WLI Honours three
Published:Monday | July 4, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer
Philantrophy is certainly a key ingredient in nation building, and through its mandate which seeks to promote the development of Jamaica, the Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) committee has always been keen on recognising the contributions made by individuals to the growth of their country.
So last week Wednesday, the WLI hosted its 'Celebrating Philanthropy Luncheon', and honoured three outstanding women, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Ruby Martin, Valerie Facey and Michele Rollins were lauded for their contributions to: the Maxfield Park Children's Home and Ward Theatre Foundation; Jamaica Association for the Deaf; and the SOS Children's Village, respectively.
The suite was filled to capacity with many successful women leaders and those aspiring to emulate them. Proceeds from the luncheon will go towards the Voluntary Organisation for the Upliftment of Children (VOUCH). VOUCH has funded several projects which have so far resulted in the improvement of health and educational facilities in downtown Kingston communities.
And what would a luncheon of this nature be without an astute speaker? Well it's safe to say guests were provided with one, as associate professor of finance and director of the Global Business Perspectives Programme at Goizueta Business School of Emory University in Atlanta, Jeffrey Rosenweig, took up the invitation as guest speaker.
Speaking on the topic 'Winning the Global Game', Professor Rosenweig, among many things, linked the Jamaican Diaspora to the growth of the local economy, citing that while some may say there is brain drain in the island, it actually has positives as it brings millions worth of foreign exchange through remittances. According to him, the quality, culture and talent of Jamaicans inevitably contribute to the economy, and he stressed the importance of investing in education for the youths.