One Eleuthera Foundation: Annual Impact Report 2024-2025

About Us

Who We Are:

One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a nonprofit community development organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Led by a committed team and Board of Directors, OEF is part of an organic collaboration of different community actors and organizations that have recognized the island’s challenges, opportunities, and assets and have committed to developing a comprehensive, sustainable plan for Eleuthera. We represent a gathering of professionals and organizations that share a commitment to A Shared Vision for South Eleuthera built on the responsible stewardship and development of our island’s many assets and resources.

One Eleuthera Foundation of the U.S. (OEF-US) is a registered 501(c)3 headquartered in the Carolinas. Founded in 2016, its mission is to support the work of OEF and its partners as they transform local communities into thriving, successful, and scalable models of sustainable development and progressive change.

Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is an Eleuthera-based nonprofit birthed and powered by OEF. As the primary education and innovation arm of OEF, CTI’s mission is to develop students through technical training. CTI’s vision is to become the country’s leading institution for tertiary training and skills development, focused on driving local innovation and creating economic opportunities in areas critical to the sustainable development of Eleuthera and The Bahamas.

CTI’s three social enterprises include Farmer’s Table restaurant, The Retreat Hotel and The Farm at CTI. Located at our Rock Sound campus and powered by OEF, these nonprofit operations provide handson industry training for students. Proceeds from our supportive customers help offset labor, food costs and other direct expenses. Any excess proceeds are reinvested into the operations and programs. Through offering various programs in agriculture, culinary arts, hospitality, and the construction trades, OEF and CTI are empowering and developing the island’s workforce.

This Year’s Theme:

“ROOTED: From Seed to Strength”

This year’s theme captures the heart of OEF’s journey, one rooted in resilience and sustainability, guided by vision, and flourishing through community and connection. As a place-based Bahamian nonprofit, we understand that lasting change starts with nurturing the smallest seeds: a young person receiving a quality education, families accessing nutritious food, new entrepreneurs growing roots, and communities reclaiming their cultural heritage and a pathway to economic growth. We are proud to work alongside committed community members, partners, and donors in cultivating an equitable future where every seed planted leads to a harvest of abundant opportunities, resilience, and strength.

Authors: Yolanda Pawar | Lane Glaze | Keyron Smith

Co-Author: Jatonia Bethel

Design: Renée Regnier

Photography: Yolanda Pawar | Jatonia Bethel | Jade Sands

Front Cover Photo: Glass Window Studios glasswindowstudios.com

VISION: To facilitate Eleuthera in becoming a thriving, inclusive, and equitable community-driven ecosystem for sustainable development, social empowerment, and economic ownership.

From the Chairman

Anton Sealey | Chairman

When One Eleuthera Foundation began, we started with a handful of “seeds,” ideas, relationships, and a vision for what Eleuthera could become when its people’s strength and potential were fully supported. Today, we see those seeds growing strong into thriving programs, empowered communities, and opportunities that were once only dreams.

The heartbeat of OEF has always been the resilience of the people of Eleuthera. Eleutherans have faced challenges with courage, embraced change with hope, and built solutions with their own hands. It is this spirit that inspires everything we do.

Our role as a Board is to guide this vision, to steward every resource with care, and to ensure that our mission is never compromised. Over the years, our steady presence has earned trust, not just through words, but through consistent action. Because of this, OEF is now not only a strong organization, but a trusted partner in shaping a better future.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our partners, and the hands-on involvement of our community members. Together, we form an ecosystem where each contribution, large or small, nurtures growth and multiplies impact.

1 PLANNING and innovating for a sustainable future.

MISSION: To transform communities into thriving, successful, and scalable models of sustainable development and progressive change. We accomplish this through planning, strengthening, and connecting. 2 STRENGTHENING people, communities, key organizations, and partners. 3

CONNECTING communities to knowledge, resources, and capital to effect sustainable development and progressive long-term change.

The journey is far from over. The seeds we plant today will provide shade, nourishment, and opportunity for generations to come. I invite you to keep planting with us, to give your time, share your talents, and invest in the future of Eleuthera.

Thank you for walking this journey alongside us. Together, we are not just building projects, we are building a lasting legacy of hope, strength, and possibility.

Anton Sealey Chairman

Anton Sealey

At the heart of One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) lies a simple but prevailing truth: the smallest seeds can yield the greatest strength. This year’s theme, “ROOTED: From Seed to Strength,” reflects the story of our island, our people, and our organization. It is a story rooted in resilience, guided by vision, and one that flourishes through connection.

As a place-based Bahamian nonprofit on Eleuthera, we know that long-term change often begins with the planting of a single seed: a young person gaining access to education, a family receiving nutritious food, an entrepreneur daring to launch a dream and provide a solution to a community challenge, or a community reclaiming its cultural heritage. When nurtured with care, these seeds grow into opportunity, resilience, and collective strength.

This year, we have witnessed remarkable growth across our five key focus areas: education, economy, environment, health, and heritage. Through CTI, we have expanded and increased our vocational training, equipping learners with the education and skills to unlock employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. To support the economy, we have strengthened local farms and social enterprises, created jobs, awarded grants and scholarships, and laid the groundwork for a nonprofit accelerator to build capacity within the third sector.

In advancing regenerative agriculture, ecotour guide training and the development of our birdwatching

From the Desk of the CEO

Keyron Smith | President & CEO

and nature trail, we have taken steps to prioritize safeguarding ecosystems for generations to come. Through innovative programs like the Eleuthera Health Enhancement and Lifestyle Program (H.E.L.P.) and in collaboration with our community partners, OEF continues to promote healthy lifestyles. Simultaneously, we are continuing to preserve Eleuthera’s cultural identity by endorsing and supporting local festivals and projects that nurture Bahamian pride and a sense of belonging.

These results remind us that seeds planted with care grow into lasting strength. Behind every program and grant is a life changed, a family strengthened, and a community improved. However, none of this progress happens in isolation. Donors, community leaders, government partners, schools, and international allies have joined hands with us, multiplying our reach and deepening our impact.

Looking ahead, we will build on this momentum by expanding food security initiatives, providing more grants and scholarships, introducing a new pilot swimming program in our primary schools in South Eleuthera, and developing the Social Good Accelerator into a hub for nonprofit excellence. With innovation, adaptability, and collaboration as our guiding principles, we are preparing Eleuthera to serve as a model of community-driven development for The Bahamas and beyond.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. Your dedication ensures that what we plant today will continue to yield a harvest of opportunity for the people of Eleuthera for years to come.

Cotton Bay Fund Scholarship Recipient Spotlight

Tiara McKinney, Class of 2025

• 4-Year Cotton Bay Fund Scholarship Grant Recipient

• Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, USA

• Double Major: Bachelor’s in Psychology & Spanish

“As I prepare to graduate, I reflect on my experience at Dickinson College and what I have learned thus far. I am grateful for the Cotton Bay Fund’s support throughout my journey. Since my sophomore year, I have gained invaluable experience by working as a

teaching assistant in my psychology classes. Recently, I worked as a research assistant with one of my professors, studying the role of impulsivity and peer approval on the vaping frequency of college students. I am in the process of writing a paper for publication that explains the results of this research. Concurrently, I am finalizing my thesis research project that studies how immigrants’ acculturation levels influence their narrative telling and well-being. In the near future, I desire to attend a PhD program in clinical psychology, and the experience that I have gained will assist me in conducting graduatelevel research. My long-term goal is to serve my home community by helping make mental health resources more available and less stigmatized. The Cotton Bay Fund has assisted me in completing the first part of this goal, and I am thankful for their assistance throughout my four-year college journey!”

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through AWE 2025

This summer, OEF in partnership with the U.S. Embassy–Nassau, launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Program on Eleuthera. Set to conclude in October, the program is equipping 27 local women—some already in business and others preparing to launch—with the knowledge, mentorship, and resources needed to grow resilient and sustainable enterprises.

Since its inception in 2019, AWE has empowered more than 350 Bahamian women to start businesses, create jobs, and strengthen their communities. The Eleuthera cohort has joined this growing network, benefiting from intensive training, mentorship, and peer support aimed at closing the economic gap, fostering innovation, and building stronger livelihoods and financial sectors.

Attending the program launch organized by OEF on Eleuthera, Chargé d’Affaires Kimberly Furnish emphasized the program’s significance: “The AWE program is part of the United States’ global

OEF Celebrates 13 Transformative Years with 2nd Annual Harvest Haven Fundraiser

OEF celebrated its 13th anniversary with the 2nd Annual Harvest Haven fundraiser dinner at the CTI campus on May 17th. The evening blended culinary excellence, cultural entertainment, and community spirit, showcasing OEF’s commitment to community and sustainability. Over 100 guests, including donors, partners, students, and beneficiaries, gathered to celebrate and support programs that advance OEF’s sustainable development mission and community programs, like the Learn and Earn scholarships program and the planned CTI North Campus expansion. The Bahamas Striping Group of Companies returned as the event’s esteemed title sponsor.

commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Research shows that closing the economic gap between women and men could boost the global economy by $12 trillion. That is why we invest in women and are pleased to partner with the One Eleuthera Foundation on this initiative.”

As the women enrolled in this AWE cohort cultivate their skills and enterprises, the seeds being planted today reflect OEF’s mission to build strength from the ground up, rooted in community and supported by flourishing entrepreneurial networks to foster greater success.

