What We believe

 

What we believe.

At our core, we believe that anyone interested in learning and self-development should have an opportunity to do so.

We also believe that mentorship is an incredibly effective way to share knowledge and develop young leaders. However, too many young Jamaicans do not have access to one-on-one mentorship opportunities.

Our Solution

To bridge this gap, we created the Leadership Development Initiative; an online space meant to disrupt the traditional approach to mentorship and provide FREE access to mentorship advice as well as tools and resources for leadership development.  

Our Mission

We seek to empower young adults to develop leadership skills by taking mentorship advice generally available to a select few and making it accessible to all. 

In doing so, we hope to help young Jamaicans discover new tools and learn new skills so that they can grow and become leaders of the next generation.

 

Board of Directors

Our leadership is made up of experienced professionals who are passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders. We work tirelessly to provide mentorship programs, scholarships, and other resources that help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to achieve their goals. Get to know our team and discover how we can help you or someone you know on their path to success."

  • Marc Frankson, a dynamic young entrepreneur, plays a pivotal role as a partner and Operations Manager at Designs by Marc Limited, a distinguished family-owned garment manufacturing enterprise. As a key member of the leadership team, Marc drives the company's strategic vision, focusing on growth and expansion.

    A strong advocate for mentorship, Marc collaborates with organizations like The Y.U.T.E. program and the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship to empower and guide aspiring entrepreneurs. A well-rounded individual, he enjoys reading, running, and exploring the world, having visited 18 countries and counting.

    After graduating from Ardenne High School, Marc pursued higher education at Howard University in Washington DC. He further honed his business acumen at Harvard Business School, acquiring valuable insights into change management and leadership development.

    In addition to his professional achievements, Marc actively contributes to the community by serving on the board of directors for the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) and the National Compliance and Regulatory Agency (NCRA). As past Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network (JHUAN), Marc continues to support and uplift future generations of leaders.

  • Ida-Gaye Warburton Frankson is the Principal Consultant for Warton Consulting Limited. She is an attorney with over 17 years’ experience, in both the public and private sector, particularly in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Contracts and Compliance. Prior to starting Warton Consulting, she was the Director of Legal Affairs and Company Secretary at the Spectrum Management Authority of Jamaica for 7 years. During her career in the public sector, she had the opportunity to represent Jamaica in the capacity of Vice-Chairman (2014-2015) and Chairman (2015-2016) of the International Telecommunication Satellite Organization (ITSO) Advisory Committee.

    She is registered to practice in the State of Virginia, USA and in Jamaica. She holds a BSc in Public Affairs from the Bernard M. Baruch College (CUNY), USA, a Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law, USA and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School, Jamaica. Ida-Gaye is also a Certified Mediator and a Justice of the Peace.

    Currently she sits on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Development Initiative and McIntosh Bedding Company Limited and also serves as Company Secretary for several companies.

  • Warren Thompson is a seasoned Operations Professional boasting 15 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry. With an unwavering focus on optimizing the client experience journey, Warren has honed his skills in business continuity management, client relations, problem-solving, vendor management, and compliance management.

    Adept at analyzing operational reports spanning online banking support to audit planning, Warren utilizes his expertise to drive branch compliance improvements. As a collaborative team leader, he thrives on finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, wielding his exceptional analytical skills, critical thinking, and interpersonal abilities to inspire both his team and leadership to achieve strategic goals.

    Warren's educational background includes the prestigious Kingston College and studying Business at The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, laying a solid foundation for his impressive career. Passionate about the power of mentorship, he actively provides guidance, support, and encouragement to help others overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

    Committed to giving back to his Jamaican community, Warren is determined to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of young people. Through his dedication to mentorship, he hopes to foster a brighter future for both individuals and his beloved country.

  • Jehan White is an Associate Psychologist at Tea House Therapy in Kingston, Jamaica. She is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional whose expertise in mental health counseling and case management has made a profound impact on the lives of her diverse clientele. Her unique understanding of human behavior enables her to offer sensitive guidance, helping clients overcome emotional and mental challenges related to addiction and emotional struggles.

    Committed to ongoing professional development, Jehan has acquired valuable certifications and participated in training programs such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Fertility Counseling Postgraduate and Leadership within Healthcare. Jehan's versatile background also includes management and marketing roles, with experience as a Store Manager at La Vie En Rose and as a Marketing and Sales Executive at Caribbean Retail Networks. Prior to moving back to Jamaica, she also served as a Clinical Coordinator at Maple Ridge Treatment Centre in British Columbia, Canada. These leadership positions ignited her passion for the professional development of others. Having leaded a team of over 50 people, she worked closely with others to help develop their interests and skills. Her adaptability and thorough approach have earned her a reputation for excellence in her field.

    With a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Western University, a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Mona School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor, Jehan White is a compelling force in the mental health field.