goals to building a state of the arts sports complex for the community, opening a learning center, building a community swimming pool and creating micro enterprises.

It is Evadne’s goal to continue to inspire people globally, especially young people. She aims to IMPACT the lives of MILLIONS through her Ev McLilley brand, products, social outreach and programs.

She said, “As she watches more and more of her friends and family become ill or die from preventable diseases, she becomes more and more passionate about spreading her message of “Healthy Lifestyle Change” through the world”.

She rises to every occasion of loss and misfortune with grace and a resolve to re-invent herself while she builds back stronger. Therefore, it was no different when she was faced with the latest blow, along with most business in New York City during the hit of the 2020 pandemic. Evadne was once again faced with the gripping decision of closing her boutique tea outlet on West 125th Street in Manhattan as ordered by the Governor of the State. This was not optional.

During the long wait for the pandemic to pass, it occurred to her that she had to pivots once again to ensure the survival of her business. She took the decision to move her operation to an online retail business with wholesale distributions option to other stores, tea shops and restaurants etc. Since she was laid-off from her pre-pandemic fulltime job, where she worked as a program director (up to the point where she caught the virus), she decided to dedicate herself to building her brand, advance her coaching and tea businesses and to serve more people around the world.

Legacy building is important to Evadne. She said, she doesn’t just build her business to serve people during her lifetime. She is building her businesses to serve as a lasting legacy that will continue long after she is gone. She remains thankful for her eventful life and the ability to create positive change.

Franklyn Brown

Project Chairman
Franklyn Brown Is the Chairman of the New Market, St. Elizabeth Sports Development Committee. He is a tireless youth advocate who coaches, mediates and often fulfils the role of umpire in various tournaments.

Shalini Seaton

Farmer & Vlogger, Chairperson of the JNRWP
Shalini Seaton is a Farmer from the rural district of New Market, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica and Youtuber of the Youtube Channel “Farmer Chic” where she shares the details of her Farming Journey and adds information to aid, inspire and motivate others.

Miss. Seaton is the Chairperson of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers’ (JNRWP) Youth Committee, Member of the RADA Parish Advisory Board of St. Elizabeth, serving as the voice for the women of the JNRWP and member and Treasurer for the New Market Community Committee.

She holds a B.Sc in Medical Technology from the University of Technology, Jamaica and an Assoc. in Natural Science from the Hampton School; where she served as Deputy Headgirl. A Philanthropist at heart with a knack for inspiring others; it has always been her desire to acquire/share knowledge and give service to others.

Shalini conducts extensive farming, she cultivates acreages of Pumpkins, Sweet Potatoes, Pineapples, Cucumbers and Peppers. It is her aim to learn and grow exponentially in the Agricultural sector and to inspire other youths; particularly young women to launch in a farming profession. Agriculture is a necessity of our daily lives and is a viable means of business opportunity for our future generation.

Jenny Vaz

Certified Executive Leadership Coach
Jenny Vaz is a certified Executive Leadership Coach who specialises in trauma healing & recovery and Human Behaviour Consultant (E-DISC) since 2018. She is the co-founder of wellness startup, Soft Landing Society. Jenny combines a multi-cultural and technology-based perspective to her work given her prolific background in IT, Consulting & Research. She has lived in the US, Australia, Singapore and in different parts of Asia working public & private sector organisations to integrate technological changes into their business and society.

She ran a private career coaching practice in that time to help professionals advance their goals in the world of technology. It's during this time that she discovered that as capable and smart people are, they were holding themselves back from taking chances because of layers of beliefs, experiences, perceptions and stories that they had been told on who they are, their limitations and what they can do. She is determined to help them break these patterns and teach the next generation a different perspective.

She has now made it her life's work to help people find greater belonging within themselves and as a result, become agents for belonging in modern-day society. She created Daily 1% Better to do just that.

She currently serves as Board Member at World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC) and is pursuing her certification in Neuro Coaching with Mark Waldman.

Arnold Kelly

General Manager, NCU Media Group
Arnold Kelly was born and raised in Maroon Town, St James to parents who were dedicated members of the Vaughansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church. His active participation in church activities including Sabbath School, The Pathfinder Club, MV (now AY) and other related events played a major role in developing his skills as a communicator.