OEF Gives Local Farmers 10,000 Free Seedlings

OEF’s Eleuthera Farmers’ Seedling Program was a resounding success, distributing 10,000 high-quality, disease-resistant seedlings to local farmers and strengthening the island’s farming industry. Through The Farm at CTI, 5,000 tomato and 5,000 sweet pepper seedlings were produced and shared free of charge. This initiative addressed some major farming challenges, including limited access to quality seeds and the difficulty of growing strong seedlings during the hotter months. By addressing these barriers, the program boosted crop quality, yields, and farmer resilience. A total of 106 beneficiaries (66 farmers, 40 backyard growers) took part; 34 from South Eleuthera, 58 from Central Eleuthera, and 14 from North Eleuthera, ensuring broad community impact.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Kimberly Furnish

Advancing Innovation at the Antigua Forum

When visionary leaders and problem-solvers from around the world convened in January at the Antigua Forum in Guatemala, OEF was at the table. President and CEO Keyron Smith was selected to join this exclusive network of reformers, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, government ministers, and strategists aligned in advancing practical solutions to improve lives and global communities.

The prestigious Antigua Forum is an exclusive

gathering of experts dedicated to addressing real-world challenges and enhancing the well-being of people through human ingenuity and free enterprise.

Unlike traditional conferences, the Antigua Forum focuses on results-driven collaboration. Participants work in small groups with facilitators and experienced peers to refine projects that have the potential to break the status quo and create impact. Keyron was invited to represent OEF and contribute to the Forum’s “brain trust,” as well as pitch OEF’s Social Good Accelerator (SGA). The SGA is an innovative program designed to nurture local nonprofits and social enterprises in achieving their goals and scaling solutions to strengthen community-led development across Eleuthera and The Bahamas.

The Forum offered a unique opportunity to refine strategies for the SGA, build on the existing roadmap, and engage international partners who share OEF’s vision. By planting the Social Good Accelerator in this global arena, OEF is cultivating connections and fostering thought leadership exchanges. This will help the SGA community advance and thrive, remaining locally rooted while being strengthened by cross-border collaboration and shared innovation.

The Farm at CTI: Growing Young Minds Through Agri-education

For many students on Eleuthera, a visit to the Farm at CTI is their first opportunity to explore soil composition, plant a seed, and see rows of diverse vegetables being grown before their eyes. This year, hundreds of primary school children across the island experienced this wonder through OEF’s youth and community engagement programs. Focused on experiential learning and sustainable agriculture, student field trips blend science, exploration, and fun.

Students learn how seeds germinate, why soil health matters, and how communities can grow their own food. Students are able to observe CTI’s revolutionary Oasis Grow House, a retractable-roof cooling house for food production that combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable farming practices. Throughout the year, students from diverse backgrounds visit the farm and discover that agriculture is not only about food systems but also about caring for the land and protecting Eleuthera’s fragile ecosystems.

These moments of curiosity and excitement are at the heart of OEF’s mission. By igniting young people’s passion for agriculture and conservation, OEF is cultivating a generation that values sustainability, champions food security, and carries forward the vision of stronger, healthier communities rooted in resilience and environmental stewardship.

CTI Graduates 84 Students, Building Skills for

a Stronger Eleuthera

This fiscal year, eighty-four students proudly graduated from CTI, advancing their education and equipping themselves with skills to meet Eleuthera’s growing workforce needs. Since its establishment in 2016, CTI has provided hundreds of scholarships, opening doors and unlocking opportunities for students who would not ordinarily have access to post-secondary education.

As the educational and training arm of OEF, CTI delivers nationally accredited programs and effective short courses and workshops that blend academic instruction with practical, hands-on training. In 2025, graduates earned professional certificates in highdemand fields, including carpentry, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, accounting, computer literacy, and electrical installation. Courses were offered at CTI’s main Rock Sound campus in South Eleuthera and its satellite school, CTI-HITS, which serves students from Harbour Island and North Eleuthera.

More than a technical school, CTI provides mentorship and character development that prepares students for meaningful employment and empowers them to contribute to their communities.

As the demand for skilled professionals in fields such as construction, health, hospitality, and tourism increases, CTI remains at the forefront of providing vital training and certification to meet these needs and support the island’s economic growth and community development. Through CTI, students of all ages confidently pursue professional goals and achieve greater entrepreneurial success without having to leave their island home.

Fighting Back Against NonCommunicable Diseases: H.E.L.P. Is Here

In partnership with Bahamas Wellness, OEF launched the Eleuthera Health Enhancement Lifestyle Program (H.E.L.P.) in the first quarter of 2025. This inaugural 8-week community wellness initiative empowered residents to reclaim their health through knowledge, support, practical wellness resources, and peer accountability.

Participants entered the program with unique health and wellness goals, but together they acquired the tools and support necessary to achieve health improvements.

Limited to cohorts of 12 participants for personalized attention, the program provided professional health screenings, nutrition education, meal-preparation workshops, guided exercise and meditation sessions, and hands-on learning via in-person and online small group sessions.

From analyzing food labels in the grocery store to creating a nutritionally-balanced plate and reducing stress through mindfulness practices, each session delivered key information in a supportive, group-based environment.

Health screenings and one-on-one nutritional coaching, provided by Bahamas Wellness, ensured that every person received guidance tailored to their specific needs.

Through H.E.L.P., OEF is not only addressing Eleuthera’s urgent non-communicable disease crisis but also planting seeds of wellness that take root and blossom beyond individual transformation. Over time, this program can build healthier families, strengthen the broader community, and ease pressure on the island’s healthcare system. We look forward to continuing this mission in 2026 with H.E.L.P. 2.0.

CTI-HITS and Wake Forest University Foster Entrepreneurial Growth

In January 2025, students at the Centre for Training and Innovation’s Harbour Island Trade School (CTIHITS) once again partnered with undergraduate students and faculty from Wake Forest University (WFU) for an extraordinary week of collaboration, mentorship, confidence building, and business development.

For twelve budding entrepreneurs from North Eleuthera, enrolled in CTI-HITS’ Entrepreneurship 101: Doing Business In The Bahamas program, the experience was nothing short of transformational. Coming on the heels of the program’s ten-week curriculum, this component allowed the CTI-HITS students to refine their business ideas, sharpen their strategies, and consider future global expansion opportunities as they prepared to pitch their entrepreneurial dreams.

Now in its second consecutive year, this cross-border collaboration, conceived by Friends of HITS board directors Lisa Scolatti Anderson and Rick Anderson, pairs entrepreneurship students from both CTI-HITS and WFU. Throughout the week, the students work in partnership to gain fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship while further developing their market research, budgeting, and business planning skills. Guided by local instructors, international mentors, and seasoned business leaders, the week culminates in a high-energy Business Pitch event before local investors and the Harbour Island community.

This year’s program also welcomed representatives from the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), strengthening pathways for local students to access funding, mentorship, and additional business support. Reflecting on the week’s success, Professor Dan Cohen of WFU noted, “The best way to learn entrepreneurship is to teach it. Our students grew tremendously in this consultative role, while CTI-HITS students demonstrated incredible preparation, passion, and talent.”

Stories like that of Chelsea Cleare, whose gourmet hotdog food truck grew out of last year’s program, show how training, mentorship, and community support can transform ideas into thriving enterprises. Together, CTI-HITS, OEF, and global partners, such as WFU, are planting seeds of entrepreneurship that strengthen local economies and empower young Bahamians to build community-rooted businesses and prosperous futures.

Learn-to-Swim #5 Is Back & Building Lifesaving Skills

While the beauty of Eleuthera’s vast beaches and waterscapes beckons, the ability to swim remains out of reach for many children and adults. In response,

OEF’s fifth annual Learn-to-Swim (LTS) Summer Program, offering free swimming lessons, successfully returned to the Rock Sound campus in July with ninety-two students.

This four-week program was offered to participants aged 5 to 65 years and was held at the CTI campus pool. Youth classes took place throughout the day, and adult classes were held in the evening. Every year, the LTS program is facilitated by professionally trained local and international swimming instructors and coaches. Participants develop survival swimming skills, gain water safety knowledge, and build genuine confidence around water, often overcoming lifelong, multi-generational fears.

Additionally, island communities like ours are surrounded by water and susceptible to seasonal hurricane-related ocean surges. Therefore, residents must possess essential swimming skills and know how to respond in the event of a water-related emergency.

What began in 2021 as a way to reduce drowning risks has grown into a powerful community program, providing hundreds of children and adults with the skills to safely navigate Eleuthera’s seas, beaches, and inland waters.

More than just swimming lessons, the program fosters empowerment and resilience, equipping Eleutherans with skills that open access to the blue economy and bring peace of mind to families.

OEF Expands

Opportunities for South Eleutherans with $99,187 Investment & Cotton Bay Fund Partnership

OEF continues to transform lives across Eleuthera. However, in South Eleuthera, although the economy has experienced growth and improvement in recent years, there is still significant work to be done to elevate local communities.

Through its long-term partnership, rooted in a dual commitment to education and sustainable community development, OEF and the Cotton Bay Fund (CBF) have consistently delivered relief and expanded opportunities for South Eleutherans.

