Purpose Path Magazine

President's Note

"The purpose of the Event is to expose high school and college students to pertinent information which would help to guide their decisions as regards to academics and careers post-graduation."

I am pleased to inform you that Purpose Path International hosted its Fourth Annual Seminar themed “Purpose Path – The Path Made Clear” on Friday 10th November 2023 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Streaming via YouTube, the purpose of the Event was to expose high school and college students to pertinent information that would serve to guide their decisions relative to academics and careers post-graduation.

The Event promised to be youthful, engaging, insightful, inspirational, and impactful as it featured a cadre of dynamic professionals from corporate Bahamas and the United States of America who presented on topics such as “Career in Professional Basketball,” “Robotics & Artificial Intelligence” "Job Readiness," “Fashion & Photography Industries,” "Wealth Creation," “Content Creation” “Aviation,” "Spirituality & Success," “Agriculture & Sustainable Farming,” "Real Estate," "Self-Love & Purpose” and “Music & Entertainment Industries.” As a takeaway, students had the opportunity to be mentored by several speakers from this lineup.

In connection with this Event, we are now pleased to release this magazine featuring Purpose Path International highlights 2023, speakers' biographies, scholarship announcements 2024, and much more.

Purpose Path sincerely thanks the Spence Finalyson Show, Bahamas at Sunrise, Lyford Cay Club, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kelly’s House & Home, Electronic Express, SunTime, Miniso Bahamas, Krave, Glamour Box Beauty Spa, Body Beautiful, AArmstrong Technology, New Life Health & Deli, Naughtie Johnnie’s, Blow Bar, and Gizmos Gadgets & Gears for supporting the Event.

We are committed to the academic, personal, and professional development of youth within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Sincerely,

WHY ADVERTISE WITH US!

Purpose Path International Magazine was created to motivate, educate and inspire the youth of our nation to walk a path that is clear and best suited

It is designed to be a resource that one can refer to for actionable and practical direction for a better future

This publication is the fifth of it's kind and is projected to reach more than 20,000 students, staff and faculty members throughout The Bahamas It will also be shared with local and international partners and sponsors

It is our desire to partner with you as we spread the message of hope to the youth of our nation.

PURPOSE PATH BAHAMAS

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

CONGRATULATIONS PURPOSE

PATH ON A SUCCESSFUL NOVEMBER EVENT!!!

PAST EVENT:

SEMINAR AT FUSION SUPERPLEX 10TH NOVEMBER 2023

MEETTHE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PURPOSE PATH (BAHAMAS)

INTERNATIONAL

PURPOSE PATH MAGAZINE

Ms. Sherry Johnson Deal is a charismatic, humorous personality and a valued resource in academic, personal and professional circles for students, individuals, non-for-profits, religious and community leaders looking to be empowered to go to the next level. Since her young adult years, she has not only studied the science of empowerment but mastered it by counselling, encouraging and coaching hundreds of young people in various leadership capacities.

As a former Junior Minister at a local church and National Youth Advisory Council Executive Member, Sherry inspires young people to meet the challenges of the world around them.

Academically, she has risen to the highest level of excellence having completed secondary and tertiary level education with distinction (president's list and valedictorian awards). She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Communication and Foreign Languages, a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Licenciatura in International Relations from prestigious Universities around the world.

SHERRY JOHNSON

PRESIDENT

Some notable achievements:

She holds a certification in foreign exchange trading and project management;

In November 2019, she along with her team launched a not-for-profit organization named Purpose Path (Bahamas) International; and

In January 2020, Ms. Johnson Deal graduated as valedictorian with distinction at the National Youth Leaders Certification Program Ceremony

Professionally, she serves as a Diplomat for the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. As the former United States and Canada Desks Officer, she has participated in countless high-level international and regional meetings where she represented the Government. During her almost 14-year diplomatic tenure, she has served abroad in Atlanta, Miami, and New York Currently, she heads the Bahamas Alrae Ramsay Institute of Foreign Affairs (BARIFA) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Additionally, she is a member and The Bahamas point of contact for the African Women's Health Project International (AWHPI) headed by Princess Moradeun Ogunlana.

In June 2022, she was nominated as The Marquis Who's Who in America and deemed the Top Female Millennial in The Bahamas by Project Bahamas.

In August 2022, she was awarded the Top Female Millennial within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas due to her contributions in Diplomacy, Education and as a Change Agent.

SHERELL BROWN

Sherell Brown is a former member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force where she served for 12 years in different capacities; however, the bulk of her service was spent in the Central Detective Unit (CDU) where she investigated major crimes. Her 12 year tenure came to an end in 2015

She then pursued a career in Media, where she uncovered her passion for Radio, Journalism and the Performing Arts. From this career move, Brown Inc. Production and Entertainment Studios was born. Since then Sherell has produced several shows such as Real Talk With Sherell, a live online show that can be viewed or listened to on Soundcloud, Youtube and Facebook.

