Leading the Charge: A Passionate Team for Caribbean Philanthropy
The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance is guided by a powerhouse team fueled by a shared passion for sustainable development and elevating philanthropy across the region.
Board Chair
Professor Rosalea Hamilton, Board Chair and Co-Chair of the Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, is an accomplished social scientist and a fervent advocate for sustainable development, skillfully bridging the realms of environmental, economic, societal, and governance improvement. As the former Vice President of the University of Technology, Jamaica (2008-2018) and holder of the prestigious Scotiabank Chair in Entrepreneurship and Development, she has significantly shaped academic and entrepreneurial landscapes. Her leadership in founding The MSME Alliance and the Institute of Law & Economics has notably advanced public and private sector collaboration, bolstering small businesses and enhancing public policy education on trade, entrepreneurship, economic development, democracy, constitutional law, governance, and gender issues. Currently, Professor Hamilton serves as the CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, where she champions the call for impactful philanthropic initiatives, especially social and economic empowerment for the most vulnerable.
Her unwavering commitment to good governance and human rights shines radiantly through her leadership of the Advocates Network since 2021. Recognized globally for her expertise and advocacy, Professor Hamilton was appointed as the Republic of Sierra Leone’s first Honorary Consul to Jamaica in 2022 by President Julius Maada Bio. She is also a Distinguished Scholar at The P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, reflecting her profound influence on developmental policies and practices across the Caribbean and beyond. Her career encapsulates a profound dedication to enhancing societal frameworks through education, policy, and strategic philanthropy.
Chief Executive Officer
Anthea McLaughlin is a passionate leader with a proven track record of driving social change through strategic philanthropy, innovative partnerships, and community engagement. As the CEO of the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, she is transforming the organization into a hub for collaboration, fostering connections between funders, NGOs, and stakeholders across the region.
As one of the initial board members of the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, Anthea brings extensive experience in philanthropy leadership. She has led regional initiatives focusing on climate action, gender equity, and strategic partnerships.
For 17 years in New York City, Anthea co-spearheaded a successful city-wide public-private sector partnership housed in mayoral offices and the Administration for Children’s Services to improve service delivery frameworks for children’s services. During her tenure, she guided the development of multisector networks to facilitate service integration in child welfare, education, mental health, juvenile justice, early care education, and youth development. She pioneered community-data profiles for community-generated planning, advised the development of early education (UPK) Advisory Boards, and led out-of-school and summer initiatives for the Human Resources Administration, as well as sector-focused collaborations.
Anthea’s deep commitment to community engagement led her to found the Bridge Foundation, which provided training for school boards, implemented school-based literacy programs promoting the SDGs in collaboration with the UWI Department of Creative and Festival Arts, and designed and launched the first-ever Caribbean Knowledge Fair for the UNDP GEF program. Additionally, her interdisciplinary consultancy work includes developing change management strategies for UNFPA agencies and creating a workforce framework to prepare students transitioning from school to the world of work across seven countries.
Anthea holds a Master’s in Public Administration and International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University’s School of Social Work, and a Community Mediation Certificate from the University of the West Indies. She has also served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College’s Graduate School of Social Work and is currently a guest lecturer at NYU’s Gallatin School.
Board Director
Susan Taylor-Batten serves as a dedicated Board Member and the Chair of the Resource and Development Committee. She is the President and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, an influential organization established in 1971 that champions equitable investment in Black communities. Under her leadership since 2009, ABFE has expanded its reach and impact through critical philanthropic advising and programming aimed at foundation leaders, donors, and partners committed to responsive philanthropy.
Prior to her pivotal role at ABFE, Susan accumulated over 25 years of extensive experience in leadership across both the private and public sectors. She was a Senior Associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she managed a diverse portfolio focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her public sector work includes significant contributions as a Senior Analyst for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as an Analyst in the Government of the District of Columbia, where she directed initiatives supporting children, youth, and families.