He received his high school education at Cornwall College. in 1986, his media career got an early start when he signed up for “Studio Workshop 4922” Preparation for Broadcasting, organized and conducted by veteran broadcaster Alice Rhodd. He took the opportunity to volunteer at JBC Radio West as a host of “What’s Right With Teenagers” but soon realized that getting a full-time radio job would not as easy as there were not many available positions and he would not be available on Saturdays, the most active day for most radio stations. In the summer of 1987 he left for Clarendon where he joined his brother in photography. Soon after, his dream started to take shape as he was called to fill a vacancy at JBC Radio West as Technical Operator.

In 1990, when JBC Radio West was privatised and renamed, Arnold became a part of the Radio Waves team. In addition to his tech-op position, he advanced to Producer/Presenter of a Country Music feature, a 1 hour Gospel programme, and the 6-hour Sunday morning programme "Sunday Cavalcade". In 1992 he was selected to host the weekday morning show. During this time he also developed a 5-minute comedy slot titled "Long John’s Short Tales" and freelanced as a cartoonist with The Western Mirror.

In 1994 he made a major career move when he took on a new role with The National Religious Media Commission as Producer/ Presenter. Along with overseeing technical operations for Love 101 and later, Love TV, he hosted and Produced Sunday Showcase, and then the weekday morning programme which were two big winners for the station.

Interestingly, while studying Mass Communication at The Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) His final project was a documentary focused on the June 1979 Newmarket flood.

While at Love 101, Arnold also hosted "Caribbean Breeze", a 4-hour afternoon show on CGN, The Caribbean Gospel (Satellite) Network. He later developed "The Caribbean Hour" which aired on 12 regional radio stations. Through a weekly 60-minute broadcast and live live coverage of major regional festivals, The Caribbean Hour featured Gospel artistes and their music, along with the history, culture, and main attractions of the islands. The programme was nominated in “Best Produced Programme” category in the DBS Flamboyant Awards, Dominica in 2006. In 2005 he was promoted to Production Manager at Love 101, coordinating certain elements of programming, including local and overseas outside broadcast activities for radio and television. August 2006 marked another significant chapter when Arnold joined the NCU family as Director of Media Affairs with what was then the NCU Media Services.

His first task was to convert a looping playlist of songs to a structured radio format, adding news, weather, and new programmes to create a full 24-hour, 7-day, radio programme format. At the 2010 Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards held in Nassau, Bahamas, he received The President’s Award for outstanding contribution to regional gospel music for his work with The Caribbean Hour.

Arnold has guided NCU FM over a period of continuous growth from a new entrant to the market in 2010, to #11 in 2012, #8 in 2014, to # 7 with a 4.9% audience in 2016 and again at #7 in 2018, this time growing to 5.4% of the radio audience. (Source: MRSL All Media Survey) This is no easy feat in a highly competitive field of over 25 radio stations. He also serves as host of "First Light" NCU FM's weekday morning show.

Arrey Obenson

Chief Executive Officer, International Institute
Arrey currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of St. Louis. Prior to joining the International Institute, Arrey served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Transformunity, a firm that helps corporations and organizations harness opportunities to transform the world. Transformunity assists organizations in addressing complex challenges through strategy development, movement building, advocacy, and strategic events.

Prior to founding Transformunity, Arrey served as Secretary General of Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global network of 150,000 young active citizens in more than 100 countries that empowers young people to create positive change in their communities. As JCI Secretary General, Obenson was the chief administrative officer leading implementation of the organization’s overall strategy and supervising a team in accomplishing the mission of the organization across the world. For 17 years, he led Junior Chamber International at various levels, including as Director for Africa and the Middle East, Executive Director, and Deputy Secretary General.

Arrey is a barrister of law, a member of the Cameroon Bar Association, and an inspiring speaker who has engaged audiences in nearly 100 countries. He holds a Master of Law degree from Washington University and lives in St. Louis with his wife, Victorine, and their two sons. Arrey is the author of the recently published book Bridging the Opportunity Gap.

Michael-Roy Miller

Analyst, Goldman Sachs
Attended Monroe college where he obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Accounting (graduated Summa Cum Laude) Attended Iona College where he earned a Master’s in Business Administration in Public Accounting (graduated with Honors) Worked in Big 4 accounting at EY

Held a position in a publicly traded bank for just over two years in Anti-Money Laundering Serves as member of the Young Scholars Initiative of the Institute of New Economic Thinking (New York Based Economic Think Tank) 2 parts of the CPA Exam passed and 2 pending.

Garfield Blake, PhD.