This fiscal year, thanks to the CBF, OEF was able to invest $99,187 into programs for South Eleutherans. Twenty students were awarded a total of $24,000 in academic scholarships to to pursue higher education studies abroad in critical fields, including nursing, medical laboratory science, psychology, teacher education, business administration, human resource management, and media journalism.

The Fund also invested $75,187 in community grants, strengthening thirteen organizations serving South Eleuthera. These grants supported diverse initiatives, including literacy programs at six local primary schools, free spay-and-neuter clinics through BAARK, youth soccer development with the Eleuthera Soccer Club, mental health services through Solutions Counselling Services Network, digital education via The Lab at Freedom Fitness Centre, and OEF’s free Learn-toSwim program.

From investing in physical education equipment at Preston H. Albury High School to enhancing after-school learning at the Wemyss Bight Public Library, these grants touched every generation and sector of the community, planting viable seeds that will continue to flourish.

A Bird’s Eye View: OEF Launches New Birding & Nature Trail

Eleuthera’s natural and biodiverse environment has always been more than a picturesque backdrop for vacations; it is our hallmark, our heritage, and a collection of priceless ecosystems that should be developed with a sustainability focus. To this end, work is underway on the launch of “Bird’s Eye View,” OEF’s new birding and nature trail. This collaborative project will further expand the CTI campus into a true nature and bird sanctuary, where conservation meets education, and eco-tourism opens doors to new livelihoods.

Through grant funding provided by the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), and the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), this 1-kilometer walking trail will provide nature enthusiasts with unobstructed views of Eleuthera’s diverse migratory and native bird species. Nestled in the coppice forest, the trail will also highlight medicinal plants and a vibrant display of the island’s teeming flora and fauna.

Among the rare bird species to benefit is the Kirtland’s Warbler, which winters primarily in The Bahamas. White Sage and Black Torch plants will be propagated and planted in the space as a food source for this species. The Bird’s Eye View will restore habitats, protect endangered bird populations, and empower residents with new jobs, skills, and eco-tourism ventures rooted in conservation.

Additionally, it will build Eleuthera’s reputation as a destination for avi-tourism, a growing niche in sustainable travel. Specialized eco-tour and bird guide training will be offered through CTI to local guides, helping to diversify the island’s economy and tourism offering. Simultaneously, educational programs aligned with this initiative will deepen awareness of biodiversity and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.

OEF’s

Educational Tourism Program Brings $120k to Eleuthera’s Shores

With the close of summer, OEF celebrated another successful season of study abroad and volunteer group visits, which generated upwards of $120,000 in economic activity for Eleuthera. Beyond the measurable financial benefits to local businesses, lodging providers, transportation services, restaurants, grocery stores, and shops, these service-based trips offered immersive, experiential learning opportunities, enabling participants to directly support Eleuthera’s clinics, classrooms, farms, and various other institutions.

In March, under the leadership of Dr. Caroline Coburn and Dr. Anita Rich, Emory University’s nursing students returned to Eleuthera to work alongside local health professionals in clinics, providing compassionate care and hosting free health fairs. Their outreach offered health screenings and wellness education that benefited entire communities.

Also in March, students from Clemson University’s College of Education, led by Dr. Jill Shelnut, visited the island for the first time. The group engaged directly with teachers and students across Eleuthera, observing classrooms and collaborating with educators to explore cross-cultural teaching methods.

In May, Dr. Hala Nassar returned with students from Clemson’s Landscape Architecture program. The group partnered with community stakeholders to design conceptual projects for the sustainable development of Rock Sound, including eco-friendly infrastructure and community gathering spaces. The students’ proposals

reflected local aspirations while offering fresh ideas for future development. At the same time, a cohort from Clemson’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM) program, led by Dr. Matt Brownlee, immersed themselves in Eleuthera’s rich ecological land and seascapes, observing how local tourism stakeholders interact with, benefit from, and manage parks, recreation, and tourism systems.

Meanwhile, in June, the John Wesley United Methodist Church Youth Group lent their hands to farming projects at both the Farm at CTI and Preston H. Albury High School, supporting local food security and promoting environmental restoration.

Rooted in service, learning, and cultural exchange, these exchanges deliver far more than knowledge; they forge lasting relationships and cultural awareness while empowering participants and our local institutions.

Eleuthera is a living classroom for sustainability and resilience, and OEF’s educational tourism program continues to cultivate a future where learning and community development flourish together.

From Doubt to Confidence: Building a Future with His Hands

Courses Studied:

Electrical Installation I Electrical Installation II Basic Carpentry 2020, 2022 & 2025

Ricardo Penn Jr. realized from his teenage years that the traditional path of earning a high school education was not for him. Instead of giving up, he sought another path forward that aligned with the life he envisioned.

Drawn to working with his hands, Ricardo was introduced to carpentry, his first love, by his uncle, a local contractor on Harbour Island. Shortly after, he took a course in basic electrical installation offered by his high school, and his passion for the trades ignited. That early exposure sparked Ricardo’s interest and set him on a quest to master these skills and define his own future.

Determined to acquire training, Ricardo was relieved to discover that he could learn and advance his career at home without the worry of leaving his family behind or finding the exorbitant funds needed to relocate and go to school in Nassau. The decision to pursue studies at CTI-HITS became the pivotal moment that put the power back into Ricardo’s hands and illuminated a pathway to his personal and professional goals.

He first enrolled in 2020 and returned in 2022 and 2025, each time deepening his knowledge and experience in Carpentry and Electrical Installation. For him,

the journey was not always easy. Some days, he struggled with self-doubt, but as he continued his studies, his knowledge and experience grew, and things began to change. “As time went on, I really gained a lot of selfconfidence,” he explains.

The hands-on learning environment, mentorship, and supportive community at CTIHITS fostered Ricardo’s growth, not only as a tradesperson but as a responsible young adult. Today, he is a certified electrician who works at the Dunmore Hotel and runs his own business, Penn’s Maintenance and Repairs, which he launched in 2021. He credits CTI-HITS with preparing and equipping him with the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to succeed.

“My experience prepared me to be respectful and to take pride in what I do,” he says. A personal motto that he lives by is: “If you’re not going to do something right, don’t do it at all. But if you’re going to do it right, go ahead and put your all into it.”

Ricardo Penn Jr.’s story is proof that with the right tools, support, and access to education, anyone can rise beyond their doubts and build a future they are proud of.

“My experience prepared me to be respectful and to take pride in what I do.”

Ricardo Penn Jr.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Ricardo Penn Jr. CTI-HITS Graduate

Building Dreams, One Beam at a Time

Course Studied: Basic Carpentry 2025

accomplishment,” she reflects, “knowing it’s done right, and I did it myself.”

Elevating With Confidence & Clarity

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

Latoya Rankine CTI Graduate

Creativity has always been at the core of who Latoya Rankine is. As a professional performing artist, she thrives in spaces where imagination and skill meet. In 2024, Latoya stepped outside of her comfort zone and enrolled in CTI’s Basic Carpentry program. Driven by her passion for personal growth and selfreliance, Latoya saw carpentry as a practical skill but also as another outlet for her artistry, one that could transform her ideas into tangible, lasting creations.

From the moment she picked up her first set of tools, Latoya immersed herself in hands-on learning and was determined to absorb everything she could from the course. She gained knowledge about selecting materials, mastering accurate measurements, and understanding building codes. These lessons reinforced her confidence and expanded her sense of independence and accomplishment.

Latoya found carpentry to be a natural extension of her artistic expression and a valuable, money-saving resource. Whether building a shelf to store her work equipment or taking care of small repairs around the house, she is proudly using her newfound skills to do things correctly and safely. “It’s always a feeling of

The skills she gained at CTI are already shaping her future in a significant way. Latoya is currently in the early stages of constructing her own home. Her vision is to build the very first A-Frame structure in her settlement, applying every lesson she learned in the classroom and workshop. For her, this is more than a construction project; it is the physical manifestation of her growth, determination, and self-reliance.

Latoya’s journey also comes with a message for those just starting theirs. She encourages new students at CTI to set clear goals and remain focused on achieving them. “Boldly ask questions,” she advises, “and listen to understand as best as you can.” For her, success comes from curiosity, discipline, and the willingness to learn.

Through CTI, Latoya has proven that carpentry is not just about building structures; it’s about building independence, resilience, and a strong foundation for a future filled with possibilities.

“It’s always a feeling of accomplishment knowing it’s done right and I did it myself.”

Latoya Rankine

Courses Studied: Entrepreneurship 101 & QuickBooks II 2024 & 2025

For Quinell Albury, her CTI-HITS journey was about more than just sharpening her professional skills; it was about transforming the way she viewed herself as both a businesswoman and an individual. As a junior accountant with multiple entrepreneurial pursuits, Quinell enrolled in Entrepreneurship: 101 and QuickBooks II with a clear goal and vision. She would strengthen her accounting skills and simultaneously gain the tools and knowledge to structure her businesses more effectively.

Quinell embraced the process and her new learning environment that combined hands-on training with strategic insight. She acquired technical knowledge in areas such as invoicing, VAT filing, and the broader aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning and financial management. These skills enabled her to bring greater expertise to her accounting job, while also accelerating the growth and stability of her personal ventures.

