Having built a career in logistics and supply chain management, and started her company, Panoptica Logistics Limited, in 2022, Latoya E Ellis saw it as a natural progression to pass on the knowledge she acquired over the years.

As an experienced logistics and supply chain entrepreneur and educator, she endeavoured to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the communities Panoptica serves. Though she founded the Lotoya Elisia Ellis Scholarship Fund in 2011, offering educational opportunities to students Yallahs High School getting ready to pursue logistics and supply chain management, the entrepreneur knew it was not enough.

It was through Panoptica Logistsics’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that Ellis was able to realise an even greater impact. The company specialises in third-party logistics (3PL) services with a mission of delivering innovative and efficient solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs.

“The company recognises that investing in education and workforce development is essential for creating a sustainable future. These efforts focus on empowering the next generation of logistics and supply chain professionals, fostering learning opportunities, and giving back to communities,” Ellis told Our Today.

A new look

With this mission as a guide, Ellis, through Panoptica Logistics, revamped the scholarship fund with the offer of $1.2 million, “aiming not only to help students reach their academic goals but also to prepare them for rewarding careers in the industry”.

In December 2024, Panoptica Logistics signed an MOU with Brown’s Town Community College (BTCC), creating a medium for students to access scholarship and internship opportunities in the logistics and supply chain management programme, as well as the professional tractor-trailer driving programme.

Present at the signing were Principal Claudeth Haughton; Vice Principal Jackie Thelwel; Philwany Graham, human resource manager; Verona Maxwell (Dean of BTCC Academy & Corporate Education), Sandra Brown-Ferrigon, head of School for Business & Entrepreneurship; Renardo Miles, lecturer in logistics, Lloy Baile, marketing officer; and Ellis.

“We are thrilled to offer our students these life-changing opportunities as we continue ‘Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities’,” Haughton shared.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum B average and meet other requirements.

Giving back with sentimental value

Ellis has extended the scholarship offer to Excelsior Community College, where students of the Yallahs High School have matriculated into the logistics and supply chain programme.

According to Philmore McCarthy, principal of Excelsior Community College, “This partnership is a big step for our young adults’ education. Working with Panoptica Limited gives our students more opportunities and shows our commitment.”

“By collaborating with local schools, institutions, and organisations, Panoptica Logistics strives to make a meaningful impact on community development, promote sustainability, and inspire others to contribute to a brighter future for all,” Ellis said while expressing her enthusiasm for the programme.

While noting that the scholarship reflects the organisation’s core value of “Constant Learning”, it also reinforces Panoptica’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. By complementing the scholarship with internship opportunities, Panoptica not only fosters education but also empowers individuals and communities through employment.

Yet the partnership with Excelsior Community College has an even more sentimental value for the Panoptica founder.

“As a proud graduate of Yallahs High School, it brings me immense joy to revitalise this scholarship program for my YHS Family,” she explained.

Panoptica will also support two students from Yallahs High School for the academic year 2024 – 2025. For the 2025 – 2026 academic year, they plan to increase that support to four students until they graduate from their associate degree programme.

Principal of Yallahs High School Mark Malabver highlighted the positive impact of this scholarship on the students’ future.

“This partnership is a prolific way to nurture our students and build the workforce of tomorrow. Many of our students face financial challenges in accessing tertiary education, and this initiative will help them realise their dreams. When there is a trail, you should always light a candle for those following behind,” he remarked.

At Excelsior, Ellis has plans to expand Panoptica’s support to include information and communication technology students. The consulting arm of the company, Panoptica Consulting Limited (PCL), which specialises in providing business strategy, logistics, and supply chain management solutions, along with professional education programmes, has entered a partnership with the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA), to offer globally recognised courses designed to upskill and empower individuals.