UNDP's Annual Youth in Development Conference
Lanisia Rhoden is a Social Entrepreneur and Non-Profit Management and Business Consultant, who is passionate about Youth & Community Development and Entrepreneurship. She is committed to helping others identify and fulfil their purpose and helping NGOs globally become sustainable through Social Enterprise Development. Lanisia has over 12 years’ experience in the Non-Profit and Entrepreneurship sectors. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Award winning Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) an organization which provides career guidance, mentorship and entrepreneurship training and support to young people in Jamaica. She founded the organization in 2009 after becoming the JCDC Miss Manchester Festival Queen.
Lanisia Rhoden is a Social Entrepreneur and Non-Profit Management and Business Consultant, who is passionate about Youth & Community Development and Entrepreneurship. She is committed to helping others identify and fulfil their purpose and helping NGOs globally become sustainable through Social Enterprise Development. Lanisia has over 12 years’ experience in the Non-Profit and Entrepreneurship sectors. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Award winning Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) an organization which provides career guidance, mentorship and entrepreneurship training and support to young people in Jamaica. She founded the organization in 2009 after becoming the JCDC Miss Manchester Festival Queen.
Mark Andre Scott is a savvy and consistent entrepreneur familiar with all the roadblocks and shortcuts of entrepreneurial success who willingly shares his premium knowledge and exclusive network. He's a 3rd Generation Entrepreneur, and 2nd Generation education-business owner serving youths in his Mother's footsteps. A trained Computer Science graduate of UWI Mona, the Edu-Technology Innovator and Software Engineer and Business Consultant has written Market Intelligence Courses for exporters of Caribbean Business Support Organizations benefitting thousands of entreps around the region courtesy of Caribbean Export Development Agency. He is Founder of A.J Education and Technology Services Limited and a former Bank of Jamaica Financial Literacy Brand ambassador. Mark is heavily invested in youth leadership since his days as Head Boy of Jamaica College, Radio Host and Guild of Student Leader at the University of the West Indies. Follow his work on all mediums www.askmarkscott.com and instagram @askmarkscott
Mark Andre Scott is a savvy and consistent entrepreneur familiar with all the roadblocks and shortcuts of entrepreneurial success who willingly shares his premium knowledge and exclusive network. He's a 3rd Generation Entrepreneur, and 2nd Generation education-business owner serving youths in his Mother's footsteps. A trained Computer Science graduate of UWI Mona, the Edu-Technology Innovator and Software Engineer and Business Consultant has written Market Intelligence Courses for exporters of Caribbean Business Support Organizations benefitting thousands of entreps around the region courtesy of Caribbean Export Development Agency. He is Founder of A.J Education and Technology Services Limited and a former Bank of Jamaica Financial Literacy Brand ambassador. Mark is heavily invested in youth leadership since his days as Head Boy of Jamaica College, Radio Host and Guild of Student Leader at the University of the West Indies. Follow his work on all mediums www.askmarkscott.com and instagram @askmarkscott
Javin, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, embodies Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of "Be the change you hope to see in the world." As the CEO and Founder of Herboo Corporation Limited, he harnesses Jamaica's finest herbs and spices to create exquisite organic hair and skincare products. Javin's remarkable journey is marked by a string of accolades, including victories in the FHC Best Business Plan Competition, Jamaica Observer Mogul in the Making, National and International Business Model Competition, and JBDC Best 1-Minute Pitch. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he serves as an inspirational speaker, delivering keynote addresses at various awards ceremonies and graduations.
Javin's commitment to his community shines through in his sourcing of raw materials from local farmers and providing employment opportunities to those in his neighborhood. His ultimate mission is to foster a healthier and happier world through the transformative power of HERBOO.
Javin, a 29-year-old entrepreneur, embodies Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of "Be the change you hope to see in the world." As the CEO and Founder of Herboo Corporation Limited, he harnesses Jamaica's finest herbs and spices to create exquisite organic hair and skincare products. Javin's remarkable journey is marked by a string of accolades, including victories in the FHC Best Business Plan Competition, Jamaica Observer Mogul in the Making, National and International Business Model Competition, and JBDC Best 1-Minute Pitch. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, he serves as an inspirational speaker, delivering keynote addresses at various awards ceremonies and graduations.
Javin's commitment to his community shines through in his sourcing of raw materials from local farmers and providing employment opportunities to those in his neighborhood. His ultimate mission is to foster a healthier and happier world through the transformative power of HERBOO.
Kalilah Reynolds is a financial journalist, educator, and entrepreneur. Her company, Kalilah Reynolds Media, creates financial news and education that’s easy to understand. Its mission is to help people create and maintain personal wealth and prosperous economies.
