FREE | PAGES: 24 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com SIGN UP FOR OUR EPAPER @ epaper.jamaica-gleaner.com/na APRIL 11 - MAY 11, 2024 | VOL 2045 Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer Alabama readies for Caribbean festival CONFERENCE NY-based organisation to honour four J’cans >P.12 >INSIDE >P.3 TORONTO: JAMAICA’S HIGH Commissioner to Canada, Marsha Coore Lobban, is encouraging persons in the diaspora to support the biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference as it allows them a voice on issues of national importance, and provides an opportunity for the Jamaican government to support diasporans. High commissioner underscores importance of biennial diaspora conference Organisers hoping to attract 1,000 CALL High Commissioner-designate to Canada, Marsha Coore-Lobban >P.8 ‘Trailblazing’ lawyers honoured in Georgia >P.9 Penns showdown! n Share in the excitement as J’can student athletes go for glory in this year’s relay carnival >PP.12-14 TRANS-CONTINENTAL ECONOCARIBE 147-46 176 STREET, JAMAICA, NEW YORK 11434 TEL: 718-244-7447, 718-341-2900 • BARRELS • CRATES • CARTONS • FURNITURE • APPLIANCES • BUILDING SUPPLIES • MEDICAL SUPPLIES • CARS KINGSTON, MONTEGO BAY, PORT OF SPAIN - TRINIDAD, GUYANA & OTHER ISLANDS WE SHIP DIRECTLY TO: SPECIALIZING IN RETURNING RESIDENTS
THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 11 - MAY 11, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: JAMAICA’S HIGH Commissioner to Canada, Marsha Coore Lobban, is encouraging persons in the diaspora to support the biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference as it allows them a voice on issues of national importance, and provides an opportunity for the Jamaican government to support diasporans. She was speaking with the Gleaner ahead of the April 4 global launch of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from June 16-19, under the theme, “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment.” The Diaspora Day of Service will be held on June 20. “The diaspora conference allows for us to engage, hear from diasporans to see how we can work together, how we can strengthen the alliance,” she said, noting that many Jamaicans abroad have a keen interest in what happens there. Hosted by the government, the biennial conference which has been happening for 20 years allows Jamaicans to return to engage on issues of importance and share their concerns. Coore Lobban said there are Jamaicans who have migrated and are grappling with the settling process, so the strategy has been to have the biennial conference in Jamaica and the regional conference, which is held every other year in the respective regions, “which is to allow the Jamaican diasporans there in the respective communities to say how do we address the challenges confronting us here in these respective jurisdictions.” She said it is a two-pronged approach to make sure that a conversation is held on matters in Canada and in Jamaica. “It’s based on these conferences that the government has actually developed a Diaspora Policy which has been passed and is now to be implemented. It allows your voice to be heard.” MORE EXTENSIVE EXCHANGES Coore Lobban said the conference is like a reunion and there will be a marketplace running parallel to the discussions which allows individuals a one stop opportunity to renew their passport, apply for citizenship, pay their property tax, or have their NHT ATLANTA, GEORGIA: THE JAMAICAN Museum and Cultural Centre (JMCC), was among several organisations and individuals recognised for outstanding community service, by the Atlanta Caribbean Community Committee (ACCC), earlier this month. President Dr. Apollone Reid commended the JMCC’s full team, noting, “this recognition would not have been possible without the hard work of the members of the Board, in bringing community awareness to the achievements of women during International Women’s Month.” VP Christine Marzouca said, “The JMCC is humbled by this recognition and wishes to congratulate all the other awardees for their philanthropic work and outstanding achievements.” On hand to accept the award were President Reid, Vice President Marzouca, Communications Director Laurel Wong, and Resource Director Dr Glen Laman. The group emphasised the the JMCC’s mission ‘to bring global awareness to the rich Jamaican traditions that renowned Atlanta civil rights leader, Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, embraced and desired to see exist in the United States (USA) as he saw lived out in Jamaica’. The organisation recently completed another of its targeted school projects on green banana and is soon to outline plans in celebration of its fifth anniversary. Jamaican Cultural Centre honoured for work in Atlanta community Conference call High commissioner underscores importance of biennial diaspora conference From left: Dr Apollone Reid, president of the Jamaica Museum & Cultural Center, Christine Marzouca, vice president, and Laurel Wong, communications director, display the award received from the Atlanta Caribbean Community Committee. CONTRIBUTED Please see DIASPORA, 4
