COVENTION 2024 PRESENTERS' PROFILE

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Master of Ceremony, President – JEF & Convention Director  

Wayne Chen, LLB, is a prominent Jamaican business and media figure. He has served as President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) and past President of the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC). He demonstrates exceptional leadership as Chairman and CEO of Super Plus Food Stores. 

With a diverse portfolio, he has chaired the CVM Television Group and sat on the boards of influential Jamaican entities like the National Commercial Bank and the National Land Agency. 

He was honoured as the Jamaica Observer’s Business Leader of the Year and co-authored the acclaimed book Reggae Routes: The History of Jamaican Popular Music.working conditions for all of our members.

  Minister of Labour & Social Security  

The Hon. Pearnel P. Charles Jr. MP is the Minister of Labour and Social Security, bringing extensive experience across various ministries including Agriculture and Fisheries, Economic Growth and Job Creation, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and National Security. 

As an Attorney-at-Law qualified in Jamaica and the United States, he has served as President of the Law Society and Guild President of the University of the West Indies.

 Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon is Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister and has direct oversight for Skills and Digital Transformation and was appointed a Senator and Cabinet Minister in May 2023. Dr. Dixon has also served in senior public sector roles in the Office of the Prime Minister and JAMPRO.

She is fiercely committed to the advancement of women on boards, and in politics and is very committed to the educational advancement of children in Jamaica, and has served on numerous boards and committees in these areas including the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission, the Archdiocese of Kingston Education Commission, and the International Women’s Forum.

 Senior Specialist, Employers’ Activities, Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP), ILO Decent Work Team & Country Office for the Caribbean 

María Victoria Giulietti is a distinguished lawyer with advanced Environmental Management, Ethics, and Compliance qualifications. Currently serving as the Regional Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation for Latin America and the Caribbean, she has spearheaded successful initiatives such as the Win-Win Programme, "Gender Equality is Good Business," in collaboration with UN Women and the European Union.

Vice President Palace Resorts

1ST Vice President Jamaica Employer’s Federation

Clifton Reader, Vice President of Palace Resorts Jamaica and Turks & Caicos Islands, boasts a distinguished hospitality career spanning over four decades across local and international hotels. He served as President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) from 2020 to 2022.  

Additionally, he holds the position of 1st Vice President of the Jamaica Employers’ Federation, further showcasing his commitment to the Jamaican business landscape.

  CEO

The MASIE Learning Foundation

Crossroads for Talent, Smart Tech and Learning

Elliott Masie is the founder and president of The MASIE Learning Foundation in Saratoga Springs, NY, and is dedicated to advancing organizational learning and knowledge. 

As the leader of the ‘Learning Collaborative, ' which comprises 75 global organizations, he drives the evolution of learning strategies. 

Renowned as the pioneer of the term ‘e-learning,’ Elliott is also a foremost researcher on the advancements and challenges of emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies. 

  Speaker &  Messaging Expert

Concentric Strategies Inc.

Want to get past the Crossed-Arm Syndrome? Tell a Story!

Michel Neray is a renowned professional speaker, consultant, and innovator behind Inside-Out storytelling. He's the visionary behind momondays, a widely recognized monthly storytelling event in 16 cities pre-COVID. 

Michel has empowered countless individuals and organizations to uncover their core message, achieve category leadership through design, and enhance their impact as leaders, salespeople, coaches, and influencers. 

His Inside-Out approach also transforms organizations, differentiating and positioning them effectively in the market. 

Chairman

NCB Financial Group

  Building a Better Jamaica: Overcoming the ‘Principal Agent’ problem and setting Standards

Mr. Lee-Chin is the Chairman of NCB Financial Group, and he is the President and Chairman of Portland Holdings, a private investment firm managing diverse businesses in sectors like finance, insurance, tourism, nuclear and more. He has a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from McMaster University, Canada. 

He has been awarded honorary Doctorate degrees from esteemed universities and serves on various boards globally, including the board of the National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited and Guardian Holdings Limited. Mr. Lee-Chin has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards, including the Order of Jamaica in 2008 for his exceptional business and philanthropic contributions and a member of the Order of Ontario in 2017.

He has also been appointed to significant roles such as Chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada and Chair of Jamaica’s Economic Growth Council.  He is guided by the philosophy of “Doing Well by Doing Good” and remains committed to Building a Better Jamaica.   

Business & Legal Consultant eMatrix LLC

Converging ESG and Innovation: Tailoring an ESG Strategy to Strengthen the Organization

Acres Stowe boasts over 25 years of experience in the commercial industry and five years in the legal field. His expertise extends to authoring the book "Beyond Intellect and Reasoning," which introduces a scale for measuring the advancement of artificial intelligence systems (AIS), particularly focusing on safeguarding innocent parties in third-party contracts.

Director  -  Para Caribe Consulting Limited

The Purpose of Business Wealth & Wellness

Dr. Yohann White leverages data-driven approaches to inform health decision-making, blending his expertise as a medical doctor and research scientist.  Certified in infection prevention and control, he employs data analytics to craft evidence-based workplace wellness programmes to improve employee well-being, reduce healthcare expenditures, and maximise productivity. 