Associate Professor, Economics
Career Specialities
Garfield Blake's research focuses primarily on crime, law and economics, economic development and social welfare, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Professional and Community Activities
One sole author paper, “America’s Deadly Export: Evidence from Cross-Country Panel Data of Deportation and Homicide Rates,” was published in 2014 in Volume 37 of the International Review of Law and Economics (IRLE), an internationally recognized, peer reviewed journal spanning the intersection of law and economics. Despite its recent publication, this paper has already been independently cited by a paper that was published in the University of Chicago Law Review (UCLR).

One co-first-author paper, “Why do poor households not apply for welfare benefits?: Evidence from Jamaica’s PATH program,” was published in the Spring 2015 volume of The Journal of Developing Areas (JDA), a peer reviewed journal of international acclaim that specializes in issues related to economic development. Not only was this paper published in the JDA, but the Planning Institute of Jamaica has recommended that the Ministry of Labor and Social Security incorporate the findings of the paper into the structure of the PATH program.

For the Southwestern Social Science Association (SSSA), he performs duties as the executive committee member on the Budget and Finance Policies Committee representing the economics group. He is currently the president of the Southwestern Economic Association (SWEA) and was appointed to the position of program chair for the 96th Annual SSSA conference held in Las Vegas in March 2016. He has also served in the capacity as student paper coordinator for the 2015 conference in San Antonio, TX.

Honors and Awards
2010: Dissertation Year Fellow, Binghamton University
2009: Binghamton University Foundation Travel Award
2009: Graduate Student Award Recipient, Annual Meeting of the Southern Economic Association

Kadijah Robinson

Physiotherapist, Miss World Caribbean 2018
Kadijah Robinson is 24 years old. Born in Mandeville, Manchester and raised in New Market, St. Elizabeth. She completed her early childhood education completed at the Beersheba Basic School and Mocho Basic School. She went on to Santa Cruz Preparatory School and then to The Hampton School for 7 years. In 2013, she matriculated to the University of the West Indies. Studied and then acquired a degree in Physical Therapy in 2016.

She was employed at The University Hospital of the West Indies, Cornwall Regional Hospital and Mandeville Hospital as an intern. In January 2018 until present, became one of the first two Physical Therapist to be employed at the Black River Hospital. Crowned Miss Jamaica World On September 1, 2018 which afforded her the opportunity to compete in the Miss World pageant in Sanya, China where She placed in the top 5 and was crowned Miss World Caribbean 2018. Her Current focus is on her project “ Helping Hands in the community” which seeks to promote exercise and healthy lifestyles in rural communities across Jamaica.

Shane Reid

Educator, Immediate Past President JCI
I am Shane Reid resident of Hopewell Hanover. Social Studies and Sociology educator at Hopewell High School, active citizen with Junior Chamber International Jamaica, Secretary Hanover Parish Development Committee and PR team member with the Eastern Hanover Constituency.

Past President for Junior Chamber International Hopewell. Currently serving as Immediate Past President of Junior Chamber International Jamaica. (JCI)

I love to read, currently nurturing my aptitude for writing, television. Also loves travelling locally and internationally. Lover of Political Science both in theory and practice.

Stevenson Van Derodar

2020-2021 State President of JCI New Jersey
Stevenson Van Derodar is the 2020-2021 State President of JCI New Jersey and 2021 JCI USA Passport to Civic Leadership Program Manager. He was also JCI New York's State President in 2018 and Chairman of the Board in 2019. Past roles included: JCI NYS State Vice President, JCI NJ State Vice President, 2016 Local Chapter President of JCI Philippine-New York, Local Chapter Vice President in 2011,2012 and 2013; 2020 TOYA Sponsorships Committee member among others.

Since joining the organization in 2009, he eventually became one of the most dynamic jaycees of his generation serving different positions across the board. Stevenson has had significant impact in local and state membership and pioneered high impact projects in the chapter and in the state such as the "Sinners and Saint 2011,""Icons of Impact 2016,""Icons of Impact 2017,""New York State JCI-United Nations Global Partnership Summit Socials, '"New York State Inter-Organizational Peace Day Rally 2018," Global Partnership Summit - Community Outreach to the Bronx 2018" among others. In New Jersey, under his leadership, JCI New Jersey invigorated membership activation, retention and improved partnerships, collaborations and institutionalization of state programming such as Governorship and Innovation Awards. Stevenson has worked on local projects amounting to more than $60,000 in budget.