“The courses were rigorous, strategic, and empowering,” she reflected, describing her time at CTI-HITS. “They pushed me, shaped me, and equipped me to elevate my business with confidence.” The impact extended beyond acquiring technical skills. Quinell acknowledges that her time of learning and directly

investing in herself also strengthened her mindset as an entrepreneur. “I learned to think beyond day-to-day operations and step fully into the mindset of an entrepreneur,” she shared. “Obstacles are inevitable, but they test how committed you are and how much you want success. For me, failure is not an option.”

Today, Quinell is in the process of transitioning her company from a standard business license to a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with Inland Revenue—a process she learned about through the Entrepreneurship course. She is also preparing to launch her newest venture, Briland Kids Adventures, a business designed to bring exciting opportunities to her community. With the skills, clarity, and knowledge gained, she is building her dreams and forging her own path to success.

When asked what advice she would give to new students, Quinell’s response reflects the same determination that has carried her through her journey:

“Be resilient, stay invested, remain focused, and stay committed to finishing strong. Make the most of the resources offered; they’re there to help you achieve your dreams, and that, in itself, is a blessing.”

“Make the most of the resources offered; they’re there to help you achieve your dreams.”

Quinell Albury

Quinell Albury

CTI-HITS Graduate

STUDENT

Cooking Up a Future with Passion and Purpose

SUCCESS STORIES STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

Rudolph Pratt Jr. CTI Graduate

Courses Studied: Electrical Installation I Electrical Installation II 2024 & 2025

Rudolph Pratt Jr. wears many hats. By day, he proudly serves as a police officer in his community, someone who others can rely on for safety, guidance, and leadership. Behind the badge is also a man who believes in pushing himself to grow, learn, and achieve more. It was Rudolph’s drive for personal growth and excellence that led him to complete Basic Electrical I and II at CTI.

Learning a trade was not just about finding a side hustle. “I wanted to gain more knowledge and have something solid under my belt,” Rudolph explains. Given that he already had some experience in electrical work, the CTI courses provided the perfect opportunity for advancement and a blueprint to take his training to the next level. CTI provided the hands-on training and structured guidance Rudolph needed, with evening and weekend classes that didn’t conflict with his work schedule.

“Before CTI, I knew how to do electrical, but taking the course really enhanced my knowledge and skills,” he says. “Now, when I’m working on single-phase systems, I actually understand exactly what I’m doing and why.”

What makes Rudolph’s journey so inspiring is how he uses his dedication to public service and his technical training to uplift the people around him. Whether responding to a call, mentoring his youth marching band, or helping someone troubleshoot an electrical issue, he’s consistently leading by example and demonstrating the fruits of his personal and professional growth.

CTI gave Rudolph the knowledge to expand his abilities and the resources to contribute in new, meaningful ways. His story demonstrates that pursuing a trade at any age can be a highly beneficial goal.

In addition, he credits his instructor for creating an environment that encouraged learning, patience, and support, and strongly encourages others to pursue professional certificates and training at CTI. “The teachers are there to teach you,” he says, “so the most important thing is to focus and grasp all that you can. It’s worth it.”

“Before CTI, I knew how to do electrical, but taking the course really enhanced my knowledge and skills.”

Rudolph Pratt Jr.

Course Studied: Introduction to Culinary 2025

For Lakell Archer, the kitchen has always been more than a place to cook; it is a special place to innovate, express herself, and create freshly prepared meals for her family. For as long as Lakell can remember, she has taken immense joy in cultivating her homegrown crops and transforming them into delicious meals. “Fresh produce and herbs give a flavor to food that is unforgettable,” she explains.

As an up-and-coming chef, Lakell strives to serve the very best from her home-based business. When she heard that CTI’s Culinary Program was once again open to students, Lakell jumped on the opportunity to take her natural talent to a new, professional level. Motivated by a desire to broaden her knowledge and sharpen her skills, she enrolled.

Describing her experience at CTI as Innovative, Exciting, and Empowering, Lakell found that the program refined her ability to manage both her kitchen and home workspace efficiently, ensuring the best possible results and improving her workflow. The program challenged her to think differently about food, cooking techniques, and culinary presentation while reinforcing the importance of local sourcing and preparing ingredients thoughtfully.

Beyond the technical skills, Lakell shares that her CTI experience instilled a deep appreciation for

teamwork and collaboration. “I learned how to work effectively with others, adapting to different personalities and styles, while still delivering high-quality work,” she says.

With over four and a half years of cooking experience, Lakell is now bringing all of the ingredients together and infusing her talent, ambition, and CTI training into developing her own brand. In the future, she plans to take her home business, Island Breeze, forward into a full-fledged restaurant. The knowledge and practical experience gained at CTI, combined with her passion for farm-to-table cooking using her own ingredients, has given her the inspiration to move with confidence and purpose.

One of the most important lessons she took away from her training is that determination can turn goals into reality. “Once I put my mind to it, I can achieve it,” she says with a smile.

Lakell’s advice for new CTI students is simple yet powerful: “Once you are focused, eager, and ready to learn, you will come out with great results.” Her journey demonstrates that with dedication, patience, and the right training, hobbies can be cultivated into a successful and purposeful venture.

“I learned how to work effectively with others.”

Lakell Archer

Lakell Archer

CTI Graduate

ROOTED: FROM SEED TO STRENGTH

One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and the Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) are rooted in a legacy of turning challenges into opportunities and growing strength from even the smallest of seeds. With commitment, collaboration, and creativity, we have shown that real transformation begins at home. Over the past decade, seeds of progress have taken root and grown into programs and partnerships that strengthen Eleuthera and The Bahamas, whether by helping students gain skills, a family access healthy food, or a community reclaim its heritage.

As we look forward, our vision remains clear. Rooted in our values, culture, and people, we are pressing forward with innovation, resilience, and purpose. The theme “Rooted: From Seed to Strength,” captures our journey of growth and the future we are determined to shape. Guided by our focus on economy, education, environment, health, and heritage, we remain committed to cultivating resilience, expanding opportunity, and building a stronger, more sustainable Eleuthera together.

ROOTED IN THE ECONOMY

Enhancing Local Food Security

For The Bahamas, enhancing food security is not just about agriculture, it is about our sovereignty, resilience, and survival. According to the March 2024 report by the International Trade Administration, nearly 90% of all food consumed in The Bahamas is imported at a cost of nearly $1 billion per year. For Eleuthera and The Bahamas we need to build resilient, local systems of food production, processing, and distribution that keep resources circulating within our communities.

Currently, OEF/CTI’s efforts to improve food security are focused currently in three primary areas:

• Expanding Production in the Oasis Grow House

Since being constructed in 2022, our 1.1-acre Oasis Grow House (OGH) has increased its productivity

and impact on the island of Eleuthera. We now deliver fresh, nutritious produce to over 30 stores, restaurants and hotels on Eleuthera. We are scaling production in this facility with our 1.1-acre OGH, ensuring year-round access to fresh, nutritious produce and reducing dependence on imports. In expanding our production and supplying Eleuthera, it is our hope to provide fresh produce to other islands. For us, expanding production in the OGH is more than an agricultural achievement; it is an economic and public health strategy that will continue to scale in the years ahead.

• Establishing Egg Production on the Farm at CTI

Thanks to a generous gift from our partners, we plan to establish an egg production facility with approximately 100-150 chickens on the Farm at CTI in the coming year. This will allow us to showcase a modernized model for local egg production that will provide affordable and nutritious eggs for the community while stimulating new opportunities for agri-business on Eleuthera.

• Fundraising for the Feed & Seed Food Hub Processing and Packaging Centre

In South Eleuthera, farmers continue to face challenges in distributing and preserving their produce, and there is a growing need to offer more value-added products for local and visitor consumption. To address this need shared by the Farm at CTI and other local farms, we are fundraising currently to build a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art Food Hub Processing and Packaging Centre on our campus in Rock Sound. By equipping local farmers to process, preserve, and create value-added products, we will unlock jobs, reduce wastage and extend food access across the island.

Launch of the Social Good Accelerator

Economic resilience also depends on a strong civil society. With support from the Templeton Foundation, OEF is preparing to launch the Social Good Accelerator (SGA), a groundbreaking initiative designed to build the capacity of nonprofits across The Bahamas. Born out of lessons from Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, the SGA responds to chronic underfunding and resource limitations. To date, we have engaged more than 70+ nonprofit leaders, laying the foundation for collaboration and shared learning. The ultimate goal is to empower nonprofits as key economic actors that are addressing inequality, advancing their missions, and ensuring communities are equipped to face future hurdles.

Awarding Community Grants and Scholarships

OEF’s Community Grants Program empowers the local organizations working on the ground to strengthen and improve their communities. Historically, this program has provided financial support, scholarships, technical assistance and capacity-building opportunities. Through our Cotton Bay Fund and micro-grants program, we regularly provide grants to local organizations advancing projects that align with OEF’s five focus areas.

ROOTED IN EDUCATION

Strengthening CTI-HITS and Learn and Earn

In 2016, CTI launched its first signature training program, Learn and Earn, at the Rock Sound campus. This was a bold step in transforming education and bringing opportunities to South Eleuthera. Three years later, the vision expanded northward with the establishment of the Harbour Island Trade School, opening new doors for young people eager to shape their futures.

From the beginning, the mission has been clear: to empower youth and young adults with the knowledge and hands-on skills that unlock real economic opportunities. Today, that vision has taken root and is flourishing with more than 600 students being equipped through CTI’s nationally accredited programs and dynamic, skills-based workshops. Each graduate represents not just an individual success story, but also a ripple effect of hope, resilience, and progress for their families, their communities, and The Bahamas as a whole.