Sherell is the former host of Ask Sherell and is currently still producing a weekly podcast where persons can tune in from all over the world. Sherell gained her hands on experience from working at Radio Abaco 93.5 and also form hosting her own talk show at Shout 93 9

If there is an event happening Sherell can be found behind the microphone as she is nicknamed “the voice”. She is also a registered voice-over talent with ACX a subsidiary of Amazon where she is a narrator for Audio Books. Sherell, the C.E.O of Brown Inc. Production & Entertainment Studios, Publisher of “L.O.S.E” Health & Wellness Magazine, and Co-Partner of Distinction Publishing House in Dover, Denver, Colorado. Sherell is a three (3) times best-selling author and has authored The Blueprint To Weight Loss The Truth Revealed, Lifting The Weight, The Journey to Total Freedom, and the best-selling CoAuthor of The Woman Behind Behind Mask.

Sherell Brown is an Author, Speaker, R Personality, International Spe Producer, Narrator, and Performer She an Associate Degree in Human Reso Management and is continuing to pu tertiary-level education. Sherell live Nassau, The Bahamas with her hus Desmond Brown and her four chil young Master Seth, Princess G Samiya, and Simon Brown.

With her love for t Lord and her relentless passion she is ready to ser

Clarence Carvel is a bonafide optimist and proud millennial. Raised by his maternal grandparents, he credits his humble beginnings for his outlook on life and for what he believes to be true about the human experience

Orphaned at 10 years old, Clarence is no stranger to trauma, which is why he uses his life experiences to inspire others to look beyond their adversities to embrace the possibilities that are always in the present.

Clarence believes that everyone should have a “WHY”. He believes in a world of unlimited possibilities, where people are elevated to their highest good, and are inspired to fulfil their highest potential as creative beings.

Whether it's crafting a poem facilitating a training session, Clar believes that our stories hold greatest power. His motto Alway the truth, as you have lived it ”

Clarence is the Creative Visiona Clarence Carvel Consultanc personal development com created to inspire the next gener of dreamers to find the path that is truest for them.

Whether it's craftin a poem or facilitati a training session

Clarence believes that our stories ho our greatest powe His motto— "Alway tell the truth, as yo have lived it.”

Born June 4, 1998 he was given the name “Kristoff” meaning “bearing Christ” Kristoff began to show passion for all music and media at a very young age. Kristoff showed a keen interest in Media at the age of 14 years, He began researching, watching, and learning various techniques that can improve the visual arts of what is being presented.

Kristoff attends Resurrection Ministries, as the keyboard player and became exceptional at doing so His constant love for the church and music earned him the name “Churchboy” and received the name happily. He has had the opportunity for job training and chose his internship at The Movi Group wanting to learn from the best in the business Kristoff started out small and did a lot of freelance work in the process of honing in on the skill for perfection in all that he does.

Kristoff is constantly upgrading his skills and gear and has helped so many indiv institutions and young entreprene

Kristoff Rolle

DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION & INFORMA TECHNOLOGY

He continues the work and is apart o organizations such as Purpose Awa Elevation, Glory Seekers, etc Kristoff is t and Founder of Churchboy Prod Studio, which specializes in video photography, and graphic desig company continues to set a stand excellence through Multi-Media, Graphics & Graphic Designs

He has had Great experiences in streaming for many Events, especially those in the kingdom arena. He has been offering Services since 2017.

Kristoff is constantl upgrading his skills and gear and has helped so many individuals, church institutions and young entrepreneur in the field of Multi Media.

Mark Walker is a graduate of Queen’s College, and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Mark is a former hospitality executive, whose career spans more than a decade in the luxury hotel market. An avid traveler, Mark has visited 30 countries and over 100 cities He currently serves on the Executive Board as Treasurer and Director of Finance at Purpose Path Bahamas International and is a CELTA certified English teacher and volunteer with the US-based Live and Give Foundation Inc

MARK WALKER

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

He lives up to this motto by avai himself to mentor young peo wherever he travels, on the importa of developing essential life skills inspiring them to use their experien as a vehicle for growth He is fluent in Spanish.

Mark’s motto in lif is: “It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

Nando Melaragno CEO, is able to make connections between what seems to be very different people and ideas. He is the one who seems to know everyone, and is always trying to connect people and their ideas. He is relationship-focused in his approach to life, to people and to business He has a certain way of thinking and behaving. He gets results because he has a level of credibility and trust from his network.