As State President to both New York and New Jersey, Stevenson advocated for well attended state conventions, innovative programming and membership growth. Stevenson was instrumental in the formation of JCI Queens and JCI Manhattan as chapter extensions. He was also behind the extension of JCI Philippine-New York Youth Chapter. In New Jersey, JCI Jersey City was extended as a chapter during his term as state president in 2020. Stevenson has personally recruited more than 100 members in his JCI career.

Stevenson was awarded with JCI USA awards: Wayne McCall Memorial Award in 2011 and 2013, Heidi Juttner Memorial Award 2012, Charles Kulp Jr. Memorial Award 2016 as Most Outstanding Local President in 2016, Clarence H. Howard for Most Outstanding Local Chapter in 2016 for the chapter. Stevenson was conferred with New York Junior Chamber Governorship in 2019 as well as the Don Cavalli Memorial Award in 2018 as the Most Outstanding Local President in New York State.

Stevenson's penchant for community involvement has earned him recognitions as Outstanding Community Leader and Outstanding Young Professional awards from Pan-American Concerned Citizens League (New Jersey), Philippine-American Communities of the East Coast (New York), Team United Maharlika Foundation (New York), etc. In the Philippines, Stevenson has had the following recognitions: Ayala Young Leader 2001, Dugong Kabataan Sugbu-anon Award 2000, Cebu City's The Outstanding Cebuano Youth Leader - Community 2003.

Professionally, Stevenson is both a Physical Therapist and Real Estate Salesperson in New York and the Philippines. He is an alumnus of Project REAP New York in Commercial Real Estate in 2016. He is the current Vice Chair of NaFFAA-NY, a state chapter for a federation of Filipino American Associations advocating for the voice of 4 million Filipino-Americans in the USA. Stevenson lives in Manhattan, New York. He enjoys acting and currently writes a regular weekly column on Philippine Daily Mirror on real estate topics.

Lafayette Hamilton

Certified Life Coach & Teen Mental Health Practitioner
I have been involved in Technology(Desktop support/training) for over 25 years. My career began in the US NAVY, after which I began working in the private sector. As a trainer I was a Director at one of the nation's largest private Technology training schools with campuses in Atlanta, Dallas and Houston. As a Technology services business owner my company has provided IT services for Government and fortune 500 companies. Currently, I am Executive Director of The PRYDE Foundation, our focus is to provide Technology training and mentorship for young adults with the goal of providing them with employable skills so that they can become productive adults.

I am a mentor and a facilitator for the Dream Smart Program, which is a program for young adults in the juvenile justice system and Local High schools. Being a Certified Life Coach and Teen Mental Health practitioner my mission is to empower our young people with knowledge as well as provide them with opportunities to be successful in life and the technology space.

Carlos

Artist & Blogger
Carlos Gray of New Market, Jamaica is a recording artist, blogger, entrepreneur and fundraiser for select charitable causes. As"Jamaican Carlos", his renowned pseudonym, this social media personality uses his voice to speak out on many issues relevant to Jamaican society and the entire world.

He also prioritizes educating and empowering women about a range of issues including but not limited to their safety, parenting, love relationships, domestic violence and personal hygiene.

One of his more recent endeavours was the launch of his "Jamaican Carlos" branded clothing line of T-shirts, caps, sportswear, masks and more. The future holds infinite possibilities for this renaissance man. Visit his Youtube Channel and check out his Facebook Fan Page

Jimmi D

Singer & EMT Paramedic
Born Christopher Chambers on August 25 in Kingston, Jamaica has remained true to his artistic calling As a child, his uncle, the Legendary Reggae Artist, Don Carlos would always make him sing “Dancing on the ceiling” by Lionel Richie Growing up with a desire to become a doctor slowly became overshadowed with his innate musical abilities As a result, at the age of twelve, he and his friends Marquis Henry and Jervell Creory formed a group that remained nameless.

Jimi D has proved his worth by sharing the stage with well known artists such as Freddie McGregor, Eeka Mouse, Andrew Tosh, Shaddon Tucker and his mentor/uncle Don Carlos After years of singing background and gaining a deeper respect for the music industry, the opportune time has presented itself to launch his long awaited visionary, after ten years from his first single entitled. In 2017 He started Recording for RnB/ Pop Singer and Producer Leighton Geniuss Releasing the hit single “Morning Sex” that has been getting a lot of Buzz on the Internet and now in the streets.