Currently, OEF/CTI’s efforts to strengthen education offerings are focused in four areas:

• Fundraising for Hospitality and Events Pavilion (South Campus) and CTI-North Campus Expanding CTI’s training facilities and curricula in both the South and North remains a high priority. In the South, the proposed $1.2 million, 2,700 sq/ ft state-of-the-art Hospitality and Events Pavilion will provide students with in-demand skills and real-world training experience in the areas of hospitality, culinary arts and event management. We also anticipate utilizing the Pavilion to attract and host large-scale cultural and performing arts activities including weddings, conferences and other special events.

In the North, we have received several sizable pledges toward a $590,000 renovation project near the Three Island Dock across from Harbour Island. Once completed, this building, secured with a long-term lease, will serve as our North Campus home and will house our high-demand construction and trades-related training programs offered through CTI-HITS.

• Scaling Entrepreneurship Training in Partnership with SBDC Entrepreneurship has long been woven into the fabric of Bahamian culture, and in recent years the number of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has grown significantly. Many of our CTI alumni aspire to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. Through our partnership with Wake Forest University’s School of Entrepreneurship, dozens of CTI–HITS alumni have already benefited from advanced training and enrichment opportunities. Looking ahead, our collaboration with the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) will expand this support even further, providing access to training, mentorship, and funding pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs across Eleuthera.

• Launching Alumni Engagement Program As CTI’s alumni network continues to grow, so does the promise of their impact on Eleuthera and beyond. To nurture this potential, we are short-term training, networking, and financial planning for alumni but also opportunities for

ROOTED: FROM SEED TO STRENGTH

them to integrate into new courses, mentorship opportunities, and other alumni-focused events. We envision building a vibrant community of CTI graduates who continue to learn, lead, and inspire future generations.

• Developing Internship Program with Partner

Hotels

As the CTI training program has grown and evolved over the last nine years, local hotel owners and operators have become key partners. Today, CTI alumni are working in most hotels, restaurants and businesses throughout Eleuthera.

Moving forward, we are working on formalizing many of these partnerships to include offering short-term internships for to our Hospitality and Culinary Arts students. Combined with their classroom skills training, these practical experiences will better prepare our students for success and, in many cases, will lead to employment opportunities upon graduation.

Expanding

“Learn

to

Swim”

and

Piloting “Every Bahamian Swimming” program

Surprisingly, more than 90% of Bahamians are estimated to lack basic swimming skills, a stark reality for a nation of people surrounded by water. In response, one of OEF/CTI’s most transformational initiatives has been our innovative Learn to Swim program. Over the past five summers, nearly 400 Eleutherans have gained life-saving skills and the confidence to be safe in and around the water.

Building on this success, we are preparing to launch a bold, new pilot, “Every Bahamian Swimming,” beginning in primary schools across South Eleuthera in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Sean Connery Foundation. This program will give young students the skills and confidence to swim, with the ultimate goal of reaching schools throughout Eleuthera and, in time, the entire country. Together, we envision a future where every Bahamian has the skills to swim, resulting in transformed lives while strengthening the safety, resilience, and blue economy opportunities of our island nation.

Supporting Local High Schools

OEF/CTI continues to strengthen partnerships with Eleuthera’s high schools by providing grants, hosting campus tours, supporting after-school activities, and encouraging students to volunteer their time. High school students can also dual-enroll in CTI classes while still in school which creates an opportunity for them to begin “finding their path” earlier and preparing for a meaningful, productive adulthood. Together, these efforts open doors of opportunity, inspire young minds, and lay the foundation for the next generation of leaders on Eleuthera.

ROOTED IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Caring for our Campus

Since OEF’s founding on Earth Day in 2012, we have stood firm in our belief that Eleuthera’s natural resources should be managed for the benefit of all Bahamians, including current and future generations.

Currently, OEF/CTI is caring for our campus in four primary ways:

• Creating New Nature and Birding Trails

This fall, we look forward to completing “The Bird’s Eye View” project. This inspiring addition to our campus is made possible through grant funding from the American Bird Conservancy and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). With new walking trails and birdwatching stations, this initiative goes beyond creating a beautiful space; it is designed to spark ecotourism, deepen conservation awareness, and provide handson education for students and visitors alike. We envision this as the first step in positioning Eleuthera as a premier destination for ecotourism in The Bahamas, and a space where protecting our environment also fuels learning, livelihoods, and sustainable growth for our communities.

• Launching the Farm at CTI’s Regenerative Food Forest (RFF)

Plans are well underway for our 1.0-acre Regenerative Food Forest (RFF), made possible through the generous support of The Ocean Foundation. This living laboratory is dedicated to exploring syntropic farming methods and producing one of the most valuable resources in Eleuthera: healthy, enriched soil. Beyond farming, the RFF will also serve as an educational space where farmers, students, and community members can learn about regenerative practices, while offering visitors a unique ecotourism

experience. By blending innovation with tradition, the RFF stands as a model of resilience while highlighting how ancient, sustainable, ancestral techniques can help shape a healthier, more selfsufficient future for Bahamians.

• Expanding the Farm at CTI’s Apiary Program

The Farm at CTI’s apiary is already buzzing with life producing fresh, local honey. Our team is preparing to expand our hives in the coming year. This growth will not only increase honey production and improve pollination across our farm but also expand opportunities for local producers and create new training pathways for those interested in beekeeping. By combining production, education, and community enterprise, the Apiary is becoming a vibrant hub for sustainable agriculture and innovation on Eleuthera.

Launching Blue Economy Capacity Building Program

OEF is excited to introduce its Blue Economy Capacity Building Program, a three-year initiative made possible thanks to a grant from the Builders Initiative Foundation. Through this program we are working with local and international partners to strengthen the capabilities and knowledge of the ocean economy workforce through education, grants and advanced training.

New Solar Education and Installation Program

Recognizing the ongoing power challenges on Eleuthera, OEF/CTI is committed to advancing renewable energy solutions by introducing solar

ROOTED: FROM SEED TO STRENGTH

education and training programs. These initiatives will equip students, professionals, and community members with the knowledge and practical skills to design, install, and maintain solar systems, thereby helping to reduce dependence on costly, unreliable electricity services and building energy resilience for our island. By fostering a new generation of solar technicians and renewable energy advocates, we are not only creating career pathways but also laying the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Eleuthera.

ROOTED IN HEALTH

Supporting the Revitalization of SEEP

Before OEF’s founding in 2012, the South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP) stood as one of the most vital nonprofits in our community. Powered by committed volunteers, SEEP provided life-saving fire and EMS services, bringing hope and security to thousands of families.

Today, SEEP urgently needs new leadership and renewed funding to restore its operations. The needs in South Eleuthera have only grown, and the absence of these services leaves our communities vulnerable. OEF is committed to walking alongside SEEP in the coming months to help reestablish this essential safety net. With the support of generous partners, we can ensure that

SEEP once again stands ready to protect lives, safeguard communities, and bring peace of mind to families across South Eleuthera.

Strengthening the HELP Program

This past year, OEF partnered with Bahamas Wellness, a private clinic with three locations on Eleuthera, to introduce the Health Enhancement Lifestyle Program (HELP), an 8-week initiative providing participants with health education and vital screenings. Those who joined the program experienced real benefits, and their feedback has identified ways to strengthen and expand the initiative in the year ahead. We believe that private–public–nonprofit partnerships like this are essential to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and impactful for Eleutherans, and we see HELP as a cornerstone for building a healthier future for our island communities.

Collaborating with University Partners

Some of OEF/CTI’s most enduring partnerships are with Emory University and Clemson University. For more than two decades, nurses-in-training have traveled to Eleuthera to study, observe, and gain hands-on experience in government clinics, private practices, and community health settings. As new healthcare options emerge across the island, we celebrate this progress. These long-standing relationships have provided not only practical support, but also invaluable perspective and guidance from a committed team of professionals by helping us ensure that access, equity, and compassion remain at the heart of healthcare in our communities.

ROOTED IN HERITAGE

Relaunching of the Monthly We’ Farmers Market

This year, OEF/CTI will resume our signature, “We’ Farmers Market,” creating a vibrant space where local farmers, artisans, and small businesses can showcase their products while connecting directly with the community. These gatherings highlight the power of local food systems and provide income opportunities for Eleutherans. By bringing people together around fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods, the Farmers’ Markets are helping to strengthen community bonds and foster a spirit of sustainability and selfreliance.

Hosting

Ministry of Tourism Food and Craft Festival

For the last four years OEF/CTI has celebrated a successful partnership with the Ministry of Tourism through the Food and Craft Festival, which spotlights the creativity, flavors, and traditions of Eleuthera. This dynamic collaboration gives local vendors and entrepreneurs a platform to share their talents with both residents and visitors, boosting economic activity while promoting Bahamian culture and heritage. The festival not only displays the richness of our island but also reinforces the importance of partnerships in advancing community development and expanding opportunities for local producers and artisans.

Promoting Cultural and Immersion Experiences

At OEF/CTI we believe that cultural and educational immersion experiences create meaningful connections between The Bahamas and the rest of the world. As such, we remain committed to hosting a wide range of university, civic, and church groups – both domestic and international – who desire to travel to Eleuthera for retreat, study and service each year. While providing a range of intangible benefits such as intellectual and cultural exchanges, these groups have also provided a significant economic impact to Eleuthera, estimated to be well over $1,000,000 over the last few decades.