Kalilah is the creator and Executive Producer of Jamaica’s most influential business talk show, Taking Stock, with over 4 million views on YouTube. Meanwhile, her Money Mission online community, with over 3000 members, is THE place for Money Makers to meet and share ideas and resources.
In 2023, Kalilah was honored with the Flair Distinguished Award for Business, and nominated for the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Award and the JCC/Yello Marketing Excellence Award.
Kalilah is also a digital marketing strategist, TedX and international speaker and published author of two books.
At home, she’s a mom of three beautiful children, and wife to the world’s best husband.
Kalilah Reynolds is a financial journalist, educator, and entrepreneur. Her company, Kalilah Reynolds Media, creates financial news and education that’s easy to understand. Its mission is to help people create and maintain personal wealth and prosperous economies.
Kalilah is the creator and Executive Producer of Jamaica’s most influential business talk show, Taking Stock, with over 4 million views on YouTube. Meanwhile, her Money Mission online community, with over 3000 members, is THE place for Money Makers to meet and share ideas and resources.
In 2023, Kalilah was honored with the Flair Distinguished Award for Business, and nominated for the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Award and the JCC/Yello Marketing Excellence Award.
Kalilah is also a digital marketing strategist, TedX and international speaker and published author of two books.
At home, she’s a mom of three beautiful children, and wife to the world’s best husband.
Jénine is the Board Co-Chair and President of Youths For Excellence Limited, a non-profit she founded at 17. The organization is based in 8 countries: USA, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada and has assisted thousands of children to receive not only textbooks but also tablets, health checkups, travel passes, lunch passes, and resources for their parents, to facilitate employment via the backing of 26 corporate and government agencies across the Caribbean: KFC, Digicel, JUTC, and GraceKennedy amongst them.
For her work with YFE, Jénine earned recognition from the Prime Minister's Office via a Prime Minister's Youth Award for Nation Building in 2018 and has maintained the support of his office by being allowed to host YFE’s inaugural Back to School Event there in 2019. She went on to earn the Diana Award, named in honour of Princess Diana of Wales, in 2021. It is the most prestigious award in the world that a young person can receive for social action and humanitarian work. In 2021, she was also listed among the Caribbean 30 Under 30 Changemakers.
Jénine is the Board Co-Chair and President of Youths For Excellence Limited, a non-profit she founded at 17. The organization is based in 8 countries: USA, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada and has assisted thousands of children to receive not only textbooks but also tablets, health checkups, travel passes, lunch passes, and resources for their parents, to facilitate employment via the backing of 26 corporate and government agencies across the Caribbean: KFC, Digicel, JUTC, and GraceKennedy amongst them.
For her work with YFE, Jénine earned recognition from the Prime Minister's Office via a Prime Minister's Youth Award for Nation Building in 2018 and has maintained the support of his office by being allowed to host YFE’s inaugural Back to School Event there in 2019. She went on to earn the Diana Award, named in honour of Princess Diana of Wales, in 2021. It is the most prestigious award in the world that a young person can receive for social action and humanitarian work. In 2021, she was also listed among the Caribbean 30 Under 30 Changemakers.
Faradaine Forbes-Edwards has over 12 years’ experience in project and programme management. Throughout her profession, Faradaine has been working closely with many local and international partners to provide support to various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at varying levels to improve their capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, implement mitigation activities, improve livelihoods through training and more sustainable income generating activities, access climate financing, and overall strengthening of governance practices. Faradaine is a certified Project Management Professions, and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing.
Faradaine has been supporting the work of SGP Jamaica since September 2020 which she indicates has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career, helping community groups to expand beyond their intended capacities to transform and empower their communities. She is now officially a part the SGP family since October 2021 and can be contacted at faradaine.forbes-edwards@undp.org
Faradaine Forbes-Edwards has over 12 years’ experience in project and programme management. Throughout her profession, Faradaine has been working closely with many local and international partners to provide support to various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) at varying levels to improve their capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, implement mitigation activities, improve livelihoods through training and more sustainable income generating activities, access climate financing, and overall strengthening of governance practices. Faradaine is a certified Project Management Professions, and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing.