Nando is the CEO IL NESSO and the CoFounder of The Billionaire Intensive Fort Lauderdale, Director Of International Public Affairs Purpose Path, Board Of Directors LGE, Co-Chair Board Of Directors Women Of Wealth Magazine

He has spoken on International sta and has worked with organizations Africa to bringing people to Canada school and business. Nando is advocate for Human Trafficking a works with organizations in Toro Canada

Nando has certificates in WS Networking, Leadership, Dealing w Difficult People and Effec Communication Training He ho degrees as an Industrial Technician and Business from ICS Canada and Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright from George Brown College

"There is good in everything; it's just how you choose to look at it."

Bio for Thereze Gibson-Butler

Thereze is the Manager of Tink-Print, a familyowned printing company. A former Banker of 15 years, she worked closely with executives of a local bank as an Administrative Assistant. Back in 2017, she took a leap of faith and left her “good bank job” to become an entrepreneur.

Thereze GIBSON-BUTLER

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Thereze has over 20 years’ experien graphic design and printing. She e bringing to life the imagery that cust have in their mind. She believes in s for excellence be it professio spiritually, or otherwise.

Thereze wears many h she’s a professional sin writer and drummer. Sh available for singing gigs.

MEETTHE SPEAKERS

PURPOSE PATH (BAHAMAS)

INTERNATIONAL

PURPOSE PATH MAGAZINE

Navado Dawkins is a Serial Entrepreneur with key strengths in Fashion Designing, Fashion Styling, Photography & Videography, Social Media Marketing, and Graphic Design.

Navado is mainly known for his Fashion Label “Navashion” that debuted November 1st, 2015 at only eighteen (18) years old and now on the verge of producing and offering Ready-to-wear (RTW)

Over the course of his fashion career; Navado gained the opportunity to travel to China, London, Vietnam, Multiple States across the U S, Curacao, Panama, Canada, Jamaica and counting He has held two local runway shows in both 2015 & 2017, He Featured at Mercedes Benz fashion week South Texas in 2018, and spare headed a Hurricane Dorian relief runway show (Raising over $4k+ for those affected by the Monstrous Storm in 2019)

Navado is also no stranger to the pageant community as he served as The President Of Miss Bahamas Grand Pageant in both 2017, 2018, and The Fashion Stylist and I mage Consultant for The History-making Chantel O’Brian (Miss Universe Bahamas 2021) Ending 2021 on a high; he received The Top 48 Millennial award for Fashion, Business, & Education by Project Bahamas

Most recently, He Represented The Bahamas on Season 7 Of Mission Catwalk; A Caribbean Designer Series Mr Dawkins has been featured in Countless Newspaper articles and International Magazines like Harpers Bazar, Lucy’s Magazine, Bahamasair’s Up & Away In-Flight Magazine and The cover of Pump Magazine, both for fashion and photography Giving him the title of “Published Photographer” the newest addition to his plethora 18

Fashion & Photography

He lives by the quote “Start Now, Why Wait?”: A saying of his that started out as his response to procrastination and it later on became his driving force

www itsnavashion com - Live October 31st, 2023

www ndawkinsstudio net - Live October 31st,2023

After graduating with a BSc in “Computer Science” from the University of East Anglia (United Kingdom), Kelly started working as a computer programmer, developing tailor-made software for a range of companies in the Finance sector This included basic computer network setup and troubleshooting, setting up and maintaining SQL Server and Oracle databases, and writing custommade software programs using MS Access and VBA

In 2001, she started her own business providing websites and database solutions to local and international clients in Gibraltar, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Malta and Singapore This included the development of software for insurance claims systems, reporting applications, financial applications, complaints-handling systems, scheduling applications, and consumer services systems, in addition to the development and maintenance of static and database-driven websites using HTML, JavaScript, ASP, PHP and Ajax.

In 2007, Kelly moved to Singapore and taught at an International School while obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Monash University in 2009 This was the start of her move into Education, combining the love for with the satisfaction of teaching others

After relocating to Canada in 2016, Kelly taught a range of Computer Science Courses at John Abbott College and Concordia University including Web Design, Object-Oriented Programming, Database Management, Search Engine Optimisation, E-Commerce, and Agile Development

When she relocated to the Bahamas in 2021, she taught Web Design, Python, Java, and C# Programming at BTVI before becoming a Computer Science Instructor and Academic Coordinator at the International School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (ISBET) At ISBET, she is responsible for the subjects being taught at school, ensuring that the needs of all students are being met with differentiated instruction and small class sizes. She currently teaches several of the Computer Science courses there, including Coding and Robotics, Python Programming, and Physical Computing.

N’Nhyn Fernander is a young visionary Bahamian known for a fervent entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to leave people, places, things, and ideas better off than he met them He has been making his mark in the digital space for nearly a decade, or half of his lifespan so far Finding his journey through formal education more of a distraction, he says, “I would have had a deeper love and passion for school if life skills and entrepreneurship classes were part of the curriculum.”

