History in the Making: Honoring International Women’s Day
Happy International Women's Day! Today, on March 8, we celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of women around the world, including those of the Jamaican diaspora. Women from Jamaica and their descendants have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, sports, music, and literature. Their resilience and determination have broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations. In this blog post, we highlight some remarkable women of the Jamaican diaspora whose stories inspire and empower us all. From trailblazers to activists, entrepreneurs to artists, these women have made an indelible mark on their communities and the world at large. Join us as we celebrate their stories and contributions, and honor the strength and diversity of women everywhere.
Ambassador Audrey Marks
H. E. Audrey Marks is Jamaica’s tenth and thirteenth Ambassador to the United States of America and the Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the Organization of American States (OAS).
She created history by being the first Jamaican female Ambassador to the USA, and the first Ambassador to be appointed to this Post three times, having served in the same capacity from 2010 – 2012, 2016 – 2020 and 2020-present.
Prior to assuming her Ambassadorial role, Ms. Marks pioneered the online payment industry in Jamaica and the Caribbean when she founded Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited, an on-line multipayment system which she conceptualized and started in 1997. Paymaster today is Jamaica’s largest online payment company with over 1.7M customers and processing over $50 Billion in transactions annually.
A career entrepreneur, Ambassador Marks started and operated six previous businesses, including a 100-acre banana exporting farm, a transportation company, as well as a real estate sales and development company. She also operated a Venture Capital Company with diverse investments, including manufacturing, travel, and entertainment.
She has served on several private and public sector Boards, including as Chair of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), Vice Chair of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and Director of the Board of RBTT BankSecurities Jamaica Limited. Ambassador Marks holds the distinction of being the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM), an organization which promotes investment and trade between the United States and Jamaica.
She is the recipient of numerous citations and recognition from her peers, as well as from various organizations, for her pioneering work, entrepreneurial endeavours and commitment to social causes. The acknowledgements include: Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) Ernst & Young nominee for the “Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year 2000,” The Jamaica Observer Business Leader of the Year award nominee for 2000, and the Florida International University Business Leader of the Year Award for 2003 and 2010.
Ambassador Marks holds a bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, and Nova Southeastern University School of Business and Entrepreneurship in Florida, USA, respectively.
Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan
Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan is the first Caribbean American in Georgia to receive both the USA President’s Lifetime Achievement & Volunteer Service Gold Awards. Currently appointed as Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta, Dr. Grant-Bryan has served thousands of Jamaicans in her capacity over the past five years. She is the owner of Elaine Bryan Realty and was selected as a real estate broker expert to commentate on HGTV and Fine Living Channel's “What You Get for the Money”. Frequently requested to supply content as a columnist, Dr. Grant-Bryan is the author of many “Financial Freedom Columns.” She is a Northwestern University, The University of West Georgia, and Leadership Sandy Springs Alumna. Elaine has been acknowledged globally and is therecipient of the Mayor of Atlanta Phoenix, Judge Glenda Hatchett Mentor and Picture of Health Noble Leadership Awards.
As a Registered Microsoft Education Partner, she developed and established Microsoft-EBF STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Mentorship Programs in collaboration with The Elaine Bryan Foundation, a 501c3 which she chairs. These students in the program have been the recipient of laptops, internships, and job placement at Microsoft, Google and other international corporations.
One of Dr. Grant-Bryan's strategic goals, as Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta, has been to nourish and further establish symbiotic relationships between the State of Georgia and Jamaica whereby synergiesfor mutual opportunities can be explored. Expanding trade and investment opportunities is one Dr. Grant-Bryan's highest priorities. She is forever guided by her trademark, “The What What What Approach -What you do with what you have determines what you become. ™” Elaine is married to the love of her life, IT Director, Gregory Scott Vernon Bryan.
Suzette DeBeatham-Brown
Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, is a wife, mother, minister and public servant. She is committed to leaving this world a better place. Suzette was the First, female Caribbean born Mayor of Bloomfield Ct. She has had the opportunity to serve as an Ordained Minister for the Church of God, a Youth Advocate for the Urban League of Greater Hartford, a Chaplain for the Bloomfield Police Department, Chair of the Bloomfield Citizen Awareness Taskforce and Board member of Ascend Mentoring among other boards and committees. Suzette is currently employed with the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District where she is a vital resource for the District and the community, and has given her an understanding of the Public Health needs for Bloomfield residents. She has received numerous awards including; 100 Most Influential Blacks from the NAACP, 100 Women of Color, Local Advocate Award from MCC, People
Service Award from Circle of Hands, Distinguished Community Ministry Award and Distinguished Community Service Award from SNECOG. She is also an EmergeCT graduate.