Faradaine has been supporting the work of SGP Jamaica since September 2020 which she indicates has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her career, helping community groups to expand beyond their intended capacities to transform and empower their communities. She is now officially a part the SGP family since October 2021 and can be contacted at faradaine.forbes-edwards@undp.org
Matthew Stone is a visionary leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, with a deep passion for leveraging technology to drive innovation and change. Currently pursuing his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at the prestigious University of the West Indies, Matthew's research focuses on cutting-edge AI applications in various industries. Matthew is also the founder of the Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association, a groundbreaking organization that brings together professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to promote the advancement of AI in Jamaica and beyond. As the CEO of Stone Technologies Limited, a pioneering technology company, Matthew has been at the forefront of developing automated drone technology for the agricultural sector, revolutionizing the way farming is done and making a positive impact on food production. With his keen entrepreneurial spirit, Matthew has also been instrumental in putting together Jamaica's first-ever drone light show for the country's 60th independence celebration, showcasing the innovative potential of drones in creative and artistic displays. Matthew Stone's relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of AI, combined with his forward-thinking approach to technology and business, has earned him recognition as a visionary leader in the industry. His work is driving the adoption of advanced technologies and creating positive impacts on industries and communities, positioning him as a trailblazer in the field of AI and automation.
Matthew Stone is a visionary leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, with a deep passion for leveraging technology to drive innovation and change. Currently pursuing his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at the prestigious University of the West Indies, Matthew's research focuses on cutting-edge AI applications in various industries. Matthew is also the founder of the Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association, a groundbreaking organization that brings together professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to promote the advancement of AI in Jamaica and beyond. As the CEO of Stone Technologies Limited, a pioneering technology company, Matthew has been at the forefront of developing automated drone technology for the agricultural sector, revolutionizing the way farming is done and making a positive impact on food production. With his keen entrepreneurial spirit, Matthew has also been instrumental in putting together Jamaica's first-ever drone light show for the country's 60th independence celebration, showcasing the innovative potential of drones in creative and artistic displays. Matthew Stone's relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of AI, combined with his forward-thinking approach to technology and business, has earned him recognition as a visionary leader in the industry. His work is driving the adoption of advanced technologies and creating positive impacts on industries and communities, positioning him as a trailblazer in the field of AI and automation.
Adrian is a beekeeper that holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Zoology from the University of the West Indies at Mona and a Master of Science in Conservation and Land Management at Bangor University in North Wales as a 2021 Chevening Scholar. As an advocate, he has championed the cause of integrating the voice of youths and grassroots voices in the environmental protection and conservation sector. He has been working in the area of disaster risk reduction, natural resources management focusing on biodiversity and climate change for the last 10 years. This experience includes being the former National Coordinator of Caribbean Youth Environment Network Jamaica, eVCA Facilitator with the Jamaica Red Cross, Former Steering Committee Member of both Commonwealth Youth Climate Network and Global Youth Biodiversity Network and currently the Rural environmental groups representative for Action for Sustainable Development.
Adrian, a licensed UK and EU drone pilot is continuing the pursuit his environmental career aspiration as the C.E.O for Honai Beez Apiary, a small-scale social enterprise start-up focused on sustainable beekeeping to combat climate change through the use of CNC-Router to make eco-friendly bamboo beehives and beekeeping training of youths from low-income families, wards of the state. He is also the Executive Director for a small think tank social enterprise consortium called Jamaica Environment Entrepreneurs' Advocacy Network (JEEAN) that seeks to aid social enterprises whose aims are to advance climate smart and nature-based solutions for the goals of biodiversity protection and ecosystems management. This has led him to become a 2021 UNLEASH Global SDG Fellow, 2021 UNLEASH Plus Fellow, a 2020 REAP Agri-Tech Fellow, 2021 YLAI Fellow and a two-time nominee of the Prime Minister's Youth Awards.
Adrian is a beekeeper that holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Zoology from the University of the West Indies at Mona and a Master of Science in Conservation and Land Management at Bangor University in North Wales as a 2021 Chevening Scholar. As an advocate, he has championed the cause of integrating the voice of youths and grassroots voices in the environmental protection and conservation sector. He has been working in the area of disaster risk reduction, natural resources management focusing on biodiversity and climate change for the last 10 years. This experience includes being the former National Coordinator of Caribbean Youth Environment Network Jamaica, eVCA Facilitator with the Jamaica Red Cross, Former Steering Committee Member of both Commonwealth Youth Climate Network and Global Youth Biodiversity Network and currently the Rural environmental groups representative for Action for Sustainable Development.
Adrian, a licensed UK and EU drone pilot is continuing the pursuit his environmental career aspiration as the C.E.O for Honai Beez Apiary, a small-scale social enterprise start-up focused on sustainable beekeeping to combat climate change through the use of CNC-Router to make eco-friendly bamboo beehives and beekeeping training of youths from low-income families, wards of the state. He is also the Executive Director for a small think tank social enterprise consortium called Jamaica Environment Entrepreneurs' Advocacy Network (JEEAN) that seeks to aid social enterprises whose aims are to advance climate smart and nature-based solutions for the goals of biodiversity protection and ecosystems management. This has led him to become a 2021 UNLEASH Global SDG Fellow, 2021 UNLEASH Plus Fellow, a 2020 REAP Agri-Tech Fellow, 2021 YLAI Fellow and a two-time nominee of the Prime Minister's Youth Awards.
