Flair | Judith Jaggon uplifts youth through community outreach

On this International Women’s Day, as the ‘Give to Gain’ theme resonates worldwide, we celebrate Judith Jaggon, human resource officer and president of Petrojam’s Community Outreach Committee (COC). As a volunteer who makes corporate philanthropy an everyday act of service, Jaggon’s work with the COC highlights how corporate volunteers can reshape lives through sustained support, mentorship, and collaboration.

Jaggon is the quiet force behind a thriving scholarship and student-empowerment programme at Petrojam, which has touched the lives of more than 50 high school scholars. She believes in a simple truth: when we pour time and heart into others, we unlock futures; and throughout her tenure as the COC head, she has helped to ignite possibilities and pave the way for over 40 high school students. Her aim is clear: empower, mentor, and propel each Petrojam scholar towards a future they choose.

Jaggon’ s approach to leadership is rooted in service: “Leadership, for me, is service. If people feel heard, if they feel seen, they give you more of themselves—and together we move further.” Her strategy centres on empathy, collaboration, patience, and a belief that education is a shared responsibility. She also brings a deep personal dimension to her work: she is a cancer survivor.

Her own battle with cancer and continued leadership under treatment has become a powerful narrative of perseverance and commitment that inspires those around her. Reflecting on her journey, Judith reveals, “The fight against cancer taught me that courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to show up every day – one act of service at a time.”

The HR professional highlights two examples of how mentorship transformed the lives of two boys, at different points in the programme, who were suspended for poor academic performance. One student rose to become valedictorian, delivering the keynote at his high school graduation, before moving on to earn a bachelor’s degree from The University of the West Indies. The other secured a mathematics scholarship to one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

“Their journeys show how targeted support, mentorship, and encouragement can turn setbacks into extraordinary achievements. The programme’s homework centre and mentorship programme offers personal support, encouragement, and guidance even beyond academics,” Jaggon notes.

The Give to Gain theme resonates through Jaggon’s life and work, mirroring her own journey from a teenage faith-based volunteer to a corporate catalyst. As a teenager, she taught in Sabbath School and engaged in youth ministry outreach, drawing inspiration from mentors and leaders at school and church who guided and supported her growth.

Jaggon attributes the programme’s success to her team and credits her motivation to the mission: “On tough days, I stay focused on helping students reach their full potential. When challenges arise, I lean on the Community Outreach team and mentors, and we find solutions. Knowing our work truly changes lives keeps me energised and committed.”

Outside of Petrojam’s scholarship programme, Jaggon serves as a director of her church’s scholarship initiative and coordinates weekly meals for over 30 people, and distributes care packages to those in need within her church community.

“Volunteer time, mentor programme involvement, advocacy for resource equity, financial support for scholarships, and a deep willingness to serve humanity, embody a life built on service beyond self,” she noted.

“Give to gain and help write the next chapter in a student’s success story.”