Suzette earned her Doctorate of Divinity, MHS in Counseling and B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Suzette is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Suzette and her husband Bishop Norris and their three children reside in Bloomfield. In Suzette's own words. "I am here to amplify my voice for those who feel they don't have a voice, for those who feel they have lost their voice and for those whose voice needs volume. Suzette wants to leave "servant Leadership" as her legacy.
Jewel C. Scott, Esq.
Elected to The Superior Court of Clayton County, Georgia on June 9, 2020, Jewel Scott now sits as Superior Court Judge of Clayton County, Georgia. Attorney Jewel Scott first made history when she simultaneously became the first female and the first African American District Attorney of Clayton County, Georgia. As District Attorney, Ms. Scott was responsible for prosecuting all serious felonies committed in Clayton County, including the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. She implemented the first Deferred Prosecution Program in Clayton County that allowed first time, non-violent offenders to complete a program aimed at rehabilitation and empowerment so that offenders could make better choices and lead productive lives without the hindrance of a felony record.
Attorney Scott was able to increase the convictions for crimes against women and children, and between the years 2006-2007 achieved a 100% murder conviction rate. She worked with community organizations to reduce incidents of domestic violence and associated murders. She worked with the Sheriff’s Office and filed a RICO action to permanently rid Clayton County of all the illegal massage spas/parlors which had sprung up in the County.
Jewel Scott served as the Honorary Consul of Jamaica to Atlanta, Georgia, and served in an exemplary manner. She demitted this office to care for her late husband, Headley L. Scott. Concurrent with this office, Ms. Scott was the managing partner in the law firm Scott & Turner Law Group, LLC I, specializing in Family Law and Criminal Defense. Judge Scott is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, the New York Bar, the Turks & Caicos Bar and the Jamaica Bar Association, as well as a lifetime member of the NAACP. She has given voluntary service in the legal and health fields in Atlanta and New York.
Ms. Scott received her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Law School, (Walter F. George Law School) and holds a Bachelor of Law Degree and Certificate of Legal Education from the University of the West Indies Law School and the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica. She has received numerous honors of excellence for legal and community service. She is the mother of two sons.
Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster, MBA, PHD
Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster (Dr. Max) spends much of her time as the Operations Manager at Center for Pain and Rehab Medicine, in Stockbridge, GA. Prior to that, she spent over 30 years in business and financial services. As an ordained minister (Christian religion) and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, she is also actively engaged in providing counseling services to those in need, focused on family, marriage, crisis and abuse therapy. She was born and raised in St. Thomas, Jamaica and is a proud graduate of the Morant Bay High School. After migrating to the US in 1989, she continued her studies overseas ultimately achieving an MBA in Finance from Montclair State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Christian Counseling (Magna Cum Laude) from Cornerstone University.
Dr. Max is an ardent community leader and supporter of many charities here in metro Atlanta and in Jamaica. She is the President of The Atlanta Jamaican Association – oldest and largest Jamaican organization in metro Atlanta; the President of D. Terrence Foster Foundation - providing healthcare (Indigent care) to the less fortunate in metro Atlanta and scholarships to students in St. Thomas, Jamaica. In 2021, their Foundation adopted a medical clinic in Yallahs, St. Thomas, Jamaica as part of the Jamaican Government Ministry of Health & Wellness Adopt-A-Clinic Program. She is also a Board Member and Scholarship Chair of the Morant Bay High School Alumni Association, Atlanta Chapter - providing scholarships, learning devices and mentorship to students.
Dr. Max is passionate about helping others especially those who are less fortunate and helping the youths to achieve their educational goals. She has consistently given back to the children in her communities locally and in Jamaica with her time and resources through mentoring, counseling, back to school and scholarship programs. She is also very passionate about girls/women and the issues they faced. She is confident that God has blessed her with varied experiences, educational background, and the right counseling tools to be impacting and life changing for all.
Recently, Dr. Max received a proclamation as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen affording her every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from the state of Georgia. She was also awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.
Dr. Max is married to Pain Management and Stress Consultant, best-selling multiple award-winning Author Dr. D. Terrence Foster and enjoys traveling, audio books, writing, ministering, mentoring and philanthropic work.
