Tishauna Mullings named ‘Supreme Hero’ as SVF celebrates community changemakers

As Jamaicans get ready to recognise and celebrate their national heroes on October 20, time is also being taken to take note of those unsung heroes who give back to their communities every day.

Counted among these community heroes is Tishauna Mullings, chief success officer of NexxStepp Lifelong Educational Services, who recently earned the title of 2025 Supreme Hero after emerging the winner of the Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) Supreme Heroes programme.

After a call for public nominations in 2024, five exceptional community heroes were shortlisted in the programme: Abiathar Neita, Matthew Prendergast, Nicholas McKenzie, Tanisha Richards-Whyte, and Mullings. Notably, Prendergast was returning for a second chance, having been part of the second cohort but unable to complete the full programme at that time. The Foundation said its decision to invite him back highlights the programme’s commitment to supporting persistent changemakers.

Over the past eight months, all five heroes participated in capacity-building training and entrepreneurial development workshops through the Mona Entrepreneurial and Commercialisation Centre (MECC) at The University of the West Indies. Each executed an individual community project funded by grants from the SVF, designed to create sustainable, measurable impact in their communities.

Following a period of public voting and assessment by SVF-appointed judges, the culmination of their journey came at the Supreme Heroes Grand Finals on October 9 at the ROK Hotel in Kingston, where Mullings was announced as the 2025 Supreme Hero.

“I’m overwhelmed!” said Mullings, reacting to the announcement. Her Little Genius initiative empowers children as young as eight years old to think critically, innovate, and become future changemakers. The St Thomas native hailed her mother as her inspiration and expressed gratitude to the SVF for conceptualising the programme.

“Many years ago I had a vision of helping young people to find their voice, and while I wasn’t sure how I would do it, the never-give-up attitude and inventiveness I witnessed in my mother inspired me to keep going. As a social entrepreneur, it is sometimes difficult to carry out the mission. I’m so grateful to Supreme Ventures Foundation for creating this programme and giving us all this amazing platform.”

However, while one name was called, every finalist was celebrated as a true changemaker – a testament to the programme’s purpose of recognising those who give, lead, and uplift, even with limited means.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITIES

This year’s Supreme Heroes have transformed challenges into opportunities for their communities.

Richards-Whyte, of St Catherine and founder of Tan Tan Wholesale Enterprises, worked to repair a busy thoroughfare that had long been a safety concern for residents. Known for her grassroots spirit, she also hosts annual Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day treats in her community.

“Even with limited resources, there’s always room to give back,” she shared. “It doesn’t take much to help those in need; sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that mean the most.”

Abiathar Neita, of Neita’s Funeral Services & Supplies, has built a business grounded in compassion. His project repaired the roofs of three homes and provided startup support for a youth entrepreneur.

“People in the community often come to me asking for help,” he said. “I do what I can, because that’s what community is, helping each other stand.”

Prendergast, founder of Jamaica Bike Life in St Andrew, has turned his love for bikes into a mentorship programme for young men. His recent project saw the construction of a new vending cart for ‘Ms Fatty’, a beloved vendor outside Ardenne High School.

“Being named a Supreme Hero reminds me that the small things we do to guide others really matter,” he said.

Nicholas McKenzie, owner of Kritical Defensive Driving School in Kingston, focuses on road safety education. He has trained hundreds of Jamaicans, especially women, to drive defensively and navigate Jamaica’s roads with confidence.

“Driving is more than just a skill,” McKenzie explained. “It’s about awareness, discipline, and helping others stay safe. If I can make one driver more confident, that’s one less accident waiting to happen.”

Beyond their projects, each hero’s journey was shaped by training with Change Makers Ltd and MECC, which provided them with leadership coaching, entrepreneurial guidance, and practical tools to ensure their initiatives were sustainable.

Samantha Chantrelle, managing director of Change Makers Ltd, commended their resilience and drive.

“Development is never easy. It’s complex and demanding. Our Supreme Heroes redesigned and refined their projects again and again because they understood that for real impact to take root, projects must meet people where they live, in ways that truly change lives.”

Collin Fuller, senior entrepreneur in residence at MECC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the programme’s unique ability to inspire innovation through purpose.

“We look forward to the Supreme Heroes each year. They’re dynamic, passionate, and deeply committed to nation-building. Our role is to help them develop the entrepreneurial tools and structure needed to make their work sustainable long-term.”

Heather Goldson, director of the SVF, reflected on the Foundation’s continued commitment to uplifting communities through initiatives like the Supreme Heroes Programme. “This initiative is about amplifying the voices and work of everyday Jamaicans who are changing their communities from the ground up,” said Goldson. “Each of our heroes has proven that when you lead with heart and purpose, even the smallest act can create a ripple of hope and progress.”

That ripple was felt deeply during the grand finals, where ‘Ms Jenny’, the very first Supreme Hero from the inaugural cohort, shared words of encouragement.

“Never give up, and always give, even when you don’t have much. Give from your heart, because you never know who’s watching.”

Leighton McKnight, director at Supreme Ventures Limited, in delivering the keynote address, reminded attendees of why community service matters now more than ever.

“With all that’s happening in our society, we need more heroes,” he said. “Despite my own achievements, I take the most pride in giving back. I do what I can, so that’s one less person to worry about.”

As the third cohort of the Supreme Heroes Programme comes to a close, its impact continues to expand far beyond the event stage. Through mentorship, training, and grants that empower grassroots change, the programme continues to cultivate a network of Jamaicans committed to helping one another, proving once again that heroism is not about recognition, but responsibility, empathy, and heart.

The SVF remains committed to identifying, training, and uplifting community leaders across Jamaica. Applications for the fourth cohort of the Supreme Heroes Programme will be announced in due course.