He has immersed his vibrant mental energies and capable intellect in financial instruments trading, digital entrepreneurship, and other realms of cyberspace from the start of his teenage years. N’Nhyn built his first app, BahBing, at age 17, in 2015. His grand ideas and intentions for that app did not pan out then. However, the experience was a rough and slippery stepping stone toward his future endeavors and successes In his early entrepreneurial days, he co-founded a Bahamian digital marketing agency, Brandsy

StarOptions Institute and iKnowealth are examples of his more recent digital space and youth-focused learning platform successes

He is delighted when he can share his skills and that he has taught over one thousand fellow Bahamians how to trade indices and stock options; and how to operate comfortably in foreign exchange and financial marketplaces.

He is proud, for example, of one of his Bahamian trading students who was able to achieve a roughly $30,000 monthly profitability. He has helped scores of Bahamians start online businesses through the challenges of the COVID-19 era; and helped some of them set up international operations. During the pressures of the COVID-19 environment, he built a Learning Management System and app for both the iOS and Android platforms; and launched a private alternative education platform that increasingly hosts hundreds of local and Caribbean 23

Wealth Creation

Region members Some of his Bahamian “MasterMind” students on that platform, have already re-engineered their mindsets and are investing small monthly amounts into mutual funds and other commercial instruments toward building future financial security He is actively involved in the international digital arena, where one of his functions is as the business manager for 100 MEDIA, an international media group that manages creators with over forty-five million subscribers on YouTube and over sixty million on other social media platforms N’Nhyn has learned and continues to learn from the continually evolving digital space, in which he works and contributes, that there is always a way to achieve positive results

He is content with the knowledge that changes and challenges offer opportunities for development and progress His commitment to representing The Bahamas on the international stage as one of its premier swimmers, for the past ten years, has taught him that the rigors of training and failure are among the important aspects of building capability, purpose, achievement, and life-enhancing skills He is always prepared to dive in and give his all He treasures the benefits of learning and self development; and sees a future where he and other young Bahamians are among the giant givers of the future

Latesha Gibson is a dynamic and dedicated professional currently serving as the Project Coordinator for the IDB Grant Project at Bron Ltd (BRON) Her educational journey began with a focus on Biochemistry and Plant Science at the University of the West Indies

Latesha's diverse career path reflects her commitment to environmental stewardship. She has worked as a marine educator, environmental scientist, and as a farm manager. Her experiences in these roles have allowed her to develop a wellrounded understanding of the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment. uring her time at the University of the West Indies, her studies primarily centered on plant science and the application of its principles in the context of environmental science and sustainable development.

This academic foundation has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in the realm of environmental conservation and sustainability

Latesha's passion lies in the pursuit of knowledge regarding sustainability She is driven to not only learn more but also to share the vital importance of biodiversity, environmental conservation, and climate change advocacy. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to changing practices that are wasteful and detrimental to our shared future, leaving a lasting impact on the environment and the world we leave for future generations.

Erin Cash-Povey is a dedicated professional with a passion for sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management She embarked on her academic journey at St Augustine's College, and her enthusiasm for this field led her to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Auburn University in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management Erin's fascination with aquaculture ignited during a transformative project in her 10th grade. The experience of learning about conch farming left an indelible mark and inspired her to delve deeper into the world of aquatic agriculture.

Over the years, Erin has gained valuable experience in education and research. She has contributed her knowledge and expertise to institutions such as The Island School,

BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute), and Windsor School allowing her to share her passion for communicating new ideas to younger generations

Her mission is not only to promote sustainable practices but also to empower local farmers, enabling them to access their markets more effectively. Erin's hope is to inspire positive change for both the community and the environment. Currently, Erin holds the pivotal role of IDB Grant Project Manager at Bron Ltd. (BRON), where she spearheads a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to sustainable farming in the Bahamas.

Shakeisha C. Johnson is a wife, mom of three beautiful girls, and the Owner of Starting Point Life Coaching. With a full plate of personal and professional demands, Shakeisha is a true example of what it means to embrace complexity. On a daily basis, Shakeisha uses her knowledge, expertise, and experience to help other multi-faceted women navigate the unique challenges of womanhood.

Shakeisha was a member of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 2019/2020 cohort, and uses her administrative skills to effectively manage both her home and her business She is a life strategist and mommy entrepreneur who helps busy moms gain greater clarity and intention in their daily lives by creating simple, but powerful systems to maximize their time, energy and resources Her practice, Starting Point Coaching, was born from a desire to see women – especially those with a, interest in business and a heart for family - win on all fronts, and to provide relatable, substantial support to those who are struggling to thrive under the weight of their many responsibilities

Shakeisha is deeply passionate about helping women step away from fear and complacency, and into the pursuit of their promised purpose. Through a combination of Scriptural guidance, practical wisdom, and actionable steps, Shakeisha’s holistic approach to coaching addresses the whole woman to ensure that she wins from the inside out.

