The Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program offers an opportunity for professional community leaders from eligible Caribbean countries to engage in a ten-day immersive program in Washington, D.C., United States. This exchange program aims to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and cultural understanding between the United States and Caribbean countries. It is supported in funding from the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Partners of the Americas in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Throughout the program, participants will focus on environmental issues, explore areas of mutual interest, and promote public diplomacy. Participants will have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, visit local environmentally focused non-profit organizations, and have cross-cultural experiences.
By participating in this exchange program, professionals from the Caribbean will not only expand their knowledge and skills but also forge long-lasting connections, creating a network of environmental leaders committed to addressing shared challenges and promoting sustainable practices.
Ten (10) grantees were selected from five countries: Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. During their exchange, they will develop their professional skills and further develop their plans to support the communities they serve.
Learn more about the program’s grantees below!
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Anniete Cohn Lois Eusebio |
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Hometown Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Focus Areas
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Anniete (Dominican Republic) is committed to environmental leadership and climate adaptation. With a background in UN negotiations for the Paris Agreement, leading sustainability efforts at financial institutions, and currently coordinating a sustainability agenda in academia, she has a consistent drive to make a positive impact.
Her aspiration to participate in the Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program is rooted in the desire to enhance educational strategies for future business professionals in the Dominican Republic, focusing on environmental preservation, social development, and profitability. She aims to implement impactful leadership activities and seek partnerships to promote sustainable practices in her community. Anniete’s passion and expertise position her as a community leader with a strong focus on driving sustainable change through education and collaboration.
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Benita Davis |
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Hometown Georgetown, Guyana Focus Areas
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Benita (Guyana) has been at the forefront of youth-led environmental efforts in Guyana, particularly in addressing the adverse effects of gold mining on freshwater resources through the ‘River Guardians Project.’ Her roles as Coordinator for Policy Forum Guyana and former consultant for the National Action Plan for ASGM demonstrates her commitment to protecting water resources and strengthening local people. In addition, she actively supports environmental causes by organizing Guyana’s participation in EARTH DAY 2023 with EarthDay.org. The Ministry of Education has endorsed Benita’s creative educational board games, such as “The River Guardians Freshwater Boardgame,” (first of its kind as essential teaching aids in Science classes. Most recently she authored a freshwater storybook, translated into local indigenous languages for read-aloud sessions.
Benita seeks to amplify her impact by participating in the Education and Culture Environmental Exchange Program, aiming to strengthen her current campaign in Guyana: Embracing a 1.5 Lifestyle. She believes that this exchange will foster cross-cultural collaboration that will teach her how to implement innovative strategies to promote sustainable practices. Her genuine concern for the environment and community fuels her leadership, inspiring positive change, and eco-friendly behaviors.
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Dainalyn Swaby |
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Hometown Kingston, Jamaica Focus Areas
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Dainalyn (Jamaica) brings a decade of climate change communication experience in Jamaica, having successfully engaged stakeholders, coordinated outreach activities, and organized youth climate change conferences. Committed to driving climate awareness and sustainable action, she aspires to represent her country and the Caribbean voice, seeking exposure and experiences to motivate others.
Through the Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program, Dainalyn aims to enhance her network, forge partnerships, and integrate effective communication and engagement strategies into her ongoing climate action projects targeting rural communities and youth. She seeks to develop relationships with environmental professionals, gain insights into resource mobilization, and better understand organizational processes to address climate adaptation and sustainable development challenges. Dainalyn’s proactive leadership is evident in her collaborations, dialogues, and advocacy efforts at national and international levels, showcasing her dedication to climate education and empowerment.
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Delka Espinal |
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Hometown Santiago, Dominican Republic Focus Areas
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Delka’s (Dominican Republic) professional journey is characterized by a strong commitment to community engagement and disaster preparedness, primarily focused on earthquake and disaster risk reduction. With a background spanning from working as a Red Cross volunteer to becoming an engineer, her motivation lies in improving people’s lives.
Aiming to contribute to climate change and environmental resilience, she seeks skills and knowledge from the Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program to create programs addressing vulnerabilities faced by smallholder farmers. She aspires to learn community engagement practices, develop research protocols, enhance leadership skills, identify funding opportunities, and implement best practices for the betterment of her community.
Her motivation for community leadership stems from the understanding that local development, environmental considerations, and proper land use planning are essential for enhancing community resilience. She aims to leverage her experiences and skills to become a leader who effectively integrates environmental considerations into disaster adaptation and preparedness strategies.