THE ST Elizabeth police have charged four men for allegedly abusing eight American children at a private boarding school for troubled teens in the parish. Last month, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) disclosed that it removed the boys from the Atlantis Leadership Academy in Treasure Beach following an unannounced visit on February 8 during which “signs of abuse and neglect” were reportedly observed on the children. The accused men, who are all from St Elizabeth, have been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, cruelty to a child and assault at common law. They are thirty-nine-year-old Eddison Morris from Great Bay district, 51-year-old Courtney Wiggan and 33-yearold Carson Cox, both from Sandy Bank community and footballer Odane Maswell, 31, from Holland Village district, according to a police statement issued Saturday. A fifth person is in custody however his identity is being withheld pending further investigations. The boys were aged 14 to 18. Representatives from the US Embassy in Kingston participated in the visit. Most of them remain in Jamaican custody. Their families have been mounting a campaign for their release. American business woman and media personality Paris Hilton said she was outraged and horrified by the allegations, following a visit to Treasure Beach on Wednesday. “Hundreds of thousands of youth experience this horror today, and I am dedicated to eliminating child abuse and neglect in youth residential programmes,”said Hilton, who was in Jamaica to advocate and support the boys’ return to the US. “These boys came into the world expecting love and nurturing but instead, have faced absolute terror.” Seven of the teens were placed in residential childcare facilities, while an 18-year-old, who aged out of the children’s court jurisdiction, was returned to the United States in February. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 11 - MAY 11, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 [NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED] Jhaneille Esson (second left), captain of St Jago High School’s Television Jamaica Schools’ Challenge Quiz team, holds the trophy aloft with team members (from left) Nathaniel Baker, Kevandra Blake and Jermaine Miller at Television Jamaica’s studios at Broadcast House on Lyndhurst Road in St Andrew at the end of Thursday night’s 2024 final of the competition. IAN ALLEN Four charged over alleged abuse of American boys at Treasure Beach private school questions answered. When it just started there were panel discussions but now there are breakout groups that have more extensive exchanges regarding the issues, she said. Addressing reports from several Jamaican Canadians that there is no follow up or progress report at the conferences and the same things are repeated at them, the high commissioner said: “I think what has happened is that we need to do more to strengthen awareness and information sharing. Coming out of these conferences we have had the Diaspora Policy that has been developed, that is based on what has been discussed and has come forth.” She said for those who are giving back through health or education, they have now set up deliberate offices so there is someone who manages all donations that come under the health remit as well as in education. Coore Lobban said a report from the Regional Jamaica Diaspora Conference held in Toronto in September 2023 was sent to Jamaica and is helping to influence the agenda of the biennial conference, the issues to be discussed, and includes a roadmap and a score card. “This year, there will be a score card for some of the achievements coming out of all the conferences that have been held.”On June 17, a report card on diaspora achievements from 2003 to 2024 will be shared at the conference. The high commissioner said that during her previous role in the Jamaican Foreign Service, she realised that a lot has taken place to carry out the recommendations, “but this has not been shared.” Her mission is to get the information out and ensure that individuals are engaged. She further encouraged Jamaicans in Canada to reach out if they are not seeing specific things or hearing back. Coore Lobban said diasporans in the city of Montreal have identified Black River High School in St. Elizabeth as needing upgrades to its bathrooms. She said that based on monthly meetings of a group consisting of community leaders and honorary consuls they are looking to have one project that they will identify as their Canada legacy project that they can give back to the community for the Jamaica Diaspora Day. “It is my hope working through the organisations’ leaders that the information will be shared with their membership because we won’t be able to reach everyone.” The high commission will be holding satellite launches for the conference with plans for a calendar of events happening in Jamaican communities throughout Canada, as well as monthly webinars. The high commissioner also noted that a diaspora council member from Europe has proposed a Jamaica Mentorship Diaspora Academy initiative to help students from grade six to sixth form. DIASPORA Continued from, 3
By Sophia Findlay As the Regional Manager for Black Community Business Development and Women in Enterprise at TD Bank Group (TD), Latanya Housen is a driving force behind positive change. With a passion for amplifying the TD brand and fostering growth, she leads her team in providing essential support to Black Communities. Housen’s financial expertise coupled with her role as part of the Black Community Business Development team, helps make her a vital part of the bank’s work in welcoming Black business and entrepreneurs to the bank. As part of the bank’s Black Community Business Development team, she and her colleagues across Canada are helping to shine a spotlight on TD and to grow both personal and business portfolios of Black communities by working to deepen existing customer relationships. Housen knows all too well the uphill slope of working to establishing oneself, especially as a minority. Her journey in the financial services sector began way before she touched Canadian soil in 2016 as a permanent resident, and like some immigrants fresh to the country, she