IN CONCLUSION

Though OEF was incorporated in 2012 and CTI in 2016, our roots run much deeper. We stand on the legacy of resilient forebears who, like trees planted by water, remained steadfast and fruitful through every season.

In that spirit, OEF and CTI are committed to innovative, sustainable solutions for Eleuthera’s greatest challenges. True transformation comes through unity and deliberate, strategic action with partners, donors, neighbors, and visionaries. We invite you to stand with us as we continue to grow from seed to strength, building resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity for Eleuthera and beyond.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Fundraising Goals & Major Projects

Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) Learn and Earn Scholarship Program

8-12 Week Courses: Hospitality | Basic Culinary | Agriculture & Food Processing | Construction & General Trades | Solar Installation | Various Professional Development Courses

Your contribution facilitates students’ advancement in technical fields, shaping individual careers, strengthening vital sectors, increasing entrepreneurship and contributing to our community’s overall workforce development.

Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI-HITS) Student Training Centre (CTI North Campus)

Your

and

Focus: Renovation, improvements and furniture/fixtures for classrooms, workshop spaces and student facility buildouts

and

Fund

Focus: Operational Costs, Staffing, Community Grants and Community Programs.

Your unrestricted gifts are critical in sustaining our community development organization and operations as we address the needs of underserved communities, allocating resources where needed most. This fund also facilitates OEF’s community programs, including the annual Learn to Swim program.

From seed to strength, your generosity fuels OEF’s mission to create lasting change that empowers communities, uplifts people, and aligns with The Bahamas’ broader national development goals. Each donation helps to cultivate a more sustainable and progressive future for Eleuthera, rooted in resilience, inclusivity, and innovative solutions to local challenges.

Focus: Construction and buildout of Food Processing Unit, Packaging Facility, Plant Tissue Culture and Seedling Lab, and Classroom Space.

Your partnership will establish a much needed food processing facility and plant tissue culture lab to help strengthen our local food supply chain, while providing farmers with high-quality, disease-resistant

Focus: Construction and buildout of facility | Outfitting of Pavillion with furniture, fixtures & equipment (FFE) for training programs.

Your valuable contribution will equip aspiring hospitality and culinary students with the skills to excel in Eleuthera’s growing service-oriented industries. It will also provide a venue to showcase cultural events that develop Eleuthera’s youth and the orange economy.

Campus Housing

Focus: Construction of sustainable, hurricane resilient student housing & transitional housing facilities.

Help us to achieve affordable, sustainable campus housing for visiting schools, university groups, and volunteers. We envision expanding into a regional training institute that can accommodate and house large groups, and your help is vital.

The Feed & Seed Food Hub

The Hospitality & Events Training Pavilion

THE ANNUAL FUND OF ONE ELEUTHERA

We are incredibly grateful for the 262 donors (who made a total of 470 gifts) and came together to support the work of One Eleuthera Foundation, Centre for Training and Innovation, and other partner organizations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

FRIENDS OF ELEUTHERA ISLE OF FREEDOM CIRCLE

$100,000+

The Friends of Eleuthera is a lifetime recognition group for all donors who have given over $100,000 cumulatively in support of OEF, CTI and other partners. We are so grateful for this group, who have made contributions of magnitude to advance our work and provide stability to our programs and operations.

FRIENDS OF ELEUTHERA

Cumulative of $100,000+

Anonymous

Rick and Lisa Anderson

Joan Barrett and Christopher Mahoney

Binnacle Advisors Limited

Builders Initiative Foundation

Claneil Foundation

Cotton Bay Fund for South Eleuthera

William H Donner Foundation

Fidelity Charitable Fund

James Findlay

Marjie Findlay and Geoffrey Freeman

GEF SGP Bahamas

GlobalGiving

Stephen and Mary Graves

JAB Investments Limited

Hathaway Jade

Barbara Jordan

Fred and Winkie King

Louise and Gunnar Klarr

Robert and Jennifer McNeil

Sand Dollar Fund

Schwab Charitable Fund

Betsy Searle and Mike Branham

Marion “Scotty” Searle

Sally Searle

Susan G. Komen Foundation

Brent and Robin Symonette

Templeton World Charity Foundation

The Boston Foundation

The Sallingsund Bridge Foundation

The TK Foundation

Tricord Foundation

Kerry and Matthew Pryor

Reise Family Foundation

Toby and Shannan Shannon

Builders Initiative Foundation

Fidelity Charitable Fund

James Findlay

Marjie Findlay and Geoffrey Freeman

Hathaway Jade

Schwab Charitable Fund

LIGHTHOUSE BEACH CIRCLE

$25,000-$99,999

Rick and Lisa Anderson

Beck Family Education Trust

Claneil Foundation

Joan Barrett and Christopher Mahoney

GEF SGP Bahamas

The Gildea Foundation

Jennifer McNeil

Searle Family Trust

The TK Foundation

The Tribune Limited

William H Donner Foundation

GLASS WINDOW BRIDGE CIRCLE

$10,000-$24,999

Bahamas Striping Group of Companies

Antony and Angela Beck

Binnacle Advisors Limited

Community Foundation of Boulder County

Mark and Megan Dowley

Jaime Frankfurt and Pamela Hanson

Darico Higgs

Doug and Katie Jordan

Fred and Winkie King

Tucker Menzies

The Ocean Foundation

Ethan Ontjes

Corrine Abraham

Jane Abrams

Atlantis Bahamas

Bahamas Lodge LLC

Rob and Sally Baird

Liz Barratt-Brown

BDR Investments

Bodman Charitable Fund (Sarah Greenhill)

Diane Bowe-Pindling

John and Tracy Burton

Brian Cates

Clemson University COE

Mark and Diane Simmons

Sarah Simmons

Sociable Weaver Foundation

(A and G Holland, Jr.)

RBC Capital Markets

Stephen and Alessandra

Uihlein

United States Embassy Nassau

Constance O’Neil White

PREACHER’S CAVE CIRCLE

$5,000-$9,999

American Bird Conservancy

Theodore Beringer

Brad and Carol Chambers

Tom and Ruth Chapman

Paul and Kristen Davidson

Mellette and Brendan Donohue

Benjamin Freeman

Clifford Johnson

Michael Jordan

Peri Kowal

Leon Levy Foundation

Alissa Magrum

Marie Fauth Charitable Trust

Ole Ike Bay

Mark Ontjes

Saint Mark UMC - Seneca, SC

Anton and Hope Sealey

Betsy Searle and Mike

Branham

Kim Shults

Peter and Judith Stanton

Todd Simmons

CUPID’S CAY CIRCLE

$1,000 - $4,999

Anonymous

The Agricultural Development Organization (ADO Bahamas)