Dr. Sax

“Music is a soul healing rhythm” - Dr. Kevin Obate
An outstanding, contemporary jazz artist frequently referred to as Dr Sax. He started his music in the US by performing to his patients in a small nursing home. Since then, his music flourished; he had his first concert appearance: “Have Yourself a Jazzy, Little Christmas” in Albany in 2017. This is followed by a Valentines 2018 USA Concert Tour covering New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, Texas, and California, which he did with other Filipino artists. He had his debut solo, sold-out Valentine concert: “Jazz For Love” last February 15, 2019 at the Sheraton La Guardia East Hotel.

Kevin is the Vice President of Jaycees International Manhattan of New York. In addition to his compositional & performance prowess as a sax artist and jazz crooner, Kevin is equally respected as a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Afresh, the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League of New Jersey awarded Kevin in recognition of his accomplishments as a “Sax Virtuoso and Excellence in Physical Therapy.” His two heroes in the field of music: Kenny G (saxophonist) and Michael Buble (Jazz Crooner). More importantly, he now inspires those a generation or more younger than himself – passing on his knowledge and passion in music.

The Foster Triplets

Gospel Singing Group
The Foster Triplets- Malaika, Mahari and Mikaili- are three awesome young ladies- who minister for God in melodious singing. They reside on the picturesque island of Jamaica, where they were born to parents Markquin and Nicole Foster. Their gift of singing was discovered at a very tender age during family worship, when they inadvertently or serendipitously sang in harmony. Their ministry finds its exodus in 2008, when they made their debut performance at only five years of age. They have an impressive catalogue of performances. They have ministered to various congregations and audiences across Jamaica and North America. Most notably, in January 2015 during a Festival of Religious Freedom at the Jamaica National Arena, they had the privilege of singing the Jamaican National Anthem. That same year, they had the opportunity to minister at the General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, held in San Antonio, Texas. On two separate occasions (2016 & 2017), they recorded for the Kids Time programme at the Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), West Frankfurt IL. In 2016, a performance in New York became viral, garnering millions of views within less than two weeks which was ultimately downloaded and circulated on different social media platforms.

They have a very strong conviction in God and are products of Home School. They thoroughly enjoy singing, playing the keyboard, reading, storytelling, cooking, cycling, travelling, and doing missionary activities. Their debut album ‘What a God!’ was released in 2015. Their single ‘Not Just in Church’ was released in July 2018; and they are presently finalizing their second album ‘Try Jesus’ which is scheduled to be released in August 2019. The Foster Triplets believe that the Lord has called them to take the message of hope to the entire world in every way possible. As such, Malaika, Mahari, and Mikaili, along with their parents Nicole and Markquin, have forged a team, ‘The Foster Triplets Ministries’. They minister in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, infirmaries, and just about anywhere the Lord leads.

They assist with remedial reading classes for children in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica; provide educational funding for students; provide support for adults and children with clothes, food and medical needs; and partner with organizations through volunteerism. Additionally, they have an active YouTube channel Foster Triplets Ministry where relevant topics are presented in creative ways. The Foster Triplets have always wanted to become Medical doctors, but have recently received the conviction to enter into fulltime singing ministry and save lives spiritually. One of their favourite Bible verse is Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Yvonne Comrie

Cultural Performer & Justice of the Peace
Yvonne hails from the small district of Happy Grove, New Market. She worked at the Statistical Institute of Jamaica for over 30 years. Although she and her husband both had jobs, Yvonne did not ley that prevent her from trying her hand at entrepreneurship. She operated her own small business which provided additional income for her household and also helped to teach her sons responsibility from an early age. Farming was also a means used by for her family to earn extra money.

Yvonne loves to participate in church activities. She is a loyal member of the United Church in Jamaica and Cayman for many years. She currently services on several school board in the area including Lewisville High School, Happy Grove Primary, Clapham School and New Town ECI.

Yvonne likes to stay busy and active so, she also works as MC at graduations Weddings, concerts and rallies across all denominations. She also serves as a Justice of the Peace for the area. She was honoured in 2018 for outstanding Community Services provided to the area.

In the past she served as President for the Southern Region of Woman's Fellowship which helped her to grow spiritually. She was also elder of the church for many years.

Mentor by Mrs. Mary Daley early in life, Yvonne learned how to “Tun han mek fassion”. Through this association she was also able to meet Jamaican Cultural Icon Louise Bennett from whom she learned a lot.

She spent most of her life entertaining people and she was part of the Invincible Drama Group. They won an award of Merits. Yvonne has always been good at acting and continues to perform even now in her retirement. She is part of an album that is at the National Library entitled Bridging the Generation Gap.