Michael Morgan is a strategist working across media, creative technology, and development. He has represented Jamaica as a U.N. Delegate at multiple international forums across Europe and the Americas, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As a youth leader in these spaces, Michael fervently championed the need for robust climate action, powered by ambitious climate financing through the Global Climate Fund to bolster small island states as they navigate the climate crisis.
Venturing into the media and creative realms, Michael's expertise has been tapped for projects with Ivy League Universities, Silicon Valley tech companies, startups, and NGOs large and small. Notably, at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network in New York, he helped to identify and solve logistical communications challenges for their 2000+ strong cohort of youth leaders in Canada, South Korea, Norway, Colombia, and the Caribbean. He was instrumental in executing media, go-to-market, and advertising campaigns that propelled the visibility and impact of these organizations.
Michael credits his global perspective to his time at Bates College in the US, where he earned his Bachelor's in Politics and Fine Arts, with a minor in French. While at Bates, he also sharpened his negotiation and leadership skills through an Intensive Certificate from Bard College, under the tutelage of Professor Frederic C. Hof, former US State Department official, Purple Heart awardee, and special Middle East advisor under President Obama.
Now at the nexus of his diverse expertise, Michael explores the potential of artificial intelligence with a unique creative fervor. As an artist who draws, paints, and sculpts, he believes the advent of generative AI bridges the gap between what we can dream and what we can achieve - imagination and reality.
With that in mind, he is currently collaborating with local tech companies to integrate AI into their small business solutions, while partnering with NGOs in Africa to streamline their expansion operations. For Michael, AI is a competitive advantage for countries in the Global South, helping us punch above our weight class as we push to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Michael Morgan is a strategist working across media, creative technology, and development. He has represented Jamaica as a U.N. Delegate at multiple international forums across Europe and the Americas, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As a youth leader in these spaces, Michael fervently championed the need for robust climate action, powered by ambitious climate financing through the Global Climate Fund to bolster small island states as they navigate the climate crisis.
Venturing into the media and creative realms, Michael's expertise has been tapped for projects with Ivy League Universities, Silicon Valley tech companies, startups, and NGOs large and small. Notably, at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network in New York, he helped to identify and solve logistical communications challenges for their 2000+ strong cohort of youth leaders in Canada, South Korea, Norway, Colombia, and the Caribbean. He was instrumental in executing media, go-to-market, and advertising campaigns that propelled the visibility and impact of these organizations.
Michael credits his global perspective to his time at Bates College in the US, where he earned his Bachelor's in Politics and Fine Arts, with a minor in French. While at Bates, he also sharpened his negotiation and leadership skills through an Intensive Certificate from Bard College, under the tutelage of Professor Frederic C. Hof, former US State Department official, Purple Heart awardee, and special Middle East advisor under President Obama.
Now at the nexus of his diverse expertise, Michael explores the potential of artificial intelligence with a unique creative fervor. As an artist who draws, paints, and sculpts, he believes the advent of generative AI bridges the gap between what we can dream and what we can achieve - imagination and reality.
With that in mind, he is currently collaborating with local tech companies to integrate AI into their small business solutions, while partnering with NGOs in Africa to streamline their expansion operations. For Michael, AI is a competitive advantage for countries in the Global South, helping us punch above our weight class as we push to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Lisa, a Jamaican national, is the Founder/CEO of Great People Solutions which she created in 2013. Her career has spanned 20+ years across a range of local and global businesses in banking, telecoms, and FMCG industries including roles in DIAGEO/Red Stripe, Cable & Wireless, Scotiabank and KPMG. Her roles covered general management consulting, end-to-end human resource (HR) management, corporate and commercial banking and corporate governance.
Lisa is a visionary and a leader in her field of HR Consulting. She is commercially driven and possesses a deep understanding of talent and of unlocking people's potential to deliver competitively advantaged business results. Lisa is highly respected in the business community in Jamaica and currently sits on the boards of JAMPRO (Jamaica’s investment & promotions agency), WISYNCO (FMCG), Sagicor Subsidiaries, UWI MSBM, SERHA, the Pension Industry Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Stock Exchange e-Campus.
She is a certified Coach with training in Breakthrough Performance Coaching and Energy Leadership, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering (First Class Hons) and an MBA (Distinction) in Finance and Marketing from UWI, has held the Professional and Senior Professional in HR (PHR and SPHR) designation and is a Certified Professional Coach and Master Practitioner in the Energy Leadership Index Assessment. She was awarded in the “101 Most Fabulous GLOBAL Coaching Leaders” Category - World HRD Congress Feb 2020, Mumbai, India.