Stuart and Jane Warren

Geoffrey and Lisa White

Gigi and Randall Whitman

Kim and Marc WilliamsPulfer

OCEAN HOLE CIRCLE

$500 - $999

Francis and Frances Abbott

Michelle Anderson

Emily Beck and Geoffrey Young

Clemson University PRTM/ LARC

John and Tanya Crone

Marion Currow

Anna and Chris Daniel

Bob and Lynn Dobson

Reed Dulany III

Charles & Gayle Eaves

Barbara Erskine

Nathaniel Finan

Frank Gerrity Charitable Trust

Samuel and Stacy Freeman

Jennifer Freeman

Gertler Clark Foundation

Lane and Anne Glaze

Dake Gonzalez

George and Karen Gowen

David and Alice Hageman

Letia and William Hamill

Jim Hassenstab

Pamela and Marc Heilner

Jean Humphreys

Kevin and Sandra Hutton

Shaun and Sandra Ingraham

Ruth Jordan

Alan Kornberg and Harold Koda

Bill and Janice Lane

Lynn Larson

Mark Manifould

Gretchen and Peter

Menzies

Holmes Merritt

Allyson Pachios

Rolf Schuermann

Day and Elaine Shields

Dana and Ted Swimmer

Craig and Nancy Tompkins

Charles Walbridge

Susan Walton

Lynn Walton

Awesome Kitchen Supplies

Austin Balser

Sarah Bartlett

Adam and Kali Bebeau

Joy and Lew Beck

Lehn Benjamin

Lynsie Bennett

Jeff and Robyn Black

Carolyn Briscoe

Buccaneer Club

Buywise Hardware

Karen and Jerry Carter

Bob and Amy Chandler

Janice and Jim Chandler

Margaret Bonney

Bristol Wine and Spirits

Jim Carruthers

Clarks Fork Foundation

Comfort Suites - Paradise Island

Daddy Joe’s Restaurant & Inn

Ray Davis

Perry and Nancy Dukes

Furniture Plus Limited

Paul and Jo Gable

Brian Goudie

Samuel Gowen

Jerry and Paulette

Handegan

Higgs Construction

John Wesley UMCCharleston, SC

Shawna McCartney

Thomas and Kristyna Meyer

Stephen and Patricia Meyer

Richard and Catherine Millard

J Roger and Meda

Morrison

Yolanda Pawar

John and Gretchen Schuler

Keyron Smith

Mario Smith

Esther Stauber

Robert and Marian Stillwell

John Clay and Charlotte

Stites

Stephen Stoops

Jad and Erin Taylor

Gustav Wellin

QUEEN’S BATH CIRCLE up to $499

Lisa Aker

Anonymous

William and Priscilla

Kennedy

Laura-Allen Kerlin

Larry and Inga Kish

Jennifer Lamb

Janice Lane

Nick LeBaron

Julie Lehman

Donald Lewis

Tracy Lewis

Terry Long

Elizabeth Lunz

Richard Matthews

Kelly and Rae McClelland

Susan Christophel

George and Susan Clark

Grace and Preston Cole

Monty and Carol Cox

Robyn Curry

Heather Davis

Allison Dean

James and Linda

Devereaux

Chip and Debby Dewing

Thomas and Nancy

Dinwiddie

Bill Dowler

Ross and Jess Economy

Ecovis Bahamas

Kim and John Erickson

Patti Fakunding

Family Affair Service

Station

Farmer’s Table Restaurant

Nancy and Timothy Fohl

Cecily Gallagher

Mariela Garcia

GlobalGiving

Jeff Gowdy

Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant

Harbour Island Canvas

Susan Harford

Elizabeth and David Hassen

Tim and Selima Hauber

Julianne Hoell

William and Nina Horner

Carla and Kurt Jaenicke

Louisa Jenkins Stevenson

Brittany Johnson

Joey and Chong Jordan

Stephen and Nancy Jusick

Katie and Jim Kane

Pat and Bonnie Kelley

Will and Kirbie Kelly

Jason and Jennifer Kelly

Norah McCormick

Maribeth Moody

Sara Pat Moore

Theo Neilly

Wade Nichols

Norma’s Gift Shop

Antoinette Olson

Paradise Service Plaza

John and Stella Pardee

Nancy and Scott Parrott

Zoe Perkins

Pine Gyal Sweet Spot

Pineapple Players Lounge

Penney Rahm

Jasmin Rahming

Elaine Richardson

Laura Ritter

Scott Robertson

Catherine and Marty Ryan

Sara Sarasua

Charles Sealey

Bob and Lyn Sheffield

Jill and Chris Shelnut

Ben and Amy Shobaken

Ryan and Kyrsten Spurrier

John and Pamela Spurrier

Dee Stegelin

Nancy Tepper

Linda Tindal

Josh Torn

Jeff Weicksel

Marsha Worthington

DONOR SPOTLIGHT FUNDRAISING

The Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF)

The Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) and OEF share a common goal: building stronger communities by investing in people and ideas that advance human development. We are grateful to partner with TWCF on the Social Good Accelerator (SGA), a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen The Bahamas’ nonprofit sector and expand its impact.

The SGA equips nonprofit leaders with the skills, resources, and networks they need to achieve their goals. Participants benefit from capacitybuilding workshops, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities that address common challenges such as fundraising, governance, and program development. By focusing on leadership growth and organizational resilience, the SGA empowers local nonprofits to scale their missions and deliver greater impact across communities.

With TWCF’s generous support, OEF is cultivating a stronger third sector, grounded in collaboration, sustainability, and service. This partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of civil society to drive national development and shape a brighter future for The Bahamas.

Volunteer & Donor Spotlight

For the past four years, OEF has been fortunate to have the kind and loyal support of three swimming professionals with a heart for people, community and philanthropy. Alissa Magrum, (Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance), Kim Shults (Executive Director of FaceInWater), and Peri Kowal joined OEF’s Learn to Swim (LTS) program as international volunteers in year two and have been avid supporters, fundraisers, and program partners ever since.

UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)

For over a decade, OEF has proudly partnered with the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) to strengthen biodiversity and build resilient communities on Eleuthera. This long-standing partnership has delivered transformative projects that benefit both people and the environment.

Starting in 2014, OEF and GEF launched a small recycling depot in collaboration with South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP), which collected thousands of cans, bottles, and plastics. The GEF/OEF partnership has also produced two solar power education and installation training initiatives, equipping residents with skills in renewable energy.

In step with global efforts to save bee populations and a GEF grant, OEF was able to establish a multi-hive apiary, train 22 new beekeepers, raise awareness of the vital role of pollinators in food security, and establish The Honey Shack at CTI. This solar-powered honey processing and packaging facility is provided free of charge to Eleuthera’s beekeepers. This valuable partnership continues to expand livelihoods and support a deeply rooted culture of sustainability. We look forward to the upcoming launch of our next project, “The Bird’s Eye View” birding and nature trail.

Each year, the group independently raises funds to travel to Eleuthera from the US and volunteer. They support the local LTS team and assist with numerous aspects of the program, lending their extensive experience and expertise to train volunteers, teach youth and adult swimming classes, add innovation to the curriculum, and conduct outreach on drowning prevention. Additionally, the trio offers free swimming lessons at local beaches across the island and donates thousands of dollars in free swimming supplies, equipment, and resources, including safety gear, goggles, floats, and swimming caps, to the LTS program. We are grateful for this partnership and the joy this group brings each year.

WAYS TO GIVE

Making a gift to the One Eleuthera Foundation contributes to short and long term initiatives that are building the livelihoods of the people of Eleuthera and establishes models that can be replicated to do the same for people across The Bahamas and the region. Making a gift of any amount is easy and can be done by check, direct deposit, wire transfer or online:

U.S. donors are able to make tax-deductible donations through our sister entity, One Eleuthera Foundation of the U.S., a 501(c)3 incorporated in the U.S.

• Checks should be made payable to “One Eleuthera Foundation of the U.S." and mailed to:

One Eleuthera Foundation of the U.S. c/o Lane Glaze P.O. Box 1302 Clemson, SC 29633, USA

• For credit/debit card payments go to www.oneeleuthera.org/donate

• For wire and in-kind gifting instructions and other inquiries, contact: Rev. Lane Glaze, President, OEF-US E: laneglaze@oneeleuthera.org C: 864.207.9135

Bahamian donors can make gifts electronically or in person.

• Checks should be made payable to “One Eleuthera Foundation“ and can be dropped off at our office in Rock Sound.

One Eleuthera Foundation Queen’s Highway and Mingo Drive Rock Sound, Eleuthera, The Bahamas

• For credit/debit card payments go to www.oneeleuthera.org/donate

• For electronic bank transfer instructions and other inquiries, contact development@oneeleuthera.org

THANK YOU

Since the start of this journey in 2012, we have been blessed to connect with a community of friends, partners and supporters from The Bahamas and worldwide who have embraced our visionary mission to create a sustainable and inclusive future for the people and island we serve.

Your generous contributions - both large and smallsupport a growing portfolio of programs and initiatives that are systematically and radically changing the landscape and trajectory of Eleuthera and The Bahamas for the better. Thank you for uplifting people and empowering communities with us.

OUR BOARDS

OUR BOARDS

Corrine Abraham Director, OEF-US

Bhatti

Clifford Johnson

Anton

Mario

Diane Bowe-Pindling

Board of Directors:

OEF

Sameer Bhatti

Diane Bowe-Pindling

Cecil Ferguson

Marjie Findlay

Shaun Ingraham

Clifford Johnson

Theo Neilly

Anton Sealey

Keyron Smith

Mario Smith

Dr. Kim Williams-Pulfer

OEF-US

Corrine Abraham

Dr. Kim Williams-Pulfer

Rob Baird

Sameer Bhatti

Lynn Dobson

Lane Glaze

Jeff Gowdy

Dr. Kim Williams-Pulfer

CTI

Dr. Reginald Eldon

James Gomez

Shaun Ingraham

Keyron Smith

Mario Smith

Dr. Kim Williams-Pulfer

A longtime nurse educator at Emory University, Corrine began coordinating student immersion experiences to Eleuthera in 2005. She and her colleagues worked collaboratively with OEF and the Bahamas Ministry of Health to align program goals and nursing student experiences with local healthcare needs. She has received funding for two Emory Global Field Scholars grants exploring strategies to improve chronic disease management, including breast cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. She continues her work with the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, where she coordinates efforts to improve the quality of care provided to veterans.

Rob Baird Director, OEF-US

Rob is an avid supporter of the Arts, and believes in its transformative power, particularly for youth and in education. He is the former Chairman and CEO of Conco Cos. and holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Georgetown University. He has been an active member of the community for the last few decades and continues to enjoy spending time with friends and family on Eleuthera.

Sameer Bhatti Director, OEF • Treasurer, OEF-US

A native of New Providence, Sameer has built a successful thirty-year career in telecommunications. He serves as the CEO for BTC and has worked abroad for industry leaders like Comcast, where he spent a decade. He holds degrees from Duke University, the University of Maryland, and the University of The Bahamas and has completed training at both Harvard and Oxford Universities. His wife, Tricia, is a Pediatric Pathologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and shares his commitment to sustainable philanthropy focused on the Caribbean and Africa.

Diane Bowe-Pindling Director, OEF

Diane is a Chartered Accountant and proud graduate of Preston H. Albury High School, Eleuthera. She is passionate about Eleuthera’s

potential and unearthing its unrealized possibilities. She serves as a project manager for The TK Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund and as a senior consultant to their Family Office.

She is a member of The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and The Links Incorporated. She also serves as a Director of the Public Hospitals Authority Foundation and as an officer of the 23rd Company Boys’ Brigade.

