The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), in collaboration with Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO), hosted a speed mentorship event on August 30, designed to empower and equip youth beneficiaries with essential skills for personal and professional growth.

The seven mentees, most of whom are 2024 COJO scholars, were recruited through the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

The collaboration between COJO and WLI was inspired by the late Marcia Erskine, who was beloved by both organisations and actively involved in their missions before passing.  Her legacy of mentorship and empowerment continues today, with Marcia Erskine and Associates, led by her son Machel Erskine, also partnering with WLI and COJO to provide public relations services for the programme.

The 2025 mentees included: David Bernard, Rayon Davis, Nicola Campbell, Rianna Bryan, Kendra McFarlane, Marisha Peddie, and Damion James. The event brought together a distinguished group of WLI mentors: Sharon Lake, Mellissa McHargh, Grace Burnett, Marjorie Kennedy, Renee Menzies McCallum, Roxann Linton, and Machel Erskine.

The mentorship programme focused on four interactive themes—career navigation and planning, workplace readiness, skills and development, and corporate culture dynamics—with mentees rotating through stations for tailored discussions. They were also provided with note sheets on mentorship, podcast recommendations for continued learning, and were encouraged to share their knowledge with peers to create a ripple effect of improvement in their communities.

In addition to receiving mentoring, each mentee was presented with the Future Leaders Award, valued at J$20,000 and funded by both the DaCosta family in honour of the late WLI member, Jacqueline DaCosta and the WLI.

Initiative chair Roxann Linton praised the partnerships that made the event possible: “This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration. Together with COJO, CPFSA, and our sponsors, we are not only investing in individuals but in the future of Jamaica.”

Grace Burnett, mentorship committee chair, reflected on the value of the work done by the group: “At WLI, we believe in mentorship as a tool for transformation. By investing in young people today, we are preparing leaders who will shape Jamaica’s tomorrow.”

Mellissa McHargh, deputy chair of WLI and the mentorship committee, explained the structure of the initiative: “Our aim was to create a safe and impactful space where mentees could explore career paths, build readiness for the workplace, strengthen their skill sets, and understand the dynamics of corporate culture.”

Sandrina Davis, general manager of the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, and GK Capital’s retail wealth advisor Oshane Allen were guest speakers at the event.

Davis highlighted that “Mentorship is about building trust, setting expectations, and creating sustainable relationships between mentor and mentee. This foundation is what allows real growth to happen.”

Allen provided financial guidance: “Mentorship and financial literacy go hand-in-hand. Early guidance and investment can make the difference between surviving and thriving.”

Rayon Davis, a 2024 COJO Scholarship recipient and mentee, shared his perspective: “The mentorship programme gave me clarity on how to prepare for the workplace and make the right choices for my future. I feel better equipped, and I plan to share what I’ve learned with others so they, too, can benefit.”

Sponsors and partners played a vital role in ensuring the event’s success.

The Lake Group and the Restaurants Associates Limited generously hosted the sessions at their corporate headquarters, providing refreshments, venue support, and meal vouchers for the mentees valid across Popeye’s, Little Caesars, and Burger King.  In addition, J$10,000 book vouchers were provided by GK Capital for use at Kingston Bookshop, enhancing access to educational resources.  In addition, WLI also expressed gratitude to CPFSA for its role in identifying the deserving students,

The event celebrated the leadership potential of the 2024 COJO Scholarship recipients, highlighting their strengths and commitment to excellence and underscoring WLI’s continued focus on supporting the growth and development of young people who require guidance and opportunities to realise their full potential.