Donna McLeod
Donna McLeod is a Chemical Engineer and the President/CEO of Enviroqual, LLC, a Quality Assurance/Regulatory Consulting company. She is also a grassroots organizer, a civic engagement advocate, and a former State Representative for District 105 in Georgia. She believes in the power of knowledge and civic responsibility and has worked to educate the electorate on the importance of their roles in society and the power of their vote. Ms. McLeod has been endorsed by former President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder. She is a member of various organizations, including NBCSL and N.O.B.E.L, and is a co-founder of C.A.N.I, Inc. She has introduced several pieces of legislation to update and improve various aspects of Georgia's governance, including education funding, criminal justice reform, and voter rights restoration.
Janet Therese Silvera
Janet Therese Silvera is a multi-award-winning journalist who has made an indelible contribution to Jamaica’s tourist industry in the last 37 years.
In her first job with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), she she created history by being named ‘Hostess of the Year’ and promotion to airport supervisor. After studying French in Rennes, France, she became the official marketing officer in the JTB’s overseas relations department, where she stayed for 10 years before leaving to join the Gleaner Company Limited.
Within months, she penned her first published article ‘It’s ok to have two men’. This witty and provocative piece brought her a lot of attention, creating the catalyst for her role in media. Janet Silvera has become an integral part of The Gleaner team; being appointed coordinator of the tourism trade publication Hospitality Jamaica in addition to being senior writer.
Janet holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Communications at CARIMAC - University of the West Indies, Mona. She is president of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), Immediate Past President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a former director of the Press Association of Jamaica and has served as a director of the Kiwanis Club of Providence. She served as chairman of the Caribbean’s largest early childhood institution, the Montego Bay Infant School, leaving that school financially viable for the first time in 30 years. She made history in June 2012 when she became the first Jamaican to be honored with the Marcia Vickery-Wallace award for Travel Journalism by the Jamaica Tourist Board.
She again made history in February 2023, when she copped two national awards from the Press Association of Jamaica ‘News Journalist of the Year’ and ‘Best News Coverage’ for her articles on the Night of Terror – the Kevin Smith story. She earned a similar PAJ award in 2009, for the thought-provoking piece ‘Dad Raped Us’ and again in 2014 for her investigative pieces on the ‘Mario Deane’ death. In 2006 she was the American Express/Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) awardee for Excellence in Tourism Reporting.
A philanthropist who sacrifices daily, her most important achievements to date has been the birth of ‘MoBay City Run’, which she founded in 2014 to raise funds for students. Silvera also founded ‘Sarah’s Children’ in 2018, an organization which aims to protect abused children and the elderly, named in honour of her late mom, Sarah Darling-Findlay.
Janet Silvera has indeed proven that she is more than equal to the task and will continue to bring this world, a unique creativity coupled with an apparently unlimited ability to achieve her goals.
Camelia Lawrence, M.D., FACS
Dr. Camelia Lawrence is a surgeon, an executive leader, educator, seasoned board member and community leader. She has a proven track record of leveraging community partnerships and best practices to fuel organizational growth and impact. She is a strategic, visionary leader who continually learns from and implements successful initiatives proven to deliver refined, timely patient experiences. Dr Lawrence trains, coaches and engages others to achieve holistic goals for care that attracts patients seeking the best-in-class options. She is equally committed to educating and developing the next generation of surgeons, with special focus on groups under-represented in medicine, including women and minorities.
Dr. Lawrence serves as the Director of Breast Surgery for the Hospital of CT and Midstate Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. As leader of breast surgery services at Hartford HealthCare, she implemented an innovative model for service and patient experience, by coordinating all required services to ensure a more efficient and seamless delivery of medical care. Dr. Lawrence leads a multidisciplinary team of specialist physicians to deliver state of the art, patient-centered medical services. Under her leadership, this institution has experienced growth in volume and surgical cases while consistently delivering patient satisfaction scores of 95%. She continues to expand the medical team to meet the demand and improve retention by fostering a culture of respect, multidisciplinary collaboration, and shared vision that engages patient- focused professionals. Dr. Lawrence continues to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to education through her supervision and training of medical students, surgical residents and junior surgeons – an extension of her earlier career as a public school teacher.
Dr. Lawrence is the President of the Fairfield County Medical Association and serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain (CFGNB) and the New England Komen Leadership Council. Dr Lawrence serves on the financial committee for this $53 million endowed foundation in a fiduciary capacity to ensure sustainability of through sound budgeting, financial practices, and controls.
She has received numerous awards for her work and commitment to service including the 2020 Denise Taft Davidoff Empowerment Award that recognizes exceptional champions of gender equity and women’s advancement and the 2021 Hartford Business Journal Physician Healthcare Hero Award.
Dr. Lawrence earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Theology from Fordham University and her medical degree from the University Of Rochester School Of Medicine. She completed her surgical residency at New York Medical College and subsequently completed a 1 year breast surgical oncology fellowship program at the John Wayne Cancer Institute.