Lisa, a Jamaican national, is the Founder/CEO of Great People Solutions which she created in 2013. Her career has spanned 20+ years across a range of local and global businesses in banking, telecoms, and FMCG industries including roles in DIAGEO/Red Stripe, Cable & Wireless, Scotiabank and KPMG. Her roles covered general management consulting, end-to-end human resource (HR) management, corporate and commercial banking and corporate governance.
Lisa is a visionary and a leader in her field of HR Consulting. She is commercially driven and possesses a deep understanding of talent and of unlocking people's potential to deliver competitively advantaged business results. Lisa is highly respected in the business community in Jamaica and currently sits on the boards of JAMPRO (Jamaica’s investment & promotions agency), WISYNCO (FMCG), Sagicor Subsidiaries, UWI MSBM, SERHA, the Pension Industry Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Stock Exchange e-Campus.
She is a certified Coach with training in Breakthrough Performance Coaching and Energy Leadership, has a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering (First Class Hons) and an MBA (Distinction) in Finance and Marketing from UWI, has held the Professional and Senior Professional in HR (PHR and SPHR) designation and is a Certified Professional Coach and Master Practitioner in the Energy Leadership Index Assessment. She was awarded in the “101 Most Fabulous GLOBAL Coaching Leaders” Category - World HRD Congress Feb 2020, Mumbai, India.
Neville Charlton, currently pursuing his degree in International relations, is a dedicated, dynamic & proactive leader and content creator with a passion for development through advocacy, volunteerism, peacebuilding and social change. Founder of his youth-led organisation, Youth Inspiring Positive Change Ja Ltd (YIPCJA) Neville and his team provides safe spaces for youth to engage in meaningful discussions and activities. His empathy is founded on a sincere belief in the goodness of others, and a desire to bring out the best in people. Neville lives by the manta "Change starts with me"
Neville Charlton, currently pursuing his degree in International relations, is a dedicated, dynamic & proactive leader and content creator with a passion for development through advocacy, volunteerism, peacebuilding and social change. Founder of his youth-led organisation, Youth Inspiring Positive Change Ja Ltd (YIPCJA) Neville and his team provides safe spaces for youth to engage in meaningful discussions and activities. His empathy is founded on a sincere belief in the goodness of others, and a desire to bring out the best in people. Neville lives by the manta "Change starts with me"
Tanesha Patterson is the Programme Manager at Jamaica Youth Business Trust an NGO that supports and empowers youth through Entrepreneurship, helping them build the knowledge and skills needed to start or grow their business towards achieving sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. In her role she has the responsibility for the implementation and management of projects and programmes for multiple development partners with the aim of improving the lives of youth to include the InterAmerican Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, Planning Institute of Jamaica, Jamaica Social Investment Fund.
Tanesha has over 14 years of experience working in the Youth Development sector,
with a thorough understanding and perspective from a local, regional, and international context on issues and opportunities particularly in the area of Entrepreneurship. Her background spans project management, accounting and she is also a certified trainer/facilitator. She has a passion for working with youth to help transform their lives to achieve their desired goals. Tanesha strongly believes in continuous learning and that knowledge has transformational power to shift one’s thinking and mindset. Tanesha has a BSc. Degree (Hons.) in Youth Development Work minor in Management from the University of the West Indies
Tanesha Patterson is the Programme Manager at Jamaica Youth Business Trust an NGO that supports and empowers youth through Entrepreneurship, helping them build the knowledge and skills needed to start or grow their business towards achieving sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. In her role she has the responsibility for the implementation and management of projects and programmes for multiple development partners with the aim of improving the lives of youth to include the InterAmerican Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, Planning Institute of Jamaica, Jamaica Social Investment Fund.
Tanesha has over 14 years of experience working in the Youth Development sector,
with a thorough understanding and perspective from a local, regional, and international context on issues and opportunities particularly in the area of Entrepreneurship. Her background spans project management, accounting and she is also a certified trainer/facilitator. She has a passion for working with youth to help transform their lives to achieve their desired goals. Tanesha strongly believes in continuous learning and that knowledge has transformational power to shift one’s thinking and mindset. Tanesha has a BSc. Degree (Hons.) in Youth Development Work minor in Management from the University of the West Indies
Shamar Wedderburn is a budding Legal student, as well as Public Speaking Coach/Consultant and Debate Enthusiast.