In addition to her leadership at ABFE, Susan is an active member of several boards, including the United Philanthropy Forum and the Schott Foundation for Public Education. She is also an adjunct lecturer at the Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University. Susan holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Fisk University. Her work continues to inspire significant shifts toward empowering Black female leadership within the philanthropic sector.
Board Director
Milton Speid serves as an esteemed Board Director and Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee, where he applies his vast expertise as a social impact advisor to enhance strategic financial oversight and governance. Currently leading The ImPact, Milton assists visionary families in aligning their assets with their social impact goals. His distinguished career includes spearheading the “Beyond the Bay” and Eastern Region strategies at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), and advising major corporations like SAP, LinkedIn, and Intuit on philanthropy. These roles have solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor in the social enterprise sphere.
Raised by Jamaican immigrants, Milton’s passion for poverty alleviation and partnership development is deeply personal and has been a consistent theme throughout his career. He has held various senior roles at organizations such as the Epic Foundation, TED Talks, and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, all driven by his commitment to leveraging resources for maximum social impact. This commitment extends into his current role as Executive Director of Venture Capital, VC Include, following his tenure as Strategic Partnerships Advisor, where he focuses on diversifying the investment field by supporting emerging managers who are women and people of color.
Under his leadership, VC Include aims to transform the $70 trillion U.S. assets pool by fostering an ecosystem where General Partners and Limited Partners collaborate to enhance financial returns and advance social equity. This initiative integrates key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Gender Equality, Industry Innovation, and Reduced Inequalities, demonstrating Milton’s ongoing commitment to shaping an equitable and empowered world. His educational background includes a degree in Psychology from the University of Hartford, where he was also the captain of the men’s soccer team and was named Alumni of the Year in 2018, reflecting his leadership both on and off the field.
Board Director
Dr. Michele D. Singh is a distinguished Board Director and Co-Chair of the Membership and Outreach Committee. Dr Singh is the Director at the Center for Agriculture Research and Innovation (CAGRI) at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, where she is a key advocate for advancing food security and sovereignty in the Caribbean. Dr. Singh’s commitment to promoting social and economic empowerment is evident in her innovative integration of climate-smart practices with educational, research, and entrepreneurial initiatives. Her expertise in leveraging novel technologies has led to significant advancements in regional agricultural practices, making her a leader in developing sustainable solutions that adeptly respond to climate challenges.
In her role at CAGRI, Dr. Singh influences the development of agricultural policies and programs that aim to enhance food production and security throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Her work includes forming strategic partnerships and recent collaborations. These partnerships transform the agricultural landscape in Barbados by developing educational programs that bridge knowledge gaps and promote sustainable farming practices, thereby improving economic outcomes across the region.
Dr. Singh’s contributions extend beyond immediate agricultural outputs, focusing also on fostering long-term sustainability and resilience within the Caribbean agricultural sector. Her efforts are crucial in achieving regional food and nutrition security, reducing poverty, and advancing the sustainable development agenda. Holding a Ph. D. in Animal/Livestock Production from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, where she received High Commendation, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Dr. Singh’s academic and professional experiences solidify her as a profound leader and innovator in agricultural development.
Board Director
Milton J. Samuda serves as a Director, and Co-Chair of the Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee. Milton is a distinguished legal expert and the Managing Partner of Samuda & Johnson, where he leads the firm’s Commercial Department. His extensive legal practice spans diverse sectors including Tourism, Corporate and Hotel Financing, Trade and Transportation, Mining and Energy, Sports and Entertainment, and Maritime Law. With decades of experience, Milton has established himself as a key figure in Jamaican legal and business circles, providing robust solutions and strategic guidance to his clients.