With a diverse educational background spanning Jamaica, the USA, the UK, Japan, and France and professional experience in Jamaica, the USA, and Japan, Dr. White brings a global perspective to his innovative work in healthcare analytics and wellness initiatives. 

Owner, Executive Consultant, 

DS Cohen & Associates 

Leadership Can’t Be Packaged: No One Style Fits All

Dr. David S. Cohen, Ed.D., envisions organizations thriving by embodying their values, especially during volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) times. Transitioning from education to corporate consulting 33 years ago, he earned a reputation as a "contrarian consultant" for his nonconformist approach. 

Cohen guides leaders in discerning essential elements for fostering a thriving organization and a positive employee experience. He cultivates sustained success and improved business outcomes by encouraging leaders to confront life's challenges and embrace a values-based approach. With global partnerships spanning five continents and diverse business sectors, Cohen's impact extends across private and public enterprises worldwide.

Professional Speaker

Believe Your Dreams Inc.

Workplace Wellness and Personal Well-being

Dr. Robert Lemon has established himself as a renowned professional speaker, author, and thought leader, captivating audiences with high-energy messages that ignite personal responsibility and encourage individuals to embrace their potential for greatness. With corporate and workforce speaking expertise, Robert seamlessly weaves storytelling with a deep understanding of contemporary culture, delivering impactful presentations that resonate and inspire action.

Legal Officer/ Corporate Secretary Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities

The Disabilities Act: Inclusivity – The Order of the Day

Janel Williams, an experienced attorney-at-law, possesses a diverse skill set encompassing public speaking, leadership, and advocacy. Currently serving as the legal officer and corporate secretary at the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, she plays a vital role within the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. 

Prior to this, Janel served as the senior judicial clerk at the Supreme Court of Jamaica, making substantial contributions to the interpretation of constitutional rights and freedoms.

Co-CEO WorkSafe Global Ltd.

Programme Director, BSc Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management, UTECH

Navigating in Uncertainty: Strategies for Safety and Compliance while Awaiting New OSH Legislation

Elva Clarke is a seasoned Occupational Health and Safety Professional and Educator with a strong professional training and coaching background across Jamaica and the Caribbean. As the co-CEO of WorkSafe Global Ltd and Programme Director for the undergraduate Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Management programme at UTECH, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the field. 

Elva's commitment extends to delivering comprehensive training to numerous private and public sector entities throughout the region. It aims to empower Jamaican and Caribbean nationals with the skills to recognize, anticipate, and mitigate workplace hazards effectively.

Attorney-At-Law 

LAW OFFICE OF VANESSA THOMAS WILLIAMS

STRATEGIC SCRUBBING OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS – Transforming employment contracts to eradicate workplace abuse

Vanessa is an Attorney at law whose Law Firm focusses on industrial relations, and Caribbean employment law matters. The Firm represents Clients in both the private and public sectors in Trinidad and

Tobago, and in litigation at the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago.

She has lectured at the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine Campus) for several years, and previously headed the Safety Council of Trinidad and Tobago.

  Partners, Moncrief One Team 

Building Your Best High-Performing Organization

Sidney Moncrief is the managing partner of Moncrief One Team, a people development company specialising in Team Enhancement, leadership, workplace readiness/soft skills, and entrepreneurship development. He partners with his wife, Dr. Takisha Moncrief, an accomplished educational expert focusing on literacy and leadership development.

He is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, a five-time NBA All-Star, a five-time member of the NBA All-Defensive team, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and an NBA All-Pro. He is a former head coach and assistant coach. He has authored 12 books, including “Sidney Moncrief: My Journey to the NBA,” “The GRIT Factor in Leadership,” and “13 Game-Changing Principles for Living Your Best Life NOW.”

Dr. Takisha Moncrief, a beacon of educational expertise, focuses on literacy and leadership development. Her multifaceted background as an instructional coach, facilitator, and presenter has been instrumental in the development of educators, administrators, parents, and community partners. 

With a shared vision and a forward-thinking mindset, the dynamic duo of Sidney and Dr. Takisha Moncrief bring a unique blend of expertise to the Moncrief One Team. Dr. Moncrief's specialisation in adult learning principles, coupled with Sidney's extensive experience in leadership and team enhancement, forms the backbone of their professional learning experiences in Emotional Intelligence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Team Enhancement. 

Vice President Human Resources

Scotia Group

Talent Management & Retention in Challenging Times

Sheila Segree-White serves as the Vice President of Human Resources at Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, where she spearheads human resources initiatives to enhance employee engagement, talent development, and organizational effectiveness. 

With more than 20 years of experience in operations, customer experience, and general management in the financial services and banking sectors, her tenure at Scotiabank since 2007 has been marked by substantial contributions to the organization's success.

Managing Director

Right Insights - Belize

Embracing Greater Opportunities for Increasing Employee Well-being

Dr. Minerva Pinelo Alvarez is a versatile professional with extensive experience across governmental, private, and non-governmental sectors in Belize. In 2016, she founded Right Insights, a company dedicated to facilitating learning and development through impactful content strategy and instructional design. 