She is an advocate for youth empowerment and served as a youth mentor for Club eNue’s St Anne’s Chapter Shakeisha is deeply rooted in her faith, and is a member of Epic Church Bahamas She is an enthusiastic and accomplished Panelist and Speaker, and is also the author of 100 Days of Singleness

Professionally, Shakeisha has positioned herself as a source of support and encouragement for all wives, mothers, and entrepreneurs seeking to grow in their relationships and steward womanhood well

Self Love & Purpose

She and her husband are also intentional about creating a family unit that echo’s the heart of God, and mirrors His true intention for families Outside of her roles as a wife, mom, and entrepreneur, Shakeisha refuels by reading a good book, going to the beach, and spending quality time with loved ones She loves taking on fun food challenges in the kitchen, is always down for Brunch, and loves a good musical

Her promise to her clients is backed by her belief that every person has a unique purpose that extends beyond the reach of their lifetime “I am as committed to your process as I am to mine I believe that as we walk in our divine purpose, we unlock generations to walk in theirs as well ” – Shakeisha C Johnson

Her infectious stage presence is unmistakable! Her pulsating treble tones are undeniable! With an unmatched flare for pop melodies, and an ear tuned to true musicality, this young singer/songwriter will quickly draw you into her world AND KEEP YOU THERE! She has honed her craft by studying at the most prestigious music school in the world, Berklee College of Music, and along the way has graced stages in South America, The United States, Europe, and Asia

This has become a trademark for the petite singer, who often garners comments like 'How can such a big voice come out of such a little person!' When asked about her expectations from her performances, she says, "I just want them to feel me with their ears, and hear me with their hearts " Wendi is undoubtedly the most visible female artist and entertainer in the Bahamas She is a 4 time Bahamian Icon Award

Nominee, Bahamian Icon Award Winner for outstanding achievement in music, and a 2 time Elevation Award Winner with multiple nominations

Wendi is also making waves on the international scene as the 2018 and 2019 winner of the SAO International Soca Award for Best Music Video and the 2019 winner for Female Soca Performer of the Year In 2018, she won the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Dance Song Among her many notable musical achievements is that of her collaborative song "Save The World (Race for the Cure) being chosen as the official race song for the Susan G Komen Race Events in the Bahamas and Susan G Komen International

The Music Industry

endi's world is not only comprised of solo performances and appearances, but she is also a lead singer in the Bahamas' top party band, Visage Her popularity and brand image also appeals to the corporate world which has afforded Wendi to a be brand ambassador for the Bahamas' leading telecommunications company, along with other major endorsements

Ianthia is former TV news anchor who cold turkey quit her job seven years ago to blog full-time She's a wife, mom, TV host, media personality, travel and lifestyle influencer and freelance writer

Ianthia has pieces published in ESSENCE Magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, XONecole, SHEEN Magazine and Travel Noire She's a content creation coach who teaches her students how to go from content consumer to content creator with confidence and ease

Since making the drastic step to go from corporate to entrepreneur, Ianthia had to quickly learn how to brand and market herself and how to use social media to effectively tell her story.

Her work in this regard caught the attention of major Bahamian and international brands like the Atlantis Resort, Baha Mar, The Lip Bar and Konny Baby among many others, whom she's worked with on brand partnerships

Ianthia has figured out how to strategically plan, create and organize social media content that sparks engagement and action and now she wants to show you how!

This experience became the basis of one of Timothy’s personal mottos: Believe! Believe! Believe! and then work like you believe!

Born and raised in Nassau, Timothy attended Queen’s College before enrolling in The College of the Bahamas (now University

the Bahamas)

After receiving some tough love and words of encouragement from his devoted and loving father, Timothy transferred to Florida International University with just enough funds to cover one semester, but enough faith to believe that God would clear a path for him where there was none Earning a 4 0 GPA his first semester and distinguishing himself as a well-rounded student by participating in many extracurricular activities, Timothy earned an American Airlines travel scholarship

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, Timothy experienced many challenges in gaining the necessary certifications and flight hours needed to become an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

He persevered with patience, faith, and a positive attitude until he became the recipient of a scholarship from Negro Airmen International’s Project New Hope which allowed him access to free mentorship and flight instruction to gain his private pilot’s license (PPL)

Timothy Russell is an A320 First Officer with American Airlines, and the President of the Live & Give Foundation Inc

of

With his first flight certificate in the bag, Timothy faced the daunting task of building the 1500 hours needed to become a Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) The next 10 years saw Timothy lean upon his faith and rely heavily upon his motto, Believe! Believe! Believe! and then work like you believe! He worked various jobs across diverse sectors, all whilst studying for pilot ratings, struggling to gain flight experience, and informally helping other aviation enthusiasts start their journeys. Stints in fields such as hospitality, commercial trucking, graphic art, sales, marketing, flight instruction and finally air cargo all served as steppingstones to finally obtaining his ATP rating in 2018 and gaining employment with CommuteAir.