Bath-Sheba Arlana McMahon
Bath-Sheba Arlana McMahon is an Internationally Published Supermodel. Born in Queens of New York City, She is the daughter of Christine Reynolds, daughter of Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, and John McMahon. Bath-Sheba’s earlier years were spent as a basketball player where she graduated from Le Moyne College and continued a professional career in Basketball in the Czech Republic. Her modeling career began when she was encouraged by her mother to consider runway modeling after returning to New York from playing basketball abroad. Her career quickly grew as her runway debut was in New York Fashion Week. Shortly thereafter, she took her talents to Los Angeles, California where she has been published in over 17 magazines grabbing the cover of 2 (Off Town & Gmaro Magazine), working with well known brands such as Aston Martin, Ferrari, Nike and countless celebrity designers and starring in music videos with artists like P. Diddy, J. Cole, Doja Cat, Wiz Khalifa and so many more. She has even entered into the acting field while posing as stand in for Candace Parker and background on Netflix Show Winning Time. Although she has accomplished many in her 5 year modeling career, she is adamant that it is far from over. As she is passionate about being a role model for women and children all over the world to dream big!
Winnie Starke
Winnie Starke is an American Family Insurance agent and has been with the company for 11 years. However, she is no stranger to the insurance industry as she started her career with Allstate Insurance Company in Florida in 1990, and served as the District Sales Manager for the East Ft. Lauderdale Market.
After 7 successful years, she moved to Orlando to pursue other opportunities and served as Vice President for the Orlando Urban League. She later started her own Interior Decorating Business and enjoyed beautifying homes and businesses for over 15 years. Her work was also featured in local magazines. She also lived in San AntonioTexas, Blue Bell PA and Brewster, NY.
In 2009, she moved to Georgia where she reinvented herself in the insurance industry. She was appointed by State Farm as an agent but chose a career with American Family Insurance as an Agency Owner.
Her successes are many and include, outstanding results in life insurance, top producer in her district 3 consecutive years as well as achieved top awards statewide for 11 consecutive years.
In 2022 she received the distinguished award of 10 time HALL OF FAME, an award only earned by a few companywide. Her passion for protecting families with life insurance brings her great satisfaction.
She has achieved Gold Key status Commercial/Business Insurance 8 of the 11 years. She was also awarded American Star Status in Customer Excellence, an award she has achieved several times in her career, and Agent of the Month on a state and district level several times.
In 2022 she was featured on the cover of the ALL AMERICAN Magazine, the AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE COMPANY magazine, an honor she shared with her team. Of great distinction and importance to this group, she was the first Jamaican in the state of Ga. and possibly countrywide to receive this amazing recognition.
She currently has two locations, one in Stone Mountain and one in Hoschton. She currently has a dedicated staff of 3 exceptional ladies. She has also served on the Agency Council for the State of Georgia as well as a Notary Public for the past 8 years. She has served as mentor to several new agents hired by the company, which is her way of giving back. She is currently licensed in Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and South Carolina.
She also gives back to the community by serving on Boards for Non-Profit Organizations such as JMCC, and has served in different capacities with the AJA for over 10 years. She also contributes to Education Funds for underprivileged students in Jamaica.
In her spare time she loves gardening, traveling, cooking, music entertaining and sometimes just doing nothing at all..
Winnie is a native of Manchester, Jamaica and a graduate of Holmwood Technical High School. After migrating to the US in 1978, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business.
She has a passion for helping others and believes in always reaching back to lend a hand to others.
Chris Scott
As a Master Life Coach, Chris Scott trains life coaches from around the world. Through her life coaching training program, Global Connections Academy and other Life Coaching Schools, she has trained and certified over 600 life coaches. Professor Chris Scott is an entrepreneur, Master Life Coach, global community leader, author and Pastor. She is the founder of SoReal Productions, a performing arts and film company dedicated to telling rich and powerful stories that make a positive impact.
She is also the founder of SoReal Life Solutions, which focuses on helping people pursue and enhance their life goals through coaching, counseling and education. She is the CEO of Coaching Forward International Inc., a non-profit organization based in Georgia, serving the homeless population.She was born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago but lives by the moto “ALL A’WE IS ONE”. Her work in Montego Bay and Kingston helps provide clothing and school supplies for the children in poverty-stricken areas, through her partnership with Churches in the Country.
