Happenings In Our Community

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Another Jamaican Doing Well

UConn Hartford Names Director of Academic Affairs

Saran Stewart has been named Director of Academic Affairs at UConn Hartford

Associate Professor, Saran Stewart, has been named Director of Academic Affairs for UConn Hartford. Since 2020 she has been teaching in the Department of Educational Leadership at the Neag School of Education.

Campus Director Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, in announcing the appointee for the new position says, “I am excited to work with Dr. Stewart, as she supports our faculty and their teaching and research on campus. In addition to her years of experience working in senior administration as the Deputy Dean of the College of Humanities and Education at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Stewart’s research and teaching expertise will further UConn Hartford’s mission to engage in experiential learning opportunities and solution-oriented services in the state capital that change communities for the better.”

In this campus role, Dr. Stewart will work with faculty and serve as the primary faculty partner in the Campus Director’s Office to provide support and guidance related to academic matters. She began the position at UConn Hartford on August 23, 2022. She will continue teaching courses in Educational Leadership.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Stewart has over 13 years of experience as a higher education administrator, professor, and scholar-activist across the globe. She serves as Director of Global Education at the Neag School. Her areas of specialization are in international and comparative higher education; the experiences of marginalized faculty and staff in higher education utilizing intersectionality, critical race theory, postcolonial, decolonial, (post)diasporic, and critical and

inclusive pedagogical theories; and teaching and learning in local and global contexts, especially in the Caribbean. Saran holds a BA (English and International Studies), MA (International Administration), MBA (Marketing) and Ph.D. in Higher Education with concentration in Diversity and Higher Learning and specialization in International Education Development.

“I am excited to be working with such an incredible community at the Hartford Campus committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion,” Stewart says. “I am particularly looking forward to supporting the amazing faculty and their continued commitment to our students’ success and the wider Hartford community.”

Dr. Saran Stewart, newly appointed Director of Academic Affairs at UConn Hartford (contributed photo).

LET US GET TO $100,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, PACEMAKERS AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Supporting a Brighter Future: Continue Your Donations to Jamaica Independence Gala Causes

At the heart of every thriving community lies a commitment to making a difference in the lives of its members. The Jamaica Independence Gala New York embodies this spirit wholeheartedly, dedicating itself to the pursuit of meaningful charitable causes that uplift our community and leave a lasting impact. As we stand on the precipice of change, we implore you to continue supporting the projects that define our mission.

This year, our focus remains steadfast on three crucial pillars:

1. Scholarships for Tertiary Education: Education is the key that unlocks a world of opportunities, and at the Jamaica Independence Gala, we are unwavering in our determination to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations. We are proud to announce our commitment to providing a minimum of 30 scholarships to deserving individuals pursuing higher education. Your donations have already made a substantial difference in the lives of these ambitious students, enabling them to reach for the stars and grasp their dreams with both hands.

2. Medical Equipment for Young Lives: The well-being of our children is of paramount importance, and we are dedicated to lending a helping hand to those in need of critical medical care. Through your generosity, we aim to purchase pacemakers for young children facing health challenges. This endeavor not only improves their quality of life but also offers hope to families in their time of need. Your continued support can light up the lives of these young souls and bring smiles to their faces.

3. Empowering Community Development: Communities are the backbone of our society, and we believe in empowering them to thrive. We are proud to support the following organizations dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of our community members:

• The YB Afraid Foundation: Established by the illustrious Yohan Blake, this foundation provides invaluable financial support to children’s homes, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are given the care and opportunities they deserve.

• Rose Town Foundation: Operating at the grassroots level, this local organization tirelessly works to improve the lives of residents in underserved communities, fostering a sense of hope and belonging where it is needed most.

• Enos Barrett Centre for Rehabilitation: This facility in Linstead provides essential services for young individuals living with disabilities, offering them the chance to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities. Your donations directly impact the well-being and progress of these remarkable individuals.

The projects supported by the Jamaica Independence Gala New York are not just initiatives; they are lifelines that connect us all, transcending borders and backgrounds. As we continue to make strides towards positive change, we urge you to stand with us and support these critical endeavors. Your donations, no matter the size, contribute to a brighter, more promising future for our community.

To continue your generous contributions or make a new donation, please visit our website at https://donorbox.org/jmcauses. Together, we can forge a stronger, more compassionate community that leaves no one behind.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. Your commitment to these causes is the cornerstone upon which our community’s future is built. Together, we will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.

SCAN TO DONATE

Join D’Marsh Couture at NYFW! Celebrating 20 Years!

D’Marsh Couture takes great pleasure in extending an invitation to the esteemed members of the Diaspora, distinguished fashion enthusiasts, and our cherished supporters to join us in celebrating an illustrious journey spanning two decades in the realm of fashion.

Originating in the picturesque island of Jamaica in 2003, our voyage has been marked by unwavering dedication, artistic flair, and an unyielding commitment to sartorial excellence. With immense gratitude for your invaluable patronage, both domestically and internationally, we have flourished into a renowned name in the world of fashion.

In commemoration of this significant milestone, D’Marsh Couture cordially invites you to our exclusive 20th Anniversary Show, a pinnacle event to be held during the esteemed New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Date: Monday, September 11th, 2023

Venue: [To Be Announced]

This occasion promises to be an evening of unparalleled grandeur, where fashion, sophistication, and the celebration of two decades of D’Marsh Couture’s relentless pursuit of style and innovation will take center stage. Our runway will be graced with the latest creations and collections, meticulously curated to encapsulate the metamorphosis of our brand.

We would be honored by your presence at this opulent celebration. To confirm your attendance and secure your reservation at our 20th Anniversary Show, we kindly request you to send an email to info@houseofdmarsh.com. Our dedicated team will promptly furnish you with the official invitation and all requisite particulars to facilitate your participation in this exceptional affair.

Kindly visit our website at www.dmarshcouture.com to gain deeper insights into the odyssey of our brand, peruse our exquisite collections, and catch a glimpse of the future that lies ahead.

As we prepare to mark this momentous milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support over the years. It is our privilege to share this moment with you, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating in your esteemed company.

Please join us in a toast to two decades of D’Marsh Couture, and let us collectively craft an anniversary celebration that shall forever remain etched in memory. We earnestly look forward to your esteemed presence at NYFW on September 11th, 2023.