The Organizing Committee
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Wayne Beecher
Summit Chair
As the Summit Chair, I am responsible for ensuring the Summit runs smoothly and achieves its objectives. I have more than twenty years of senior management experience spanning the public and private sector where I have developed expertise in strategy, innovation, project management and technology application. I have undertaken several impact-oriented assignments; with global and regional development partners, to unlock the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Jamaica and the Caribbean. I am a certified project management professional, with a degree in Management Studies & Accounting and MBA.
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Dr. Winsome Leslie
Programme Content Director
As the Program Content Director, I am responsible for for curating and overseeing the educational content and programming of the event. I am an Economic Development Professional with strong track record in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and access to finance for small businesses. Expert in the identification, development and implementation of MSME projects in the context of a strategic approach. I have authored and co-authored several publications and blogs on economic development topics in Africa and the Caribbean.
Violet Palmer
Secretariat
As the Event Director and part of the Secretariat team, I handle the planning and execution of the summit, coordinating seamlessly with our dedicated team to ensure everything runs flawlessly. With over a decade of experience in the financial services and fintech industries in the UK and Canada, I've recently made my third move to Jamaica. I now lead an innovative real estate development and strata management company and serve as a strategic consultant on city transformation projects with the St. James. Municipal Corporation. My goal is to foster a thriving hub that equips future innovators with the tools to become game-changers straight from the Caribbean.
Taneallea Feddis
Marketing and Communications
As the Marketing and Communications Director, I am responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive strategy to promote and attract attendees to the Summit. I have a degree in Psychology and Mass Communications, and a certificate in Project Management. With 10 years’ experience in marketing and business development, I now lead a marketing agency that caters to SMEs and help them achieve sustainable growth through customer and product development, as well as communication strategies. I serve as a business advisor and trainer at AltCatalyst and Local Leader at Founder Institute Jamaica. My goal is to contribute to a shift in the mindset of local entrepreneurs to create more collaboration and innovation in the Jamaican, and by extension the Caribbean, entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Dominique Ferguson
Procurement/Logistics Associate Secretariat
As the Procurement and Logistics Manager and a member of the Secretariat Team, I am responsible for sourcing suitable venues, administrative support, managing logistic operations and obtaining the necessary permits to facilitate the smooth running of the event. Leveraging my experience in accounting, management, and customer service, I will ensure efficient financial handling, effective stakeholder coordination, and a seamless experience for all participants. My goal is to ensure that the summit is a catalyst for positive change and innovation, fostering collaboration and driving impactful solutions.
Damian Allen
Sponsorship Support
As the Sponsorship Support Director, I am responsible for recruiting and engaging sponsors. I am a tech-savvy Sales Strategist and Market Growth Leader in SaaS with 10+ years of experience in guiding high-performing sales teams to revenue excellence and pioneering transformative initiatives for prominent brands to improve profit margins, expand territories, and capture key competitors’ business. I have experience in prospecting, lead generation, market penetration, and consultative selling, along with a history of expanding the customer base and building a thriving sales pipeline with a primary focus on acquiring new business opportunities with blue-chip companies.
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Tishuana Mullings
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
As the Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships Director, I am responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners to ensure the success of the Summit. I have over 13 years of experience in driving personal and organizational growth across Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. I am a recognized community hero and award-winning leader by bodies, such as USAID and Jamaica Yello Pages. I am passionate about fostering transformative social change and empowering diverse communities through innovative education and impactful initiatives.
Platinum Partners
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The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is a government agency established to promote the growth and development of the tourism sector in Jamaica. It provides financial assistance, training, and support to businesses involved in tourism, with the aim of enhancing the overall tourist experience and contributing to the sustainable development of the industry.
The Mastercard Kingston, Jamaica office is located in New Kingston and is part of the company's global network of offices. The office is responsible for supporting Mastercard's operations in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region, including issuing and acquiring cards, processing payments, and providing fraud prevention services.
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