After achieving his dream of becoming an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Timothy formally co-founded the Live & Give Foundation Inc. to help others achieve their dreams and reach their potential

The Live & Give Foundation is a growing non-profit organization with members from many disciplines and countries who have all benefited from youth building programs in the past and are now paying it forward

The organization does not award scholarships but promotes other “ships” that can take students to their desired destination such as entrepreneurship, internships, apprenticeships, mentorship and most importantly fellowship

Functioning as a community, both current and former students participate in mentorship, tutoring, instruction, and fundraising efforts focused on achieving overall goals and not just individual goals. Students are encouraged and empowered to cooperate with each other to generate solutions to life’s problems, advancing in life based on collective effort, initiative, and perseverance.

The process creates extremely high levels of growth, accountability, and personal responsibility in addition to the associated certifications and job opportunities that typically follow.

Lavardo Sands, also known as ‘Shine’, was born on February 8th, 1988 in Nassau, The Bahamas and he is a descendant of Cat Island and San Salvador. Lavardo developed interest in music primarily as a self-taught musician playing the keyboard, trombone, sousaphone, saxophone, drum and participating as a Baritone player in the world acclaimed Junkanoo Parade hosted in the Bahamas every Christmas.

Though his years in the music industry have been that of more than 10 years, through his evolving musical offerings, Shine ultimate objective is depositing Rake N’ Scrape into the domain of mainstream music With a broad sound of traditional Rake N Scrape fused with elements of pop, afrobeat and soca

Lavardo professional music career began in 2009 where he began playing in the

Royal Bahamas Defense Force Band as a Drum Major and later became one of the lead singers.

He then became a founding member and keyboard player /singer of the band ‘Shadow Band’. He later became the lead singer of the popular band ‘Synergy Band’. He has won Bahamas’s Elevation Award 2020 for ‘New Artist of The Year’ and was nominated for a Cacique Award for People's Choice that same year. Mostly known for his single ‘Feel Like Whining’, and ‘Hey yo’ he has easily become a favorite on the scene His music has been featured on multiple radio stations, regattas and even on international platforms

Shine headlined his first international show in October 2019 at the ‘Arts and Cultural Festival’

The Music Industry

located in Norfolk, Virginia He has performed on many stages such as ‘The Best of The Best’ concert were local heavy hitters perform their biggest hits and headlined at a local favorite spot ‘The Farm‘in September 2019 He continues to push the envelope with his universal sound while presenting a ‘Down home’ appeal

Shine is presently promoting a his newest single ‘Did It On My Own ‘ a homage to being self-reliant and independent, while pushing past adversity and "ALL THE WAY' that capture the remembrance of the time we all participated and enjoy our culture together He is also promoting a 15 song catalog; all of his records are available on every digital platform

Recently, he was sworn in and appointed to spearhead the youth arm of the United Artist Bahamas Union (UABU) as the Youth Chairman in September 2023

Apart from Lavardo “Shine” being a Bahamian Artist and Musician he is an Entrepreneur, Producer, Barber, a Certified Emergency Medical Technician, a Certified Boat Captain and a proud father of two beautiful Daughters

Dr Trévare Sherman is the Chief People and Experience Officer of Fusion Superplex, where she is responsible for ensuring the wellbeing and performance of the company’s greatest resource, people She is also the head of operations and oversees the revenue generating apparatus of Fusion Superplex

Before working at Fusion, she served in Human Resources and operations management capacities in the hospitality industry

Dr. Sherman is a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California She obtained her Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Saint Cloud State University and her Bachelor’s in Psychology from The College of Saint Benedict

She is passionate about supporting others to achieve professional goals has an undying love for spa days, great food, and travel

Timothy Smith was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas to a respected real estate family He studied Accounting at Georgia State University graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration He returned home to accept a post at one of the Big Four accounting firms where he gained insight handling accounts and consulting for diverse clients

By 2016, Tim did what came naturally – he turned his attention to real estate and was emerging as one of the most productive performers at his real estate firm, Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas Group With his outgoing personality and strong work ethic, Timothy is also no stranger to the outdoor life and his love of water-sports, fishing and diving He plays golf and tennis just as he conducts real estate transactions – with competitive spirit and a warm smile

He credits what he calls “an amazing team spirit” at the firm founded by Mario Carey At 25, Timothy had already achieved the goal of Top Rookie of the Year in a firm with dozens of agents

Today he has accumulated a large client base, a reflection he says of increasing loyalty based on service, integrity and trust “Every clOne year later, in 2019 at 26 years old, Timothy Smith achieved the highest honor in the firm as Overall Top Producer of the Year He won this award again the year after in 2020

In 2021, Timothy Smith was appointed as Partner of the firm and has established himself as one of the the most respected Real Estate agents in The Bahamas

ient I work with, I feel like it’s an honour,” he says

BRIDGEWATER

The Man, The Myth, The Mogule

TECOYO BRIDGEWATER

INTERVIEW

1. Can you please share with us your journey as a cinema businessman? How did you get started and what inspired you to pursue this path?