At 22 years of age, He has lived a life dedicated to impacting and empowering those around him. He identifies and believes in the potential for youth training, and our personal growth and
development to be key factors in building our nation. He is people-centric and therefore works ardently to help people find and develop their own intrinsic-motivation to step into their best selves. Shamar is the Founder of ‘Equipped to Speak’ -A platform where he delivers Public Speaking Coaching and Training for Working Professionals and Youth. Through this, he has spoken in front of audiences nationally, regionally and internationally. Among Mr. Wedderburn’s roles over the past 4 years that have helped to develop his skills are: Second Year Representative at Mona Law Society, Vice-President and later President of the regional UWI Students’ Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Vice-Chancellor’s Ambassador Corp, Commonwealth Peace Ambassador, Training and Development Coordinator and Writer for the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, Advocacy and Policy member to the National Youth Council of Jamaica, A Jamaican Delegate to the 6th Caribbean Leaders’ Summit and Mentor in Debate Mate Jamaica Programme
Shamar Wedderburn is a budding Legal student, as well as Public Speaking Coach/Consultant and Debate Enthusiast.
At 22 years of age, He has lived a life dedicated to impacting and empowering those around him. He identifies and believes in the potential for youth training, and our personal growth and
development to be key factors in building our nation. He is people-centric and therefore works ardently to help people find and develop their own intrinsic-motivation to step into their best selves. Shamar is the Founder of ‘Equipped to Speak’ -A platform where he delivers Public Speaking Coaching and Training for Working Professionals and Youth. Through this, he has spoken in front of audiences nationally, regionally and internationally. Among Mr. Wedderburn’s roles over the past 4 years that have helped to develop his skills are: Second Year Representative at Mona Law Society, Vice-President and later President of the regional UWI Students’ Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Vice-Chancellor’s Ambassador Corp, Commonwealth Peace Ambassador, Training and Development Coordinator and Writer for the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, Advocacy and Policy member to the National Youth Council of Jamaica, A Jamaican Delegate to the 6th Caribbean Leaders’ Summit and Mentor in Debate Mate Jamaica Programme
Shamar Wedderburn is a budding Legal student, as well as Public Speaking Coach/Consultant and Debate Enthusiast.
At 22 years of age, He has lived a life dedicated to impacting and empowering those around him. He identifies and believes in the potential for youth training, and our personal growth and
development to be key factors in building our nation. He is people-centric and therefore works ardently to help people find and develop their own intrinsic-motivation to step into their best selves. Shamar is the Founder of ‘Equipped to Speak’ -A platform where he delivers Public Speaking Coaching and Training for Working Professionals and Youth. Through this, he has spoken in front of audiences nationally, regionally and internationally. Among Mr. Wedderburn’s roles over the past 4 years that have helped to develop his skills are: Second Year Representative at Mona Law Society, Vice-President and later President of the regional UWI Students’ Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Vice-Chancellor’s Ambassador Corp, Commonwealth Peace Ambassador, Training and Development Coordinator and Writer for the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, Advocacy and Policy member to the National Youth Council of Jamaica, A Jamaican Delegate to the 6th Caribbean Leaders’ Summit and Mentor in Debate Mate Jamaica Programme
Shamar Wedderburn is a budding Legal student, as well as Public Speaking Coach/Consultant and Debate Enthusiast.
At 22 years of age, He has lived a life dedicated to impacting and empowering those around him. He identifies and believes in the potential for youth training, and our personal growth and
development to be key factors in building our nation. He is people-centric and therefore works ardently to help people find and develop their own intrinsic-motivation to step into their best selves. Shamar is the Founder of ‘Equipped to Speak’ -A platform where he delivers Public Speaking Coaching and Training for Working Professionals and Youth. Through this, he has spoken in front of audiences nationally, regionally and internationally. Among Mr. Wedderburn’s roles over the past 4 years that have helped to develop his skills are: Second Year Representative at Mona Law Society, Vice-President and later President of the regional UWI Students’ Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Vice-Chancellor’s Ambassador Corp, Commonwealth Peace Ambassador, Training and Development Coordinator and Writer for the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, Advocacy and Policy member to the National Youth Council of Jamaica, A Jamaican Delegate to the 6th Caribbean Leaders’ Summit and Mentor in Debate Mate Jamaica Programme
Christina Williams is former Guild President in charge of 20,000 students on the Mona Campus and Intercampus Guild Chair in charge of all 50,000+ students on all 5 campuses in the region. She is current president of the Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students. Christina is a proactive and solutions-oriented individual who has managed numerous high impact socio-economic projects locally and globally with a keen love for people, places and positive change.
Christina Williams is former Guild President in charge of 20,000 students on the Mona Campus and Intercampus Guild Chair in charge of all 50,000+ students on all 5 campuses in the region. She is current president of the Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students. Christina is a proactive and solutions-oriented individual who has managed numerous high impact socio-economic projects locally and globally with a keen love for people, places and positive change.