Beyond his legal practice, Milton has served in various high-profile roles including Immediate Past Chairman of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC). He is currently a director on several boards including VM Building Society, VN Investments Limited, VM Wealth Management, EveryData Jamaica Limited, and Berger Paints Jamaica Limited. His contributions extend into sports and the arts as he is the chairman of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and the Wolmer’s Trust. He is the past chairman of Sabina Park Holdings, highlighting his broad influence across both commercial and cultural sectors in Jamaica.
Milton’s academic and professional credentials are equally impressive. He holds an LL.B. (Hons.) degree from the University of the West Indies and was admitted to practice in Jamaica in 1982 after completing his studies at the Norman Manley Law School. His legal acumen is recognized internationally, having been admitted to practice in the British Virgin Islands in 1993. Additionally, he serves as a Member of the Advisory Board to, and Secretary of, the Spanish Jamaican Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to advancing educational and bilateral relations between Jamaica and Spain.
Board Member
Deanna J. James serves as a Board Director and Co-Chair of the Membership & Outreach Committee, and is the esteemed President and CEO of St. Croix Foundation for Community Development (SCF), a crucial organization dedicated to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under her leadership, SCF has become a beacon of community philanthropy, enhancing its program administration, direct services, and grant-making capabilities. Over her eight-year tenure, Deanna has spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Nonprofit Consortium, which aligns 30 local organizations in a collaborative effort to drive equitable and sustainable community development.
SCF has also received notable recognition, such as the 2022 HUD Secretary’s Award for its Community Resilience Hubs initiative, developed in response to Hurricane Maria. This accolade highlights the foundation’s commitment to building disaster resilience and promoting sustainable recovery strategies within the community. Deanna’s leadership is informed by her deep roots in the Virgin Islands and enriched by her academic background, blending local insights with broad expertise to enhance her strategic approach to community development.
With nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy and community development, Deanna is a seasoned executive known for her strategic leadership and commitment to social transformation and promoting equity. She works tirelessly to improve the effectiveness of philanthropic efforts and governance systems, engaging thoughtfully with donors and stakeholders.
Deanna’s credentials as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), along with her B.A. in Literature from Lehigh University and M.A. in Public Communications from American University, complement her extensive skills in community convening, program development, and strategic planning, further solidifying her role as a dynamic leader in community philanthropy.
Special Advisor (Agriculture)
John Arana, known affectionately as Belize’s Breadfruit Czar, is a pioneering figure in the nation’s agricultural sector and a dedicated Board Director for the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance. Since 2021, John has passionately led a national initiative to distribute breadfruit saplings throughout Belize, collaborating with Trees That Feed Foundation to import over 1,200 saplings. His efforts aim to bolster Belize’s food security, positioning breadfruit as a sustainable staple in the diet of Belizeans and as a solution to the challenges posed by the climate crisis. John’s work not only helps stabilize food supplies but also contributes significantly to ecological sustainability.
In addition to his role in agricultural advocacy, Arana actively addresses broader social issues through his engagement with the Trees That Feed Foundation, where he supports initiatives targeting four of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action, Zero Hunger, No Poverty, and Quality Education. His work exemplifies a commitment to integrating food security with climate justice, recognizing the increasing interconnection between climate impact and agricultural productivity. By leveraging his expertise and resources, John is at the forefront of creating a resilient food system in Belize.
Beyond his environmental and philanthropic endeavors, John is deeply involved in construction and project management. He also co-manages his family’s farm, established by his father in 1972. His time living in Cuba from 1991 to 1993 profoundly shaped his understanding of food security, exposing him to the vulnerabilities within global food systems during international crises. This experience has fueled his dedication to ensuring that Belize develops a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural framework, making him a pivotal figure in both his community and the broader movement towards sustainable development.
Special Advisor (Strategy & Finance)
Pamela Rivas serves as the Special Advisor of Strategy and Finance. Pamela is a Senior Vice President and the National Manager of Estate Settlement Services at City National Bank, N.A., and RBC Trust Co. (Delaware), Ltd. where she leads a national team dedicated to providing comprehensive estate administration and trust settlement services. Based in New York, Pamela excels in delivering personalized client experiences by harnessing the bank’s extensive in-house capabilities and a network of specialized partners. Her leadership and innovative approach were instrumental in the strategic redesign of the trust termination division at Bank of America Private Bank, enhancing service delivery to high-net-worth and philanthropic clients.