It all started with a dream to bring an Imax to the Bahamas. My business partner and CEO journeyed to New York in the early 2000s. He saw an Imax film for the first time that blew him away. Upon his return, he shared his experience which planted the seed for the construction of Fusion Superplex. Since then, it has been a cyclical experience of ups and downs, a variation of ideas, and a lot of pivoting.

Originally, the idea was a single Imax screen, but that later blossomed into multiple screens, other premium formats like 4dx, Pure VIP, and amenities such as the Reboot Arcade, Kids Play Zone, and the restaurants Altitude and Edge. We envisioned experience rather than just movies. We understood that both parents and children needed a place to unwind and enjoy. Fusion has been a place for people of all ages to gather, especially the youth.

2. What unique qualities and skills do you believe contribute to your success in the cinema business? How have you utilized these qualities to make a positive impact on the youth?

Having the right people around is vital to my success. I have dedicated team members. My CEO is both a dreamer and an operator. His dedication and expertise make it easier for me to function along with our operations leadership who do most of the work, which allows me to reduce stress. So, the unique skill would be identifying the right people and knowing your strengths and weaknesses

Self-evaluation is an important skill that I possess, I know what I do well and what I don’t Persistence is another quality I am blessed with - a dogged tenacity to succeed has allowed me to be in my current position I hasten to say that this quality has allowed my team and I to be able to assist the youth by providing them with a safe place to be entertained, educated and also to be employed

3. As a cinema businessman, how do you strive to create a positive and inclusive environment for youth in your establishments? What initiatives or programs have you implemented to engage and inspire the younger generation?

Our company values are centered specifically around family wholesome fun; we try our best to foster this. We have an initiative named “Project Empower” which is a program directed toward youth and young adults. It is an educational program that uses entertainment both to entertain and educate, through film. We utilize the width and depth of the Imax screen and the amazing state-of-the-art sound to display 40-minute educational films, predominantly in 3D, to explore all aspects of the earth and the human body We intend to incorporate this as a part of school curriculums Additionally, we host summer programs and our sales and events department daily

TECOYO BRIDGEWATER

INTERVIEW

engage with customers who desire to host community-driven and youth empowerment events at the facility, such as Purpose Path International, amongst others.

4.What role do you believe cinema plays in shaping the youth's perspectives, values, and aspirations? How do you ensure that the content shown in your cinemas aligns with positive youth development?

All entertainment plays a significant role in learning When youth or adults are having fun information is easier to absorb “Our Project Empower is a prime example of fun learning

Moreover, it should be noted that many of our employees in our entertainment department are between the ages of 16 to 25, the cinema has allowed their employment This employment may encourage the development of life skills, discipline, responsibility, time management, teamwork, etc

Our cinema license is obtained and governed by The Bahamas Film Board, which sets the ratings for our films after an evaluation and review of the content However, we are also actively engaged in the review of all films we display, identifying films safe for the youth viewing

5. Can you discuss a specific instance where you made a significant impact on a young person's life through your cinema business? What was the outcome, and how did it influence your further efforts?

The entertainment business has allowed me to provide several young people with guidance, resources, and financial assistance to participate in their desired academic, vocation or sporting endeavors Specifically, whenever I speak at speaking engagements, I usually have youth follow up with me after my speeches and impart how what I said positively impacted their lives I have offered some of these young people jobs at the facility Recently the company sponsored the airfare for a young judo champion to be able to participate overseas in his events He was successful and won medals in his events

6. In your opinion, what are the key challenges and opportunities in the cinema industry when it comes to empowering and inspiring today's youth?

Lack of attention and social media may be both a challenge and an opportunity

Social media both informs and distracts It may be used as a vital tool to reach out to the youth to inform and educate on film and events and what is occurring in cinema, but it also is distracting and fosters negative ideals tied to instant gratification, quick clips rather than meaningful, impactful dramatic pieces We want to encourage people out of their homes and out of phones and in the facility interacting, let’s get back to community

ECOYO BRIDGEWATER

7. How do you approach these challenges and leverage the opportunities? Project Empower and awesome activities at Fusion Superplex!

8 What advice would you give to aspiring young entrepreneurs who want to make a positive impact in the cinema and entertainment industry? What steps should they take to achieve success while also serving as role models for the youth?

Focus on what you like but most importantly focus on problems Entrepreneurs solve problems Being bored is a problem, if you can facilitate the right approach, product, or service to solve that boredom, with a form of entertainment that the masses appreciate and then multiply the experience consistently, success may eventually follow Therefore, find a problem, find others to help you solve the problem, then rinse and repeat

9. How do you use your platform and influence to advocate for important issues that affect young people? Can you share any examples of initiatives or campaigns that you've supported or initiated?

