Join the leadership dialogue with the Private Sector, Policy Makers and Education Leaders; and learn new skills to build the STEM workforce of the future.
- The STEM Workforce of The Future
- ChatGPT - The Dirty Litle Secrets
- ChatGPT - The Dirty Litle Secrets
- Tablets and Apps in Teaching and Learning
- The ABCs of STEM Methodology
- Jamaica’s progress with STEM Implementation in Schools
MICHAEL McMORRIS
PRESIDENT, JAMAICA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Michael McMorris is a well-respected financier who currently serves as President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce since October of 2022. He leads the 240-year institution in its timeless objective of developing and maintaining a national ecosystem in which commerce can thrive and act as an essential contributor to national development.
In his professional career, he is the Principal and CEO of Kronos Investment & Development – Jamaica’s Premier development consultants specializing in new venture development for corporate entities. He serves as Chairman of the VM Financial Group, the parent company of all 10 VM subsidia’ries in four countries.
Michael also currently serves on the Partnership Council chaired by the Prime Minister and the JCC / Sameer Younis Foundation focused on upskilling inner-city youth. As we contemplate our vision for STEM Education, this keynote address is a well-timed broad perspective of the STEM ecosystem essential to move Jamaica forward in a world characterized by technological inter-linkages.
GARY 'BUTCH' HENDRICKSON, CD
CHAIRMAN & CEO, CONTINENTAL BAKING COMPANY LIMITED
Gary Craig Hendrickson, more popularly called “Butch”, is no stranger to Jamaica’s business, education and philanthropy landscape. He heads Continental Baking Company, which provides employment for over 800 persons in Jamaica. He also operates the multiple-award-winning Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay in St Lucia, which collectively, employs over 300 persons.
In recognition of his service to Jamaica, the celebrated businessman and PSOJ Hall of Fame inductee is the recipient of over 16 coveted awards, including two honourary doctorates, and The Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander. Join us for an intimate conversation during our Fireside Chat with this outstanding business guru as he shares his thoughts about the opportunities and threats businesses face heading into the 21st century.
CALVIN MACKIE
CEO, STEM NOLA
Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning mentor, inventor and motivational speaker. His messages as a mentor, speaker, and entrepreneur continue to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. Dr. Mackie earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in Mathematics from Morehouse College in 1990, a M.S. in 1992, and a Ph.D. in1996 in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He served on the Tulane University engineering faculty from 1996-2007, as a tenured professional, and co-founded an alternative energy company, Golden Leaf Energy, in 2009 and STEM NOLA, a New Orleans non-profit in 2013 committed to expanding STEM education, especially in communities of color.
In July 2021, Dr. Mackie launched STEM Global Action, a campaign, and network pursuing STEM education for children, parents, and communities. His initiatives have impacted more than 125,000 students, 22,000 families, and 5,000 schools across the U.S., and in five countries. Dr. Mackie hosts a popular podcast, Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie
PARRIS LYEW-AYEE B.SC., DPHIL
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PAMAS CONSULTING
Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee is an outstanding Jamaican scientist who specializes in technology. He was previously the Director of the Mona GeoInformatics Institute at the University of the West Indies, focused on advanced geospatial technology applications.
He has been actively involved in road safety analyses for over 13 years, and was awarded the FIA Award for International Mobility in 2015. He was involved in the National Arrive Alive campaign with the Jamaica National Foundation, and built the real-time Crash Map that showed the distributions and patterns of road fatalities. He routinely advises the National Road Safety Council, and his fatality predictions have been used to drive national campaigns, both in the Public and Private Sectors.
Dr Lyew-Ayee chairs or sits on the Boards of numerous public and private sector firms and was also previously the Chairman of the National Works Agency. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Board of the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica and serves as a Vice President of the PSOJ. A data driven mapping expert, join Dr Lyew-Ayee and fellow panelist Larren Peart, as they contemplate mapping the STEM workforce of the future.
SHALLETTE ASHMAN, PhD, MA, MBA, BSc
CEO, LEARNING HUB
Dr. Shalette Ashman is an outstanding multi-faceted professional, and educational entrepreneur. She is an accomplished author, certified brain training coach, an expert in e-learning, a dedicated educator and a captivating inspirational speaker. Her extensive knowledge covers many domains including virtual academies, e-learning, curriculum design and software development.
In 2005 Dr. Ashman introduced eLearning and online test preparation for the Caribbean. Her innovations and commitment to providing equitable access and learning resources for students have won her four national awards for her contribution to Education.
Join Dr Ashman for a two hour interactive workshop that draws on her expertise and equips teachers with all they need to know to successfully integrate technology into teaching to make learning come alive. Remember to bring your own device!
