GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

JOSEPH M. MATALON – CD, B.Sc. (Hons.) Econ., CHAIRMAN

Public service is in the genes of the Matalon family, so you could say I am simply following an imperative in my own genetic makeup. I am very passionate about Jamaica and Jamaican people and our potential for greatness; what better place to focus my philanthropic efforts then than on our youth who are the embodiment of that potential?

ALICIA GLASGOW GENTLES – MBA, BA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

My work has long been guided by a desire to empower and make a difference in the lives of young people. I genuinely feel that one can have critical and powerful influence, and provide positive guidance in a person’s life during their youth. It is the period that often determines the trajectory of adult life – whether a young person becomes a happy and productive citizen, or falls into negative patterns. It is an honour and privilege for me to do the work I love – to facilitate opportunities for young people, especially those at-risk. My objective is to help them develop and pursue the visions they hold for themselves; to believe in, encourage and assist them to strive for success and thrive at learning at work, in relationships with others, at life in general.

CRISTINA MATALON – MBA, B.Sc, COMPANY SECRETARY

I have been associated with YUTE as Company Secretary since its inception, when the Chairman asked me to contribute my time to this worthy cause. Over the years I have seen the organisation grow and adapt to changing times in a way that allows it to fulfill its mandate of providing job-specific training and employment to young persons in at-risk communities. On a daily basis, I see the work and enthusiasm of YUTE’s management, staff and volunteers, and hear about the many lives that YUTE touches and makes better. I am proud to serve the organisation alongside a very committed and hard-working Board of Directors, led by a Chairman who has the vision, expertise and generosity of spirit to make a change.

VIKRAM DHIMAN – MBA, B.Sc, CA, CPA

Young people are our future, particularly those that are underprivileged or don’t have access to resources, education and tools to make their lives better. Through YUTE, we as a board are able to bring together skills, resources, tools and funds to help these young people. My contribution provides meaning to my life as an individual and I am happy to give my time and skills to helping others who need that assistance. 

PATRICIA DUNCAN-SUTHERLAND

SANDRA GLASGOW – MBA, BSc.

It has been my absolute pleasure to have been part of the team which initiated the YUTE programme. I am elated to be now serving on the organisation’s Board of Directors, lending my skills and experience to helping raise awareness of YUTE’s vision, mission and programmes, and enlisting support from the community for this important work. My passion is in helping to provide opportunities for young people in our inner city communities, who, having benefitted from life skills and employability training, mentorship and care, can take their rightful place in society, improve their lives and those of their family members and make this little island a better place.

DR. THE HON. R. DANVERS ‘DANNY’ WILLIAMS – O.J., C.D., HON. LL.D., J.P, C.L.U.

I serve as a Director of YUTE because I wish to see my country progress and this can only happen if all the people who live in Jamaica have a chance to develop and help themselves. This will only happen when education and training are available to all who want it. To this end, throughout my lifetime, I have not only given financial assistance but I have also shared my knowledge and skills with others. Over the years I have encountered many youngsters who once given an opportunity, have made themselves into productive citizens of our country. If all of us who have opportunities get involved, we will succeed in making Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.

DR. RENEE RATTRAY 

My values and life’s work are very much aligned with the organization’s mission to support the growth and development of Jamaica’s young people. As an educator, it is my view that every person has greatness within, and that young persons, in particular, need only to be given the right opportunities and environment in which to thrive and make big impact on society.

MAKEBA BENNETT-EASY – MSc, BSc

I decided to join the MYF Board because it aligns directly with my passion for human capital development. Having spent over eighteen years working in Human Resources & Organizational Development, I understand the importance of life skills and other critical competencies being developed at an early age. I am eager to share my ideas, utilize my experience and partner with the existing MYF team to continue empowering young people in inner-city communities to become their best selves