Yvonne is the life of the party. She is married to Neville Comrie and is the mother of 6 young men and some grandchildren.

Michelle Ramsay

Poet & Educator
Michelle Ramsay-Carr is an entrepreneurially driven educator who is passionate about team building and helping others. Her fulfillment comes from providing inspiration and assistance to anyone who needs it. It is her belief that her interactions should be transformational rather than transactional. She thrives on the thinking that education is the empowering cornerstone of any society and creates limitless possibilities.

Her educational background spans the areas of Education, Business Administration and Psychology. Although Michelle has transitioned into the corporate sector, she remains dedicated to the field of education. She is the C.E.O. and founder of Jewel Minds LLC which primarily focuses on tutoring/mentoring elementary and middle school students. Through her continuous quest for community building. she liaises with her NSLS (York College Chapter. her high school alumni, as well as other committees to execute this role.

Michelle is well known for coordinating events and projects and is always up for socializing. As such some of her favorite past times include dancing, dramatizing, and poetry. Michelle enjoys writing poetry and believes that it is an enigmatic art form that needs more appreciation and recognition in more of our school curriculums. Michelle’s ultimate goal is to change the world through one educated mind at a time. Contact her at mramsay@thejewelminds.com

The Village that Raised Me

I remember well the village that raised me
High atop the mountains that be
And gave me wings to fly o’er the seas
Grounded me like roots of trees.
Mighty village I bow to you
And honor you for being that glue.


For being the glue that kept us tight
You were that torch with glimmering light
When I swerved left, you steered me right
Cheering me on to finish the fight
Relentless village there’s simply no measure
I behold you as a precious treasure.


A precious treasure full of sweet embrace
My village was rife with warmth and grace
And ohhh but if you wore a face
Or if you were a meal to taste
My village sweet village – a total treat
At your table I took a seat!

Michelle Ramsay-Carr

Poem written and performed by Michelle for Youth Leadership Summit 2021

Youta Blaze (Uta)

Musician & CEO
Uta grew up in the farming community of Kilmarnock, a small district that is nested in the hills surrounding the town centre of New Market in St. Elizabeth. He attended teh Kilmarnock Basic and Primary Schools respectively.

He was successful in the GSAT examination and earned a place at the Lewisville High School. He did well in high school where he studied hard and was successful in passing 6 subject in 11th grade.

He has being doing music for a long time, but professionally for 4 years. He won multiple JCDC championships at the parish and national levels.

He is a motivational speaker and a businessman. He is now striving to make his music more popular so that he may become a mainstream artist.

Nadeen Spence

Educator, Social & Political Commentator, Woman’s Rights Activist
Nadeen Spence is an educator, social and political commentator and woman’s rights activist. She has interests in young people’s leadership development and currently develops and delivers leadership programmes for undergraduate and graduate students at The University of the West Indies Mona.

She is the Student Services and Development Manager of Mary Seacole Hall at the UWI Mona and is founder and Executive Director of the I’m Glad I’m A Girl Foundation. The Foundation has successfully hosted summer camps for over three hundred adolescent girls over seven years engaging them in matters of their sexual and reproductive health and rights, self- esteem, financial literacy and empowerment. She has established partnerships with international organizations such as the American Association of University Women and Running Start, a Washington based organization, which has led to the delivery of quality leadership development programmes for young women including the much talked about “Elect Her” which specifically targets university women in an attempt to change the imbalance in leadership in student government and national politics. She is a former VV Lead Fellow and partnered with Yaneek Page to stage Jamaica’s first Global Mentoring walk. She is a trained World Pulse Citizen Journalist and she was voted one of four women to Watch as a Girls’ Empowerment Champion.

She has served as a contributing member on a number of national committees including the Committee which developed the National Strategic Action Plan against Gender Based Violence and she has also served on the Partnership for Jamaica which was chaired by then Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller. She currently serves on the National Gender Advisory Council.

She currently serves as a Director on the Board of the National Water Resource Authority, the 4 H Club and is a member of Jamaica’s UNESCO Commission. She currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWiL) and sits on its regional board as a Director. She is Technical Director and advisor to We-Change a feminist organization focused on advocating for the rights of LBT women and girls in Jamaica. She was a co-founder of the Tambourine Army a group of women who were radically opposed to Jamaica’s rape culture.

Nadeen is a political analyst and social commentator who has been a guest on all of Jamaica’s leading television and radio programmes sharing her views and expertise on matters related to Jamaica’s socio-economic, political and cultural reality.