Neville Charlton, currently pursuing his degree in International relations, is a dedicated, dynamic & proactive leader and content creator with a passion for development through advocacy, volunteerism, peacebuilding and social change. Founder of his youth-led organisation, Youth Inspiring Positive Change Ja Ltd (YIPCJA) Neville and his team provides safe spaces for youth to engage in meaningful discussions and activities. His empathy is founded on a sincere belief in the goodness of others, and a desire to bring out the best in people. Neville lives by the manta "Change starts with me"
Neville Charlton, currently pursuing his degree in International relations, is a dedicated, dynamic & proactive leader and content creator with a passion for development through advocacy, volunteerism, peacebuilding and social change. Founder of his youth-led organisation, Youth Inspiring Positive Change Ja Ltd (YIPCJA) Neville and his team provides safe spaces for youth to engage in meaningful discussions and activities. His empathy is founded on a sincere belief in the goodness of others, and a desire to bring out the best in people. Neville lives by the manta "Change starts with me"
Lanisia Rhoden is a Social Entrepreneur and Non-Profit Management and Business Consultant, who is passionate about Youth & Community Development and Entrepreneurship. She is committed to helping others identify and fulfil their purpose and helping NGOs globally become sustainable through Social Enterprise Development. Lanisia has over 12 years’ experience in the Non-Profit and Entrepreneurship sectors. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Award winning Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) an organization which provides career guidance, mentorship and entrepreneurship training and support to young people in Jamaica. She founded the organization in 2009 after becoming the JCDC Miss Manchester Festival Queen.
Lanisia Rhoden is a Social Entrepreneur and Non-Profit Management and Business Consultant, who is passionate about Youth & Community Development and Entrepreneurship. She is committed to helping others identify and fulfil their purpose and helping NGOs globally become sustainable through Social Enterprise Development. Lanisia has over 12 years’ experience in the Non-Profit and Entrepreneurship sectors. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Award winning Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) an organization which provides career guidance, mentorship and entrepreneurship training and support to young people in Jamaica. She founded the organization in 2009 after becoming the JCDC Miss Manchester Festival Queen.
Jénine is the Board Co-Chair and President of Youths For Excellence Limited, a non-profit she founded at 17. The organization is based in 8 countries: USA, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada and has assisted thousands of children to receive not only textbooks but also tablets, health checkups, travel passes, lunch passes, and resources for their parents, to facilitate employment via the backing of 26 corporate and government agencies across the Caribbean: KFC, Digicel, JUTC, and GraceKennedy amongst them.
For her work with YFE, Jénine earned recognition from the Prime Minister's Office via a Prime Minister's Youth Award for Nation Building in 2018 and has maintained the support of his office by being allowed to host YFE’s inaugural Back to School Event there in 2019. She went on to earn the Diana Award, named in honour of Princess Diana of Wales, in 2021. It is the most prestigious award in the world that a young person can receive for social action and humanitarian work. In 2021, she was also listed among the Caribbean 30 Under 30 Changemakers.
Jénine is the Board Co-Chair and President of Youths For Excellence Limited, a non-profit she founded at 17. The organization is based in 8 countries: USA, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada and has assisted thousands of children to receive not only textbooks but also tablets, health checkups, travel passes, lunch passes, and resources for their parents, to facilitate employment via the backing of 26 corporate and government agencies across the Caribbean: KFC, Digicel, JUTC, and GraceKennedy amongst them.
For her work with YFE, Jénine earned recognition from the Prime Minister's Office via a Prime Minister's Youth Award for Nation Building in 2018 and has maintained the support of his office by being allowed to host YFE’s inaugural Back to School Event there in 2019. She went on to earn the Diana Award, named in honour of Princess Diana of Wales, in 2021. It is the most prestigious award in the world that a young person can receive for social action and humanitarian work. In 2021, she was also listed among the Caribbean 30 Under 30 Changemakers.
Jhannel Tomlinson is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Geography and Geology, whose research seeks to assess the capacity of Community-based Organizations (CBOs) to effectively support current and future climate change adaptation initiatives. She has published academic papers on the preliminary findings of her work and has also been a part of multi-disciplinary teams, conducting research on agriculture, climate change and rural development.
In addition to her academic work, she is a youth climate activist who is a member of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), Jamaica and is co-founder of Young People for Action on Climate Change (YPACC), Jamaica. She was a youth delegate at the Youth Climate Change Conference held in Kingston, 2017 and was a co-organizer in the local Rise for Climate event held in September 2018 , which brought together youth participants who revealed their fears, concerns and recommendations as it relates to climate change.