Lynn Dobson Director, OEF-US

A retired nurse educator, Lynn and her husband Bob have been traveling and serving on Eleuthera for close to twenty years. Lynn is a three-time cancer survivor and has worked closely with those on the island experiencing cancer. She helped to start the first support group for women battling breast cancer on Eleuthera. Lynn has an undergraduate degree in nursing and a Master’s in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has been honored by her alma mater with the Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award and the Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Reginald Eldon Secretary, CTI

Reginald hails from The Current, Eleuthera. He has spent his career serving the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church in various roles, including Youth Director, General Secretary and Dean of the Centre of Leadership. He later served as Dean of Adult Education at Queen’s College in Nassau and as a Consultant for OEF. He is also a certified Grief Recovery Specialist and Spiritual Life Coach.

Cecil Ferguson Director, OEF

Cecil is a veteran Compliance, AntiMoney Laundering, Trust, and Real Estate Professional with over thirty years of experience in The Bahamas’ financial services sector, working with numerous reputable organizations. He holds several degrees from the University of The Bahamas, Taylor University, and Nova Southeastern University. Cecil has served as a Foreign Service Officer to the U.S. and the United Nations.

Marjie Findlay Director, OEF

As one of the early pioneers, Marjie worked closely with Tom Burns and Shaun Ingraham to launch OEF in 2012. She is the President of a nonprofit college scholarship organization serving Native Americans and has served as a board member and Chair of the Board of the Claneil Foundation. Along with her extended family, Marjie has been coming to South Eleuthera for over 50 years and has remained involved, connected and active in enhancing its growth and community development.

Lane Glaze

President & Chair, OEF-US

Lane first began traveling to Eleuthera in his capacity as an ordained United Methodist Campus Minister over twenty years ago. In 2016, he helped launch OEF-US which has helped raise and grant more than $28 million to OEF and its partners. Formerly a CPA with Ernst & Young and COO of a private trust company, Lane also serves as a Professor of Practice in Nonprofit Leadership at Clemson University and as a Trustee for Spartanburg Methodist College.

James Gomez Treasurer, CTI

James has over 30 years of experience working as a Chartered Accountant and Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor. He holds membership in numerous professional bodies, including The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, Association of Insolvency Restructuring Advisors, American Bankruptcy Institute, and INSOL. James has substantial experience across numerous sectors, including financial services, tourism and leisure, and public tax policies. He is a proud descendant of Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

Jeff Gowdy Director, OEF-US

Jeff is the Director of Consulting and Business Development at Sustainserv. com, a company devoted to developing sustainability strategies and programs. Jeff fell in love with Eleuthera and its people while serving as an intern on the island in the mid-2000s. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.

Corrine Abraham Director, OEF-US

Lynn Dobson Director, OEF-US

James Gomez Treasurer, CTI

Theo Neilly Secretary, OEF

Rob Baird Director, OEF-US

Dr. Reginald Eldon Secretary, CTI

Jeff Gowdy Director, OEF-US

Chair, CTI Director, OEF Secretary, OEF-US

Sameer

Director, OEF Treasurer, OEF-US

Cecil Ferguson Director, OEF

Sealey Chair, OEF

Director, OEF

Marjie Findlay Director, OEF

Shaun Ingraham Director, OEF Vice Chair, CTI

Keyron Smith President & CEO, OEF & CTI

Lane Glaze President & Chair, OEF-US

Treasurer, OEF

Smith Director, OEF Director, CTI

OUR BOARDS

Shaun Ingraham Director, OEF • Vice Chair, CTI

Shaun is the visionary co-founder of OEF and CTI, and past President of OEF. Over the past twenty-five years, he has led disaster relief and economic and social development efforts for various national, regional, and international development organizations worldwide. A native of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, Shaun has won numerous awards for his community development work, including a Cacique Award from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the inaugural Community Impact Award from his alma mater, Emory University.

Clifford Johnson Treasurer, OEF

Clifford has long been a key figure in The Bahamas’ public accounting profession, having held multiple leadership positions at Pricewaterhouse Coopers. He has also served as a member of The Gaming Board from 1992-1995, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas from 1999-2001, and the Small Business Development Centre (Access Accelerator) from 20182021. He is a member of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants and Chairman of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Dependants’ Trust.

Theo Neilly Secretary, OEF

Theo has spent most of the last two decades serving his community and country as a public servant in local government and civil aviation. In 2012, Theo was elected as the Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera and later served as Consul General for The Bahamas in Washington, DC. A native son of Eleuthera, Theo is a graduate of Preston H. Albury High School. He

holds a Bachelor’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and an MBA from the University of Liverpool (UK).

Anton Sealey Chair, OEF

Anton is a veteran of the insurance industry of The Bahamas and holds the position of Vice President and Director for Insurance Management (Bahamas) Ltd. In addition, he is the President of The Bahamas Football Association and serves in several capacities with both the regional governing body for football, The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), as a member of the Finance Committee and the world governing body, and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) where he serves as a member of The Members Association Committee.

Keyron Smith President & CEO, OEF & CTI

Keyron is the President and CEO of OEF and CTI and a passionate advocate for Eleuthera’s advancement and family island development. He spent his formative years in Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, before pursuing higher education abroad. Keyron holds a Master’s degree in Governance and Public Policy from the University of Manchester, UK, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of The Bahamas (UB) and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is the former Assistant Director of Grants and Policy Fellow at UB and has been recognized with national leadership awards.

Mario Smith Director, OEF & CTI

With roots in Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera, Mario is a distinguished professional and avid community leader. He is a former Chairman of OEF and a Founding Member of CTI. Mario currently serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for RBC Dominion Securities Global Limited (Caribbean), as well as Regional ComplianceCaribbean. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from the University of Liverpool (UK), in addition to degrees and diplomas from Acadia University (Canada) and the University of Manchester (UK). Mario is a Past Assistant Governor for Rotary District 7020 and an active member of the Board of Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief.

Dr. Kim Williams-Pulfer Chair, CTI • Director, OEF • Secretary, OEF-US

Kim is the principal consultant of KWP Research Strategies LLC, a research consulting firm focused on community development, the arts, public humanities, and nonprofit and philanthropic management. From 2023-2024, she was an American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) fellow. In 2021-2022, she also served as an ACLS Leading Edge Fellow as Research and Evaluation Manager at The Hurston/Wright Foundation. Kim holds a B.A. in Psychology from Taylor University, an M.A. in English from Butler University, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and a Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies with a minor in Caribbean Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT (cont.)

Friends Of Harbour Island Trade School (FHITS)

FHITS BOARD:

Darico Higgs, President

Joan Barrett, Vice President Kendera Bethel, Secretary

Lisa Scolatti Anderson, Treasurer

Rick Anderson

Mary Barrol

Ann Sawyer Buck

Janette Francis Vicky Parmentier

In early 2019, OEF/CTI partnered with local stakeholders and second homeowners on Harbour Island and North Eleuthera to expand CTI’s programs and training to students in North Eleuthera. Out of these meetings, the CTI-HITS (Harbour Island Trade School) program and the Friends of Harbour Island Trade School (FHITS) were formed.

Six years later, this collaboration has evolved into a powerful and thriving model of community development, philanthropy, and partnership.

While OEF/CTI administers the technical and vocational training, FHITS raises funds for scholarships and resources, making the program possible and accessible to those who ordinarily would not have the means or access to continued education.

To date, 124 donors and businesses from The Bahamas, the U.S., and Canada have contributed over $1.14 million, and the FHITS board has invested countless hours to help make this initiative a success.

Since its launch, CTI-HITS has hosted 14 training sessions and trained 330 full-time equivalent (FTE) students in trades such as carpentry, electrical work, culinary arts, and QuickBooks, as well as in specialized workshops like mixology, bread making, and tour guiding. In partnership with Wake Forest University, the program has also expanded to include advanced entrepreneurship training for local students.

We are grateful for this dynamic partnership. It exemplifies the far-reaching impact, rewards, and incredible results that can be achieved when people unite and invest in changing lives, elevating communities, and building a better future.

Once a part of our team, always a part of our story…

As Selima and Tim step into a new season and chapter of their growing story, we are filled with gratitude for their invaluable contributions to OEF and CTI.

Three years ago, the Hauber family relocated to Eleuthera to help establish our revolutionary Oasis Grow House, assume management of the farm’s operations, and build and train a world-class agricultural team. With expertise, dedication, and passion, they successfully achieved these goals.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Selima and Tim for laying the foundation and advancing OEF and CTI’s mission of revitalizing agriculture and improving local food security. Their influence has left a lasting impact on our organizations and the broader community. The seeds they have sown will continue to flourish, feeding families, educating farmers, and inspiring resilience for years to come.

DR. SELIMA HAUBER & TIM HAUBER

Meet our TEAM

Tamaris

Yolanda

Mendonique Seymour Prep Cook

Kendy Thompson Operations & Administrative Associate

Lindsay Rigby Agricultural Projects Manager

Keyron Smith President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Quantardo Thompson Hospitality Manager

Noel Roberts Facilities Associate

Melanie Smith Finance Reporting Coordinator

Cloran Watchorn Chief Financial Officer

Theria Russell Senior Human Resources Officer

Lashanta Stuart Housekeeping Associate

Pamela Whitfield Sous Chef

Evelyn Sands Senior Housekeeper Jade Sands Assistant Grower

Mary Sweeting Farm Associate

Catherine Wood Housekeeping Associate