LARREN PEART
CEO, BLUEDOT INSIGHTS
Larren Peart is a seasoned entrepreneur and information technologist known for his expertise in research and data intelligence. As the founder of Bluedot Insights, he has brought unique services to the regional market research and data analytics industry. Larren’s experience in research techniques, consumer neuroscience, retail intelligence, and data mining has been instrumental in guiding his talented team at Bluedot. Prior to founding Bluedot, Larren worked in software engineering at Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS), where he developed his technology skills and client service management systems. He has led research assignments for major regional and international brands such as Gracekennedy, NCB & McKinsey, and continues to drive product innovation. Larren’s innovative thinking led to his appointment on the Economic Recovery Taskforce and his involvement in ground-breaking initiatives. He is also actively involved in various boards and social initiatives.
Join Larren with fellow panelists Parris Lyew-Ayee as they examine education data, particularly performance in STEM Subjects at CXC with a view to creating a growth map for a skilled STEM workforce.
BETH MORRISON
CURRICULUM SPECIALIST, THE MICO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Mrs. Morrison is a veteran STEM educator with experience and education in curriculum and instruction. She currently serves as a Curriculum Specialist and STEM task force leader at The Mico University College. Prior, Mrs. Morrison taught Technology Education classes including Networking, IT Fundamentals, Electronics/Robotics, App Development and Web Design for thirteen years at the high school and community college level in Illinois.
Beth holds a BA in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University and a BSc in Technology Education from Chicago State University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Education/Curriculum & Instruction from Concordia University Chicago.
Mrs. Morrison holds thirteen current technology certifications and will lead workshops on the ABCs of STEM Methodology: All every Teacher needs to Know and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and project-based lesson design, exploring how these two innovative approaches can transform the landscape of your classroom.
KAVELLE HYLTON
CEO STEM BUILDERS LEARNING HUB LTD.
Kavelle Hylton is an outstanding STEM Educator and Education Technology Entrepreneur with over twelve (12) years of experience in STEM education and training. She is the founder and CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub Limited, where she works with students at all levels of the education system to build critical 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
On her journey to transform the STEM education, she has received several awards and accolades including: Development Bank of Jamaica IGNITE Recipient, Jamaica Stock exchange social enterprise pitch competition winner and the Micropitch Caribbean Jamaica award.
Ms Hylton is the coordinator for the Science and Technology Education Unit at the Scientific Research Council. She is the proud facilitator of the Magic of Science workshops in the innovation station, where early childhood and primary teachers will learn to use her science kits to make learning fun.
STACEY HINES “THE BALANCED LADY BOSS”
CEO, EPIC TRANSFORMATION
Stacey Hines is a Caribbean tech sector leader with global leadership experience in public, private and non-profit sectors. Her commitment to women in leadership and to the technology industry is evidenced in her numerous awards, most recently including the Woman of Impact award from the High Commission of Canada on International Women’s Day 2023. A trailblazer, Ms Hines was appointed as the first Jamaican IT Fellow by the Chartered Institute of IT Professionals of the UK (BCS) in 2022. She holds the distinction of being the second female president of the Jamaica Computer Society in its 47 year history, and is acknowledged as among the top 50 Caribbean women in STEM
She is highly certified, with an impressive work record in tech C-Suite & specialist roles in the US & Canada. Her experience in managing technology product portfolios include partners in Australia, Germany, India and Africa. Stacey serves on multiple boards as Chairperson, director and advisor in private sector and government. This includes DRT Communications, eGov Jamaica, Innovate 10X, PSOJ, and Tech Beach Labs.
Her passion project is hosting her podcast “The Balanced Lady Boss Show” where she serves women with tools for bossing the boardroom, bedroom and their bliss. She’s a published author and public speaker Join Stacey as she shares insights on being a STEM Boss Lady.
LINVERN WRIGHT
PRINCIPAL, WILLIAM KNIBB MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Linvern Wright is a noted educator and Principal of William Knibb Memorial High School. A proud Graduate of the Mico University College and former Lecturer at Church Teachers’ College, Mr. Wright is passionate about professional development for Educators, innovative teaching and learning praxis, and bold in school experimentation to achieve outstanding learning outcomes. He currently serves as President of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS).
As a respected commentator on issues affecting education policy and practice, Mr. Wright shares his thought provoking insights on essential inputs required to build out the STEM Eco-system in Jamaica, and in particular the infrastructure essential for success in rural Jamaica.
ELFREDA WINSTEAD MASSIE, PHD, SHRM-SCP
VP K12 Strategy, Class Technologies
Dr Elfreda Massie has over 40 years of experience driving transformational change and initiating system redesign in high-performing and challenging environments in diverse education communities. Dr. Massie currently serves as Vice President for K12 Strategy for Class Technologies where she is responsible for supporting the company’s K12 business development strategy. She serves as an Executive Coach with EdFuel, a national non-profit organization that provides leadership and talent development to the education sector.
Dr Massie earned a PhD in Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland; a Master’s degree in Counseling from John Hopkins University; and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds the Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification.
Join Dr Massey and fellow panelists as they explore “Creating Opportunities and Threat Prevention for the Success of Women in STEM.”
MICHAEL NAGLER ED.D.
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE MINEOLA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Michael holds a doctorate from Columbia University and has served for twenty three years in the Mineola School District, New York.