I usually speak at community-centric seminars, events and social programs, including schools, universities, and non-profit organizations, at these initiatives I usually let my voice and experience shape my advocacy As I am a living example of “I will not let my environment dictate my destination I am the youngest of three boys who grew up in a single-mother household I share my story, my trials and tribulations and use it to inspire youth with similar situations

10 Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as a cinema businessman and youth role model? How do you envision expanding your impact and leaving a lasting legacy?

The future is bright and expansive There is more to come - bigger and better ways to entertain the entire community We want to be known as the ‘Kings of Entertainment’ Every King must have a Kingdom This is what we will leave behind The creation of an entertainment mecca, for local and international visitors to marvel at. A system dedicated to family and family values that help to educate and recreate through entertainment We pioneer getting people out of their homes isolated in their rooms in front of tablets and pho

SCHOLARSHIP OPPURTUNITIES

PURPOSE PATH (BAHAMAS)

INTERNATIONAL

PURPOSE PATH MAGAZINE

#OPPORTUNITY

#CARICOM Nationals are invited to apply for:

Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) Scholarships and Grants

The opportunities offered by ACMF are designed to address the diversity of need within Caribbean maritime training, to include scholarships and grants, underwriting sea time for our scholars to prepare them to work on ships, funding classrooms and essential equipment, and mentoring.

Deadline: 30 April 2024

Apply Now:https://apply.acmfdn.org/

There are a multitude of study opportunities offered to Bahamian graduate and undergraduate students all around the world. These study-abroad opportunities are fully or partially funded. To see which one is right for you, check out the list below:

https://mofa.gov.bs/category/international-scholarships/

SCHOLARSHIPS

United Nations Peace University

https://upeace.org/ma-international-law-and-diplomacy/ Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

MEXT Japanese Scholarship

https://biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/INTER/index.php

https://www.jamaica.emb-japan.go.jp/.../study_in_japan.html

Bahamas – UK Chevening Scholarship

https://chevening.org/scholarship/bahamas/ EU Mundus Masters in Public Policy (MAPP)

https://www.mundusmapp.org/

Mexico Scholarship through the Academic Cooperation Management System (SIGCA)

https://sigca.sre.gob.mx

Indonesia scholarships

https://knb.kemdikbud.go.id/

European Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/.../erasmusmundus...

Finland scholarships

https://www.studyinfinland.fi

South Korea scholarships

http://www.niied.go.kr/user/nd35203.do or http://www.gks.go.kr

Ireland Fellows Programme

https://www.irishaidfellowships.ie/.../ireland-sids... Vienna School of International Studies

https://www.da-vienna.ac.at/en/ Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

https://www.sbfi.admin.ch/.../swiss-governmentexcellence...

Morocco Scholarships

Malta Scholarships

https://www.amci.ma

https://www.servizz.gov.mt/.../Scholarships/default.aspx Guillaume Dupaix Scholarship

Brunei Scholarships

https://bangkok.mae.lu/en/actualites/2024/scholarship.html

https://www.mfa.gov.bn/Pages/scholarship.aspx Study in Romania

https://studyinromania.gov.ro/ and https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/

Study in India

https://www.education.gov.in/scholarships-education-loan-2

Canadian Graduate Study

https://www.educanada.ca/scholarshi.../non_can/index.aspx...

FELLOWSHIPS

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

https://www.worldbank.org/.../robert-s-mcnamara... UNNF Ocean Governance Fellowship for SIDS https://www.un.org/.../unnf-ocean-governancefellowship-sids

International Law Fellowship Programme

https://legal.un.org/poa/ilfp/ Fellowship programme for people of African descent https://www.ohchr.org/.../fellowshipprogramme-people...

AOSIS Fellowship

https://www.aosis.org/fellowship/

Our Programmes

Our programmes are designed to yield palpable, long-term results Each programme is aimed at providing learning opportunities for Bahamian children, young adults, families, and communities who will benefit the most

SCHOLARSHIPS

We offer partial scholarships to obtain degrees outside of the Bahamas at these levels:

3 levels

Undergraduate Technical/ Vocational Graduate

Scholarship applications are available once per year beginning in February. Students choose their own institution and field of study, and apply to us at any time, whether as a new freshman or a junior in college. It is highly competitive.

The nine criteria weigh financial need, academic merit, field of study, reputation of institution, career goal, availability of programme in The Bahamas, financial capacity, and personal qualities. There are no age restrictions

SCHOLARSHIPS IMPACT

Criteria refined and approved by Board of Directors to give preference to:

First generation college students

Students who complete their first degree in The Bahamas We invest close to 1 million annually for scholarships for some 100 Bahamians to study around the world at the undergraduate, graduate and technical levels