experienced firsthand the challenges and frustration that comes with trying to excel in a foreign land. “I had to reset my career starting from scratch because of some barriers that we faced, such as being educated but without Canadian experience,” she recalled. This mother of two boys, who came to Canada with her husband and children, hails from Manchester, Jamaica, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University and a double major Bachelor of Science degree in both Management and in Psychology from the University of the West Indies.This has helped her to become an instance part of the TD enterprise. “I bring passion to my role and feel a strong sense of purpose by being part of a solution center as well as working to advocate on behalf of my customers in my daily work life.” “Additionally, I am a Woman in Enterprise Certified Banker, a TD Wellbeing Ambassador, TD Diversity and Inclusion Community Volunteer, strong advocate for the TD Black Employee Network, as well as an integral champion of the Black Community Business Development team. I am an active participant in coaching and mentorship opportunities across non-profit organizations centered around financial literacy and stakeholder impact,” Housen said.’ Through the Black Community Business Development program, regional managers across Canada act as ambassadors are the first point of contact for Black communities interested in learning more about how TD supports and works with personal and business clients in Black communities. “I am a trusted advisor to leadership teams across the TD enterprise on how to reach out and liaise with Black communities,” she advised. The TD Black Community Business Development program came about after years of close working relationships with Black organizations in Canadas, and by working with entities s like the Black Opportunity Fund, Federation of African Canadian Economics- F.A.C.E Coalition, Black Hxouse, as well as getting involved with Black community programs, such as, the Boss Women Entrepreneurship Training program. The Black Community Business Development program is designed to focus on creating better relationships with Black communities, and Housen said it includes a dedicated team of market leaders, advisors, and colleagues from across the Bank that provide Black communities and businesses with access to banking products and services, investing advice, and other custom hands-on experiences that are working to help drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive future. According to a 2020 TD Stories article, Bharat Masrani, Group President and CEO,TD Bank Group, shared the additional ways TD would start to work to help combat systematic racism and its impacts and now, in 2024, the bank is starting to see the fruits of those seeds planted in 2020. Since joining TD in 2017, she has steadily climbed the ranks, transitioning through various retail roles to her current position as Regional Manager.With over a decade of experience in Management, Business Development, Leadership. Operations, and Customer Service across Jamaica’s financial sector, Housen has brought a wealth of expertise to her role. All of that she said,“compliments and enhances my abilities to meet the TD mandate of striving to provide legendary experiences to clients and colleagues.” “We are learning more about the unique issues and needs of Black communities and striving to deliver elevated advice and service directly to these communities to help empower them to participate fully in society,” she stated. Also from the Black Opportunity Fund, whose mandate is to dismantle anti-Black racism by establishing a sustainable pool of capital to fund Black-led businesses and Black-led not for profit organisations and charities,The Black Entrepreneur Loan Program can be accessed. It is an inclusive lending program for Black entrepreneurs, to improve the social and economic well-being of Canada’s Black communities and is described as a pathway through the Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program.This helps to foster economic inclusion to Black entrepreneurs who have been unable to secure funding to-date through Canadian financial institutions, that they may be eligible for loans of up to $50,000, thus providing more equitable access to credit to those who disproportionally face hurdles securing funding for their businesses. The Black Opportunity Fund prioritises initiatives around education, health, women, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and youth that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada. Nothing was left to chance and Housen is on top of her game leading and designing ways to help Black business owners drive their visions forward, for which she’s proud. Not bad for a Jamaican immigrant in the forefront that takes pride in epitomising the Black Customer Experience through TD’s Black Customer Experience Strategy. Empowering Black Communities Strategy at TD Bank Group To learn more about the TD commitment to a more inclusive tomorrow visit TD.com/MarchForward. LATANYA MONTEITH HOUSEN I Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development, Metro West I Women in Enterprise Banker (WE Banker). THE MONTHLY GLEANER | APRIL 11 - MAY 11, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 5 AS THE Regional Manager for the Black Customer Experience team and Women in Enterprise at TD Bank Group (TD), Latanya Housen is a driving force behind positive change. With a passion for amplifying the TD brand and fostering growth, she leads her team in providing essential support to Black Communities in Canada. As part of the bank’s Black Customer Experience team, she and her