She leads global mission’s teams and is a missionary to Haiti, Belize, Jamaica, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Ricaand Dominican Republic. From 2014-2019, Mrs. Scott served as President & CEO of the Caribbean Association of Georgia, Inc., (CAG). During her tenure, she has led the organization into relationships that supported the organizational mission of helping others, building cultural awareness while growing the reach of CAG. She also focused on increasing support for children, seniors, veterans, the homeless, students and locally underserved communities.
Chris Scott is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author and the author of the book, Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts! Connecting the Dots to Your Purpose and the journal, Good Morning My Sister.She is the creative force behind the anthology, Treasures in My Heart recognized as an Amazon Best Seller and #1 New Release. Her books are now available in stores and libraries in South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas and throughout the United States. Her fourth Anthology, “Beyond the Smile” was released in 2022. Her seventh book is due to release in February 2023.
Mrs. Scott is also the owner and creative director of Trinity Performing Arts Academy. She has also served as director, producer and executive producer on several films and stage productions. Mrs. Scott has also received numerous honors for service and the arts. In 2015, she was presented with the President’s Volunteer Service Award under the Barack Obama Administration. In 2017, she won the Director and Producer of the Year awards from Diamondnique Productions. In 2018, she was awarded the community service award for Woman on Fire for her work as a missionary. Mrs. Scott was honored by the Atlanta Dream, WNBA team and presented an award by the owner Kelly Loeffler as one of Atlanta’s most Aspiring Woman.
Mrs. Scott’s passion for people extends beyond the borders. It also includes marriage and family. Pastor Scott, and her husband, Pastor AC, lead a marriage ministry called, “Loving You Until.” Their work together allows them to counsel couples both married and dating. They have also created Global Connections Academy and Global Connections Ministries International to train life coaches and to meet the needs of churches seeking to build their global missions. Together with her husband, Pastor the homeless population in Atlanta as “Church Beyond Walls Ministries” where they are changing the lives of many.
Keishia Thorpe
Keishia Thorpe is a Nobel Prize teacher and Licensed Principal who teaches English at the International High School Langley Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, USA. Her students are all English language learners. She is also an education expert in Global Competence and Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching. She travels internationally to mentor teachers, share best practices, and act as an education consultant to education ministers. She fights for equity on every level for students and has influenced education policies on the state level. She also co-founded the U.S. Elite International, Inc., with her sister Dr. Treisha Thorpe, a nonprofit, helping students across the world to access college level education, debt-free. She has received many accolades for her work with students inside and outside of the classroom and has been featured in numerous local and international print and television media including BBC, CNN, Fox News, NBC, Vogue, Essence, Forbes Women, and many others. Some of her most notable achievements are a Resolution from the Maryland State Senate, the Medal of Excellence from Governor Larry Hogan, Unsung Hero Community Award from the Mayor, the LifeChanger of the Year 2018-19 for the U.S, and the 2021 Global Teacher Prize Winner, which is considered the Nobel Prize for teachers, along with one million dollars awarded by the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO. Recently the County Executive Angela Alsobrooks recognized December 14th as Keishia Thorpe’s Day.
Suzette Arnold
Suzette Arnold serves as the President of the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta (JamCham). She is a champion for women and has established JamCham’s PowHer Annual Women’s Summit to create a space that provides opportunities for women to network, collaborate, and create partnerships with other professional groups and organizations in our community.
An Adjunct Professor at a local college in Metro Atlanta. Suzette is also a faculty member at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. She currently serves as the facilitation manager and instructor in the Governmental Training, Education, and Development division where she conducts training sessions for the state, local government agencies, and professional associations.
Her philanthropy and service include serving as the Chairperson for the DeKalb Preparatory Academy Charter School and volunteering with the Atlanta-Montego Bay Sister Cities where she serves as Co-chair for the youth ambassadors program.
Patricia McKenzie Edwards
Patricia McKenzie Edwards is the Managing Attorney at the Atlanta Family Law Group. She was a Georgia Trend Legal Elite awardee in 2022. As an accomplished litigator with over 15 years of experience, she operated a profitable law practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia for 10 years, specializing in Family Immigration, Immigration Deportation Defense and Family Law before joining the Meriweather & Tharp law firm where she quickly became a leader attaining Partner in 2022.
Patricia is a certified mentor by the Georgia Supreme Court, a member of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Gwinnett County Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia.
She is an alumnus of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers Leadership Institute and is a leader, mentor, coach and with her expertise in litigation and Family Law, she now coaches, trains and develops attorneys and paralegals for the Atlanta Family Law Group in its mission to become a premier Atlanta Family Law Firm!
Patricia graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1997. Following a career in telecommunications, she attended law school at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida and graduated in 2007 and was admitted to practice in Georgia in November 2007.