Her involvement in climate action both through academia and activism, led to her being selected as the Jamaican Youth delegate to attend the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (COP24) held in Katowice, Poland in December 2018. During this conference, she was engaged in intense discussions and was invited to present on the factors contributing to the involvement of youth as change agents in the fight for a sustainable future. Since her involvement in the COP, she has been asked to participate in a host of local events including lectures, presentations and panel discussions.
Jhannel Tomlinson is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Geography and Geology, whose research seeks to assess the capacity of Community-based Organizations (CBOs) to effectively support current and future climate change adaptation initiatives. She has published academic papers on the preliminary findings of her work and has also been a part of multi-disciplinary teams, conducting research on agriculture, climate change and rural development.
In addition to her academic work, she is a youth climate activist who is a member of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), Jamaica and is co-founder of Young People for Action on Climate Change (YPACC), Jamaica. She was a youth delegate at the Youth Climate Change Conference held in Kingston, 2017 and was a co-organizer in the local Rise for Climate event held in September 2018 , which brought together youth participants who revealed their fears, concerns and recommendations as it relates to climate change.
Her involvement in climate action both through academia and activism, led to her being selected as the Jamaican Youth delegate to attend the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (COP24) held in Katowice, Poland in December 2018. During this conference, she was engaged in intense discussions and was invited to present on the factors contributing to the involvement of youth as change agents in the fight for a sustainable future. Since her involvement in the COP, she has been asked to participate in a host of local events including lectures, presentations and panel discussions.
Dr. Stephen Johnson is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in research methods and monitoring and evaluation methodologies. With a vast portfolio of projects and research publications focused on confronting developmental issues in Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, and the developing world, Dr. Johnson is committed to taking a pragmatic approach to development challenges. His expertise lies in advanced research methods, monitoring and evaluation, voting behaviour, user experience analysis, predictive analytics, harm reduction and behaviour modification campaigns.
The British Commonwealth Scholar holds a Ph.D. in International Relations (International Trade Policy) from the University of Sussex, UK. He also obtained an MSc in Government and a BSc in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Dr. Johnson currently holds the position of Research Fellow, where he delivers lectures on Research Methods and equips graduate students with the necessary skills to conduct rigorous research. As a supervisor for graduate students, he provides personalized guidance and mentorship throughout their research journey. Dr. Johnson also serves as the chair of the youth development research cluster, where he fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and drives research initiatives focused on youth development. Through his dedication to producing impactful scholarly research, he contributes to the academic community's knowledge base and promotes evidence-based practices.
Dr. Stephen Johnson is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in research methods and monitoring and evaluation methodologies. With a vast portfolio of projects and research publications focused on confronting developmental issues in Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, and the developing world, Dr. Johnson is committed to taking a pragmatic approach to development challenges. His expertise lies in advanced research methods, monitoring and evaluation, voting behaviour, user experience analysis, predictive analytics, harm reduction and behaviour modification campaigns.
The British Commonwealth Scholar holds a Ph.D. in International Relations (International Trade Policy) from the University of Sussex, UK. He also obtained an MSc in Government and a BSc in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
Dr. Johnson currently holds the position of Research Fellow, where he delivers lectures on Research Methods and equips graduate students with the necessary skills to conduct rigorous research. As a supervisor for graduate students, he provides personalized guidance and mentorship throughout their research journey. Dr. Johnson also serves as the chair of the youth development research cluster, where he fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and drives research initiatives focused on youth development. Through his dedication to producing impactful scholarly research, he contributes to the academic community's knowledge base and promotes evidence-based practices.
Samantha Wilmot, J.P., is currently the Localisation Officer, with the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat at the Planning Institute of Jamaica. In her role, she supports agencies incorporating the national goals into corporate business plans. She is also a Justice of the Peace and an Attorney-at-Law. Ms. Wilmot has been a member of the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat since 2012, with a focus on the implementation of the Vision 2030 Jamaica Communications Programme prior to assuming her position as Localisation Officer in 2022.
She is also a car enthusiast, becoming the first female to establish an all-female car group, through which she has been positively transforming Jamaica’s car scene. In her free time, she can be found at car shows, hosting events, and singing.
Samantha Wilmot, J.P., is currently the Localisation Officer, with the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat at the Planning Institute of Jamaica. In her role, she supports agencies incorporating the national goals into corporate business plans. She is also a Justice of the Peace and an Attorney-at-Law. Ms. Wilmot has been a member of the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat since 2012, with a focus on the implementation of the Vision 2030 Jamaica Communications Programme prior to assuming her position as Localisation Officer in 2022.
She is also a car enthusiast, becoming the first female to establish an all-female car group, through which she has been positively transforming Jamaica’s car scene. In her free time, she can be found at car shows, hosting events, and singing.