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Johanna Kartomenggolo |
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Hometown Paramaribo, Suriname Focus Areas
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Johanna (Suriname) has a diverse professional background encompassing health, safety, environmental protection, community engagement, and education, and currently holds the position of Head of the Health, Safety, Environmental, Community, and Quality Department at Haukes Suriname N.V. Her journey began as a medical laboratory technician, contributing to sustainability policies in vital sectors. Progressing to roles involving compliance, quality, and occupational health and safety, her recent role at IAMGOLD Rosebel Gold Mines further refined her skills. Alongside her professional role, she contributes to education as a part-time instructor, for Agronomy and Food Technology. Her motivation lies in fostering sustainability, environmental protection, and resilience for a better future.
The exchange program aligns with her aspirations, offering a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and impactful contributions to their community through educational initiatives and empowerment projects. She aims to expand knowledge, establish connections, and acquire practical skills to promote positive change and sustainable development.
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Gina Rosario Diaz |
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Hometown Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Focus Areas
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Gina (Dominican Republic) is an environmental lawyer and international relations professional with a focus on climate change, agriculture, and natural resources. Currently, she serves as the Technical Coordinator of the Dominican Republic Delegation of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), managing numerous technical cooperation projects to support the transformation of agri-food systems. With a background in environmental law and international relations, her expertise spans various domains, and she has actively engaged in global forums and youth empowerment initiatives.
Through the Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program, she aims to expand her network, enhance skills, and contribute to environmental issues, sustainable agriculture, and youth empowerment. Her leadership centers on promoting change, developing capacity-building, and fostering innovation for a better society.
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Leeza Sarah Charles |
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Hometown Questelles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Focus Areas
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Leeza Charles is more than a professional; she’s a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and community upliftment. Her commitment shines through her philanthropic role as a board member of the Basil Charles Educational Foundation, where she actively contributes to providing scholarships for underprivileged children, championing the cause of education as a means to empower future generations.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Leeza’s impressive achievements include successfully completing the GGGI Greenpreneurs program, where she not only gained valuable insights but also secured a prestigious grant. As the visionary founder of Arubana, a pioneering startup, she stands at the forefront of promoting sustainability in the Caribbean’s agricultural and tourism sectors. Arubana isn’t just a business; it’s a representation of her unwavering commitment to sustainable solutions that benefit local communities and promote responsible tourism. With a diverse professional background that spans machine engineering and aviation operations, Leeza brings a unique set of skills to her endeavors. Her dedication to environmental protection, combined with her demonstrated philanthropic work and versatile professional experience, makes her a compelling force for advancing sustainable practices in the Caribbean and beyond.
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Madhawi Ramdin |
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Hometown Paramaribo, Suriname Focus Areas
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Madhawi (Suriname) has a robust background in promoting sustainable environmental practices and leading Participatory Action Research projects, particularly focused on women’s empowerment, and human rights. Currently a Senior Consultant in Project Management and Inclusion, she leverages her expertise to address environmental challenges in the Caribbean through public education and other planning projects. With a deep-rooted passion for environmental governance and conservation, her commitment to protecting natural resources is fueled by a belief in collaboration and knowledge-sharing as catalysts for tackling shared environmental challenges.
Her aspirations for the Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program align with fostering connections, developing skills, and implementing impactful community-based projects that promote sustainability and resilience.
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Maria Paul |
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Hometown Georgetown, Guyana Focus Areas
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Maria (Guyana) is a dedicated environmental professional with a wealth of experience in promoting sustainable practices and leading projects focused on climate adaptation. Her current role involves monitoring and evaluating projects funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund, with a focus on advancing Guyana’s development. She has contributed significantly to forest and climate adaptation programs and policy institutes. With a keen interest in becoming an environmental leader, she is motivated by a passion for helping people and creating a cleaner and safer environment.
She intends to leverage the knowledge gained through the Program to further her community’s climate adaptation efforts, enhance the capabilities of youths and professionals, and foster transparent and accountable development in Guyana. Her commitment to leadership, networking, and skill-sharing underscores her goal of nurturing future environmental leaders and driving positive change.
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Nuravni Sukarni Sallons |
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Hometown Paramaribo, Suriname Focus Areas
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Nuravni (Suriname) boasts a decade of experience in environmental advocacy and climate change, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and nearing completion of a Master’s in Business Administration. Currently serving as the Managing Director of Aurae Opus Foundation, an NGO focused on climate, environment, and sustainable development, she is actively involved in various community initiatives, such as climate change awareness projects, international collaborations, and minority-focused programs. Her commitment to leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations fuels her drive for community leadership.
Through the Education and Culture Environmental Protection and Resilience Professional Exchange Program, she aims to expand her skills and knowledge, especially in executing effective environmental projects within minority communities. She seeks to learn about sustainable project implementation, green funding, and cross-cultural exchanges, intending to leverage this experience to further develop their community-focused work in Suriname.
Interested in learning more about the Education and Culture Travel Grant Program and how to get involved as a host or traveler? Learn more at our website here: https://www.partners.net/program/travel-grants/
