To commemorate Caribbean American Heritage Month, the National Commemorative Committee under the leadership of the Institute of Caribbean Studies will honor volunteerism and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean American community. On June 24th, 30 young emerging leaders of Caribbean heritage will be honored at the Inter-American Development Bank during “Ignite Caribbean: Forum on the Future,” a celebration of youth entrepreneurship and social enterprise by Caribbean Americans.
The inaugural “30 under 30” award will honor 30 Caribbean Americans, age 30 and under, for their commitment and active engagement professionally academically, or personally. The Emerging Leader (EL) may be a Caribbean American Academic, Entrepreneur, Activist or Community Leader. In addition, the EL may be a student leader or member of a Caribbean Student Association whose work has contributed to making a measurable difference on a University/College campus in the USA or in their community.
Nominate someone or apply on your behalf today by May 25, 2016 at http://www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org/30under30
Who can be nominated?
To be considered, nominees must meet the following criteria: 1) Have at least one parent from or be born in a member country of CARICOM or a non-independent US, British, French or Dutch dependency in the Caribbean.
2) Has been working for at least 3 years on an agenda to promote the wellbeing of the Caribbean society at home here in the USA or abroad in the Caribbean.
3) Be under the age of 30 prior to December 31, 2016.
The Emerging Leader (EL) may be a Caribbean American Academic, Entrepreneur, Activist or Community Leader. In addition, the EL may be a student leader or member of a Caribbean Student Association whose work has contributed to making a measurable difference on a University/College campus in the USA or in their community.
What is the deadline?
Nominations will close on May 25, 2016.
What happens after a nomination is submitted?
After receiving nominations, our judges will choose 30 most outstanding nominees to be our finalists. Selection Criteria include factors such as:
1) Years active
2) Level of accomplishment
3) Level of impact on community
Each finalist will be required to create a 1-2 minute video presentation to be shared publicly. In the video the finalist should speak about their Caribbean heritage, their work for which they are being honored and how their work contributes to creating inclusive prosperity for the Caribbean society.
How will the honorees be recognized?
The honorees and their work will be featured prominently during June – National Caribbean American Heritage Month on the NCAHM website. Each honoree will receive a Certificate of Leadership attesting to their selection as a member of the 2016 class of 30 Under 30 Caribbean American Emerging Leaders. ICS will celebrate the 30 honorees at our Caribbean American Legislative Week in Washington, DC on June 23-25th. The honorees who are able to travel to Washington DC will be invited to participate in Ignite Caribbean- Forum on the Future and a Breakfast Reception at the Inter-American Development Bank, hosted by the Office of the Executive Director for the Caribbean region. Honorees with promising and or impactful projects will also be given an opportunity to present at the Ignite Caribbean – Forum on the Future at the Inter-American Development Bank (if desired).
Who to contact if I have more questions?
Contact info: Paula Fraser, Co-Chair, Next Gen Leaders at 202-888-2854 or Marissa Williams at 919-451-4927. You may also Email us at: icsdcorg.info@gmail.com