He believes strongly in the district’s mission to inspire students to become lifelong learners that exhibit strength of character and contribute positively to a global society. He is a big proponent of using technology to engage students in rigorous content. All five schools in Mineola have been recognized as Apple distinguished schools. Mineola is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools. Mineola was one of the first schools in the State to implement a comprehensive computer science curriculum starting in kindergarten. Mineola is also at the forefront of digital student portfolios.
Join Dr Nagler as he explores Chat GPT and exposes its “dirty little secrets”.
DR. PAULETT HANSON-KENWOOD
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION, COLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENT
Dr. Paulett Hanson-Kenwood was born on the island of Jamaica and grew up in Kitson Town, St. Catherine. Paulett graduated from Mico University College (formerly Mico Teachers’ College) Kingston, Jamaica, with a Diploma in Primary Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from the City University of New York, a Master of Science degree in the Teaching of Literacy from Adelphi University and a Master of Science in School Supervision and Administration from Touro College. Her doctoral studies took her to Nova Southeastern University, where she completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Professional Learning Communities for educators working in inclusive settings.
Currently, she is a Reading Specialist with the New York City Department of Education. As a Reading Specialist, she works with a team of educators who focus on Culturally Responsive Instructional Practices. In addition, she is an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale, New York. Join her workshops where she focuses on using Assistive Technology for students with special needs.
DR YVETTE MORGAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEAM FIRST INC.
Yvette Morgan served as the principal investigator of the St. John’s University GEAR UP/NYGEAR UP Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and New York State Higher Education Services Corporation from 2001-2017. A seasoned veteran in higher education, she has vast experience in grants administration, program development, strategic planning, policy analysis and P-16 initiatives, conducting professional development to national audiences, creating widely replicated modules on financial aid, college and career awareness, and school-CBO-business partnerships. She is also the founder of Scholars Working to Achieve Greatness, LLC, an organization designed to create a college going culture in “at risk” communities by increasing the academic achievement and motivation of students, enhancing their awareness of college and career opportunities, promoting parental involvement, and providing professional development for educators. Dr. Morgan obtained her PhD in Literacy for Diverse and At-Risk Learners from St. John’s University.As a respected commentator on issues affecting education policy and practice, Mr. Wright shares his thought provoking insights on essential inputs required to build out the STEM Eco-system in Jamaica, and in particular the infrastructure essential for success in rural Jamaica.
CEDRIC HALL
DIRECTOR, EQUITY INITIATIVES & CLIMATE, NEW YORK CITY DEPT. Of EDUCATION
Cedric Hall is a resourceful and innovative education leader with 15+ years of experience spanning school administration, instruction, programming, culture and resource development and management to promote student growth and school success. He has a proven track record of improving school results with a breadth of experience in strategic planning and academic operations such as quality assurance, budget management, and evaluations.
Cedric is highly analytical, skilled at assessing and applying data to drive sustainability and improvements while adeptly building productive relationships and driving engagement with diverse students, teachers, parents, administration, and community members. Cedric holds a Master of Science degree in Education and Special Education from Touro College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Temple University.
RICHIE ETWARU
CHAIRMAN & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER, MOBEUS AIRGLASS
Richie Etwaru is a visionary technology enthusiast who has made a remarkable impact in the world of innovation. As the inventor and pioneer of Immersive AI, he has harnessed cutting-edge technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and natural user interfaces to revolutionize human-machine interactions. Richie’s contributions have garnered global recognition, and his work continues to inspire and shape the future of emerging technologies.
With a deep commitment to driving positive change, Richie values collaboration and shared success. He recognizes the collective efforts of his team and industry partners, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to his achievements. With a focus on making a meaningful difference, Richie Etwaru continues to push boundaries and lead the way towards a future empowered by innovation. Join us for a demonstration of the Mobeus Airglass.
JOHN B. GORDON III
SUPERINTENDENT, SUFFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS (VA)
Dr. Gordon is a renowned speaker and motivator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Virginia, a Master of Education degree with a Concentration in Social Studies from the University of Virginia, a post-master’s certificate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech.
A lifetime educational leader, Dr. Gordon understands how education should be customized to fit the needs of all students while expanding opportunities for their future. He is an expert in team building and strategic planning and serves as a role model to today’s youth.
He is the author of The Teacher’s Lounge: The Real Role of Educators in Your Schools, which navigates life as an African American male in predominantly white suburbia. Join Dr Gordon as he presents “STEM Century: The Model” which details the process necessary for incorporating relevant STEM professional learning at all levels while galvanizing the community to support the revamping of instructional methodology.
SHAWN JOSEPH
PROFESSOR, HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Dr. Shawn Joseph’s passion for equity and social justice has led him to serve in a number of positions in the world of education. He has been an English teacher, reading specialist, school administrator, central office administrator, and superintendent in Delaware (Seaford School District) and Tennessee (Metro Nashville Public Schools). He served on the faculty of Fordham University in the Department of Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy during the 2019-2020 school year and is currently Co-Director of the AASA/Howard Urban Superintendent Academy and Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy Studies at Howard University.
Join Dr Joseph as he presents on “Building Black Excellence in STEM: A Leadership Imperative”