With over a decade of fiduciary experience, Pamela’s background is enriched by her tenure as an estate planning attorney with Kaye Scholer LLP, where she gained substantial legal expertise. Before entering the legal field, she contributed to public service as a Policy and Program Associate and Community Coordinator for Agenda for Children Tomorrow. In this role, she developed policy recommendations for New York City’s Mayor’s Office and spearheaded initiatives to improve social services across 59 community districts.
Pamela holds a law degree from Rutgers Law School and completed both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees at New York University. She is a member of the Association of Latino Professionals For America, New York Chapter and she also dedicates her time to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Foundation, where she helps award scholarships to students across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Her multifaceted career showcases her commitment to excellence in estate matters, financial services and her profound impact on community and policy development.
Special Advisor (Women & Climate)
Mary McLaughlin serves as the esteemed Special Advisor for Women and Climate. Mary, a Jamaican native, has built a diverse and impactful career that spans geology, education, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Initially trained as a geologist, Mary worked with the Jamaican Geological Survey before moving to the oil industry in Dallas, Texas. Her career path also includes roles as a schoolteacher in the Bahamas and later, as a devoted stay-at-home mom. In 1996, she founded McLaughlin Glazeware, a high-end giftware company specializing in enamel and bone China, serving esteemed clients such as Lyric Opera, Abbott, the White House, and Brooks Brothers.
In 2008, Mary channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into a cause close to her heart, founding the Trees That Feed Foundation. This organization is dedicated to planting fruit trees to feed people, create jobs, and benefit the environment. Under her leadership, the foundation has distributed over 300,000 fruit trees and provided more than 250,000 meals to schoolchildren, significantly impacting smallholder farmers across 20 countries.
Today, Mary resides in the Chicago area, surrounded by her family. Her work with Trees That Feed Foundation continues to grow, reflecting her deep commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her adaptability and dedication to making a positive difference in the world.
Special Advisor (Philanthropy & Climate Justice)
Administrator
Diana works with the CEO and Chair of the Board, and provides vital support across governance, operations, and programs. She assists the Board of Directors with planning and ensuring legal compliance.
Accountant
Barbara White provides financial and human resources oversight and serves as the Accountant for the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CariPhilAlliance).
Project Manager, Funder Database Platform & Projects
Dwayne Gutzmer provides strategic direction and optimizes data operations for philanthropy involvement, investment including stakeholder engagement.
Regional Youth Leader, Youth Hub
Jamila Falak coordinates the Youth Hub and spearheads initiatives that empower young people to drive positive change across the Caribbean.
Regional Project Specialist
Talya Mohammed provides project coordination and leads socio-environmental projects including the delivery of various capacity building projects across the region.
IT Developer & Support
Norval Mendez provides top-tier IT solutions and develops technology communications and infrastructure for administration, regional networks including member and stakeholder communities.
Social Media
Christopher Andrews guides the development of social media management and content creation networking platforms to optimize organizational content.
The Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance (CPA) institutional partners provide resources, subject matter advice, consultancy, technical assistance, platforms to accelerate various actions, and leverage resources including national, regional and international linkages to facilitate CPA's mission across the region.
| Organization | |
|---|---|
| LASCO Chin Foundation | Philanthropy Networks Technical Assistance Fundraising |
| Bridge Foundation | Organizational & Program Development Fundraising |
| Institute for Law & Economics | Technical Assistance Funder Database Platform |
| Trees That Feed Foundation | Trees Tree Tracking Advocacy Training |
| Clinton Global Initiative | Strategic Alliances Facilitation Voluntary Support |
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