Over the past seven years, Dr. Pinelo Alvarez has played a pivotal role in supporting numerous development projects, collaborating with international and national partners from project design to implementation. Her contributions encompass research, community engagement, and education, demonstrating her commitment to fostering sustainable growth and progress.

SHRM-SCP,  HR Consultant

Transitioning From Team Member to Team Leader/Supervisor

Dr. Patrick Sterling is a seasoned Human Resource and Industrial Relations Practitioner with a wealth of experience spanning various industries such as insurance, retail, telecommunications, manufacturing, and distribution. Throughout his career, he has held senior HR management positions at prominent organizations including LIME Jamaica, Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, Carreras Limited, and Seprod Group.

In these roles, Dr. Sterling has played instrumental roles in talent acquisition, organizational change management, transition initiatives, and training and development programs, showcasing his expertise in optimizing human capital and fostering organizational growth.

Productivity Consultant 

Gain-Sharing Plans … Should It Be A Part of Your Compensation Strategy?

John Pilgrim, former Executive Director of the Barbados Productivity Council, is a distinguished author and expert in productivity enhancement. 

His publications, including "Productivity in Focus – Performance Based Incentive Schemes" and "Lost and Found: Sound Perspectives on Creating Productivity Gains in the Business," highlight his profound insights into productivity strategies. 

As a former PROMALCO (ILO) board member and a regular columnist for the Barbados Advocate newspaper, Pilgrim has been instrumental in promoting productivity discourse and fostering growth in Barbados and beyond. 

Chief Executive Officer, Companies Offfice of Jamaica 

The Companies Offices of Jamaica – Compliance under the Companies Amendment ACT 2023

Shellie Leon serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of Companies at the Companies Office of Jamaica, bringing extensive legal expertise to her role. 

An attorney admitted to both the Jamaican and California Bars, she holds a Master's Degree in Business and Commercial Law and has been actively shaping young legal professionals as a faculty member at the Norman Manley Law School since 2004. 

Miss Leon's dedication to the legal profession is evident through her membership in the Jamaica Bar Association and her involvement as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Executive Agencies Pension Scheme.

Data Security Architect IBM Canada -

Canada & Caribbean

Navigating Compliance: Understanding Jamaica 

Data Protection Act, 2020

Pirabu Pathmasenan is a Data Security Architect at IBM, overseeing the Canadian and Caribbean markets. With over 15 years of experience in Data and analytics, Cybersecurity, Customer Success, and Consulting, he is dedicated to innovatively simplifying solutions to drive business results. 

Previously, at TD Bank, Pirabu played pivotal roles in the bank's digital transformation and Big Data and AI initiatives, showcasing his commitment to advancing technological innovation in the financial sector. 

  Manager

Jamaica Social Stock Exchange

JSSE - Give a Little

Nora Blake manages the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE), leveraging her extensive experience and expertise in social entrepreneurship. Previously, as a Special Advisor in the Ministry of Industry Investment & Commerce (MIIC), she played a vital role in developing the MSME & Entrepreneurship Policy to incorporate the social sector of the economy. 

A local pioneer in social entrepreneurship, Nora possesses in-depth technical knowledge in facilitating micro and small businesses at the community level, showcasing her dedication to fostering economic empowerment and social impact. 

Executive Director

Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU)

Transforming the Public Sector 

Maria Thompson Walters is a seasoned leader in Human Resource Management, boasting extensive expertise in industrial relations, compensation, communication, and general management across both public and private sectors. Trained as a Compensation Specialist, 

Maria has spearheaded numerous special projects throughout her career. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU) in Jamaica, she leads efforts to drive transformation and excellence in the public sector. 

Maria's leadership is dedicated to leveraging technology to revolutionize public services, ensuring they meet the needs of all Jamaicans. In her vision, Maria advocates for making excellence 'business as usual,' prioritizing the delivery of exceptional services to the people of Jamaica. 

Productivity Consultant

Walt Disney’s Secrets to Hiring, Training, and Treating Right Helps You Build a Winning Team and a Successful Business Culture …Today!

John Formica is a renowned figure in the global arena, recognized as a top 10 influencer and thought leader in customer loyalty. Additionally, he is one of the foremost presenters on Disney philosophy worldwide. 

With a remarkable track record, having delivered over 3,500 keynotes and workshops worldwide, he is hailed as a leading authority in customer loyalty, customer experience, employee engagement, and fostering winning team cultures.

Productivity Consultant

Transform You … 

Transform your Business

John Sherman is the Manager of Pipeline Talent Development at Altec Industries, a global leader in manufacturing and servicing utility vehicles for various industries. 

With a distinguished career spanning 23 years at FedEx and expertise as a consultant, Sherman brings extensive knowledge in sales, marketing, human resources, labour relations, quality, communications, learning/development, and leadership education. 

John is also a motivational speaker, professional vocalist, business consultant, and certified executive coach, showcasing his versatility and commitment to personal and professional growth.