JCA 202-2021 ELECTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Please meet your New Elected JCA Board of Directors for 2019-2021
JCA PRESIDENT – Adaoma Patterson
Adaoma Patterson was born and raised in Winnipeg but spent several years in Jamaica attending Vas Prep School. She is currently an Advisor for Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy. This is a division in the Human Services Department in charge of leading the implementation of a three-year community strategy.
Adaoma was previously the Executive Secretary on the board of directors of JCA, lead the recent transformation of JCA, and has been a member for more than 15 years. She was a 2010 DiverseCity Fellow, one of 25 emerging leaders in the GTA and a member of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance’s Steering Committee & a former federal NDP candidate. She is the proud mother of a 14 year-old son.
Adaoma can be reached at president@jcaontario.org
JCA VICE-PRESIDENT – Michelle McKenzie-Dolly
Michelle was born in Lucea, Jamaica and spent most of her adult life living in Montego Bay before arriving in Canada in 2010. She has a strong commitment to Community Development having participated in numerous community development initiatives / organizations, to include: National Housing Trust Joint Schemes Association, Social Development Commission and being an integral part of the Cornwall Court Citizens’ Association. As a School Guidance Counsellor she served as a Community Liaison Officer fostering the integration between the school and the wider community.
Her passion for Community Development led her to pursue higher education in this area. The journey led her to pursue a Masters Degree in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto OISE.
Michelle has been employed in the Peel Shelter Housing Services since 2010 and has served in several leadership roles leading to her current position of Director of Employee Relations.
Michelle is new to the JCA having focused on working full time and studying part time since her arrival. With the newcomer settlement phase almost complete, she has joined the JCA Team with a strong commitment to serving the community in this new capacity.
Michelle can be reached at vicepresident@jcaontario.org
JCA EXECUTIVE SECRETARY – Audrey Miller Raybould
Audrey can be reached at execsec@jcaontario.org
JCA TREASURER – David Betty, CPA, CMA, CAM
David hails from St. Mary, Jamaica where he attended St. Mary’s High School until he relocated to Kingston, where he completed high school at Jamaica College. David is a broker/owner of Sunbelle Realty Ltd, an independent real estate brokerage located in Brampton, Ontario. Prior to migrating to Canada, David excelled in the Jamaican banking sector until he joined the public sector as the first Senior Economist at the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission.
In addition to his role on the JCA Board of Directors, David is also a member of the Executives of the Lions Circle, an afro-centric non-profit leadership organization. David’s academic achievements include an undergraduate degree in Economics and Accounting and a graduate degree in Economics, both from the University of the West Indies. David is also a Chartered Professional Accountant.
David is thrilled to be able to contribute to furthering the vision of the JCA as it delivers programs and services aimed at improving the prominence of the Jamaican, Caribbean and African diaspora in the Canadian society.
David can be reached at treasurer@jcaontario.org
JCA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS – Kashane Denton
Kashane Denton is Jamaican by birth and spent her formative years there. She moved to Canada where she pursued studies in Project Management after completing her first Degree in Finance and Banking. Kashane is passionate about the land of her birth and has always been actively involved in promoting culture and giving back whenever possible. Growing up she participated in JCDC activities and received various awards for the Performing Arts at the National level. She even placed top 3 in the Festival Queen competition for St. James.
Kashane currently works in Digitization and Technology Projects as well as with the Homeless Adults, Youths and Victims of Abuse as a Supervisor at the Shelters. Kashane has previous experience in Teaching, Child Rights Research and Credit Administration. Her curiosity of the world sees her travelling whenever possible. In addition to being the Director of Communications, Kashane is Regional Youth Leader in Canada for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council. Outside of work, Kashane is a proud big sister, caring friend, passionate sports fan and lover of books.
JCA DIRECTOR AT LARGE – Yolande Davidson
Yolande is a seasoned and dynamic public policy professional who uses creativity, strategy and acuity to bring information, people and results together. Through progressive roles in the Ontario Public Service, most recently as a Senior Manager in the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Yolande has demonstrated her skills as an expert planner, critical thinker and leader who delivers concrete outcomes.
In addition to her role with the JCA Board of Directors, Yolande has volunteered with young people in conflict with the law for nearly ten years. A believer in lifelong learning, Yolande’s academic credentials include undergraduate studies in Political Science at Queen’s University and graduate studies in Public Policy and Administration at York University.
As a proud Jamaican Canadian, Yolande is excited to contribute to the valuable work of the JCA, ensuring its continued legacy now and into the future.
Yolande can be reached at director2@jcaontario.org
JCA DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING – Michelle Davis
Michelle can be reached at Fundraisingcommittee@jcaontario.org
JCA DIRECTOR AT LARGE – Benito Palomino
Benito can be reached at director@jcaontario.org
