Born in Porus, Manchester, and raised in Heartease District, Dennis Sutherland is a passionate advocate for cultural and community development within the Jamaican diaspora. His mission is to build a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to fostering growth, collaboration, and meaningful connections.

Dennis is the founder of the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program (JYAP). This organization supports Jamaican primary school students by providing backpacks and school supplies, uniform assistance, extracurricular enrichment, and breakfast programs. His commitment to youth empowerment reflects his deep-rooted desire to give back and uplift the next generation.

As the creator of SutherlandTV on YouTube, Dennis uses his platform to engage in thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to Jamaica and its global community. Known for his fun-loving nature and love for deep conversations and debate, he thrives on meaningful dialogue with anyone willing to engage.

Dennis takes great pride in his journey, overcoming childhood challenges in Jamaica to become a resilient and accomplished individual. His drive and vision continue to shape his contributions to both his local and extended communities.

Renné Marriott Stone is the Founder and President of BECAS We Can, NFP (BECAS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education and mentorship. A passionate advocate for community service, Renné returned to Evanston, IL, to deepen her commitment to helping others, particularly young people. She is a natural problem solver and an active volunteer with several organizations, including the Evanston Cricket Club, Ltd., the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program (JYAP), and STEM School Evanston. Additionally, she plays a key role in organizing Evanston’s annual Jamaican Independence Day Celebration in collaboration with the Evanston Cricket Club, Ltd.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Evanston, Illinois, Renné is deeply dedicated to uplifting and mentoring children of Caribbean and African descent. She is a proud Evanston Township High School (ETHS) graduate, where she was inducted into the ETHS Athletic Hall of Fame. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Marketing and Management with a minor in Business from Indiana University-Bloomington and obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Emory University in Atlanta, GA.With exceptional administrative and organizational skills, Renné is a valuable asset to every initiative she supports. She continues to inspire and empower others through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community development.

Born in Clarendon and raised in Portland, Owen Speid is a dedicated educator with a passion for improving learning conditions and working conditions in education. Committed to fostering equity and equality in the allocation of educational resources, he has spent over three decades shaping young minds.

With 18 years as a classroom teacher and 15 years as a principal, Owen has made significant contributions to the academic landscape. He has also served as the on-site coordinator for the Western Carolina University, Jamaica Program for two years and has authored and compiled textbooks to enhance learning.

Beyond the classroom, Owen has been deeply involved in cricket as an administrator and high school coach, mentoring young athletes in the sport. Currently, he serves as an international elementary teacher in the United States, continuing his lifelong mission of educational excellence and advocacy.

Valerie Richards was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and began her career as a civil servant with the Ministries of Education and Justice. Her dedication to public service led her to the United States, where she became a respected leader in Chicago’s West Indian community.

Valerie played an integral role in organizations such as the West Indies Cricket Club, the Jamaica Chicago Carrifette Committee, and Chicago Concerned Jamaicans (CCJ), holding leadership positions in all three. Her efforts in CCJ helped provide essential aid to Jamaica, including school breakfast programs, library resources, and student scholarships.

Professionally, Valerie built a distinguished career in healthcare, progressing from Medical Assistant to Prevention Program Director at the Luck Care Center. She made a lasting impact by supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and representing the Chicago Department of Public Health at national conferences.

Committed to faith and service, Valerie is an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and the Daughters of the King. She participated in a 2023 mission trip to Belize and continues her work with the Jamaican Youth Assistance Program (JYAP) to support students in need.

Her life’s work reflects a deep passion for community, education, and mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy of service and empowerment.

Dr. Latoya Reeves, a dedicated Jamaican educator with over 20 years of experience, was born in St. Catherine and raised in Clarendon. She is deeply passionate about early childhood education and community service. As Principal of Seymour Edwards Infant School for the past decade, she has fostered a culture of giving, leading an annual Valentine’s Day initiative where staff, students, and parents support the less fortunate within the school community.

Dr. Reeves is an active member of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, serving on various committees while passionately advocating for better salaries and improved working conditions for educators at the Early Childhood level. Her commitment to service extends to the Mona St. Andrew Kiwanis Club, where she previously served as a chartered and distinguished president and now holds the position of distinguished secretary, overseeing two monthly projects focused on child welfare.

As President of the May Pen Community Development Committee, Dr. Reeves leads youth empowerment initiatives for at-risk and vulnerable young people. Her dedication to faith is reflected in her service as an Elder and Education Sponsor at her home church. She also serves as the Area Coordinator for the Pathfinder and Adventurer Program in Clarendon and as the Special Needs Coordinator for the Central Zone of the Lay Workers Federation of Clarendon.

A tireless advocate for education and community development, Dr. Reeves remains committed to transforming lives—one individual at a time.

Ruel White is a seasoned businessman specializing in sales and distribution, where he has successfully navigated challenges and driven growth across various industries. However, his true passion lies in empowering the next generation.

Dedicated to shaping future leaders, Ruel devotes much of his time to mentoring young men in schools, guiding them to realize their full potential, and instilling values of integrity, discipline, and social responsibility. He believes that education and strong character are the foundations of success. He works tirelessly to equip young men with the mindset and skills needed to rise above adversity and become change makers in their communities.

As a proud father of three—Joel, Daniel, and Gabriel—Ruel understands the critical role of positive male influence. His mission extends beyond his own family, as he strives to be a role model for all young men, encouraging them to dream big, embrace leadership, and create a lasting impact. Through his work, mentorship, and personal example, Ruel is committed to shaping a future where young men are empowered to thrive and uplift others.

Born in Thompson Town, Clarendon, Jamaica, Winston Bolt has dedicated his life to community service, mentorship, and philanthropy. His leadership journey began in Jamaica, where he served as President of the May Pen Youth and Community Club and Vice President of the Clarendon Netball Association. As a member of the Social Development Commission, he played an active role in community initiatives, including organizing Christmas treats and donating school supplies to Love Lane Basic, Open Bible Basic, and Faith Basic Schools in Clarendon.

A firm believer in education as a pathway to success, Winston personally sponsors four Jamaican high school students, covering their school and examination fees through graduation, ensuring they have the resources needed to excel.

Now residing in Illinois, he continues his spirit of giving through volunteerism. For over 17 years, Winston has played a vital role in the Chicago Marathon, operating Aid Station 19 to support over 45,000 runners with essential nutrition. He has also dedicated more than a decade to volunteering at the Shamrock Shuffle.

Passionate about youth development, Winston is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation, fostering a brighter, safer, and more educated future.

Professionally, Winston is a highly accomplished Sales Consultant with The McGrath Group at McGrath Evanston Subaru. With a lifetime record of over 7,000 cars sold, he brings dedication, expertise, and exceptional customer service to the automotive industry.

Beyond his philanthropic and professional efforts, Winston takes pride in being a devoted husband and father. An alumnus of Clarendon College, Excelsior Community College, and the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), he embodies the values of leadership, perseverance, and service to others.