colleagues across Canada are helping to shine a spotlight on TD and to grow both personal and business portfolios of Black communities by working to deepen existing customer relationships. Housen’s financial expertise coupled with her role, helps make her a vital part of the bank’s work in welcoming Black business and entrepreneurs to the bank. Housen knows all too well the uphill slope of working to establishing oneself, especially as a minority. Her journey in the financial services sector began way before she touched Canadian soil in 2016 as a permanent resident, and like some immigrants fresh to the country, she experienced firsthand the challenges and frustration that comes with trying to excel in a foreign land. “I had to reset my career starting from scratch because of some barriers that we faced, such as being educated but without Canadian experience,” she recalled. This mother of two boys, who came to Canada with her husband and children, hails from Manchester, Jamaica, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University and a double major Bachelor of Science degree in both Management and in Psychology from the University of the West Indies. This has helped her to become an instant part of the TD enterprise. “I bring passion to my role and feel a strong sense of purpose by being part of a solution center as well as working to advocate on behalf of my customers in my daily work life.” “Additionally, I am a Woman in Enterprise Certified Banker, a TD Wellbeing Ambassador, TD Diversity and Inclusion Community Volunteer, and strong advocate for the TD Black Employee Network. I am an active participant in coaching and mentorship opportunities centered around financial literacy and stakeholder impact,” Housen said.’ Through the Black Customer Experience team, regional managers across Canada act as ambassadors and are the first point of contact for Black communities interested in learning more about how TD supports and works with personal and business clients in Black communities. “I am a trusted advisor to leadership teams across the TD enterprise on how to reach out and liaise with Black communities,” she advised. The TD Black Customer Experience Strategy came about after years of close working relationships with Black organizations in Canadas, and by working with entities like the Black Opportunity Fund, Federation of African Canadian Economics- F.A.C.E Coalition, as well as getting involved with Black community programs, such as, the Boss Women Entrepreneurship Training program. The Black Customer Experience Strategy is designed to focus on creating better relationships with Black communities, and Housen said it includes a dedicated team of market leaders, advisors, and colleagues from across the Bank that provide Black communities and businesses with access to banking products and services, investing advice, and other custom hands-on experiences that are working to help drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive future. According to a 2020 TD Stories article, Bharat Masrani, Group President and CEO, TD Bank Group, shared the additional ways TD would start to work to help combat systematic racism and its impacts and now, in 2024, the bank is starting to see the fruits of those seeds planted in 2020. “We are learning more about the unique challenges and needs of Black communities and striving to deliver elevated advice and service directly, to help empower them to participate fully in society,” she stated. In 2023 TD launched the Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program to help provide more equitable access to credit for Black entrepreneurs. Housen is proud to help Black business owners drive their visions forward and takes pride in having a key role in helping elevate the Black Customer Experience. By Sophia Findlay As the Regional Manager for Black Community Business Development and Women in Enterprise at TD Bank Group (TD), Latanya Housen is a driving force behind positive change. With a passion for amplifying the TD brand and fostering growth, she leads her team in providing essential support to Black Communities. Housen’s financial expertise coupled with her role as part of the Black Community Business Development team, helps make her a vital part of the bank’s work in welcoming Black business and entrepreneurs to the bank. As part of the bank’s Black Community Business Development team, she and her colleagues across Canada are helping to shine a spotlight on TD and to grow both personal and business portfolios of Black communities by working to deepen existing customer relationships. Housen knows all too well the uphill slope of working to establishing oneself, especially as a minority. Her journey in the financial services sector began way before she touched Canadian soil in 2016 as a permanent resident, and like some immigrants fresh to the country, she experienced firsthand the challenges and frustration that comes with trying to excel in a foreign land. “I had to reset my career starting from scratch because of some barriers that we faced, such as being educated but without Canadian experience,” she recalled. This mother of two boys, who came to Canada with her husband and children, hails from Manchester, Jamaica, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University and a double major Bachelor of Science degree in both Management and in Psychology from the University of the West Indies.This has helped her to become an instance part of the TD enterprise. “I bring passion to my role and feel a strong sense of purpose by being part of a solution center as well as working to advocate on behalf of my customers in my daily work life.” “Additionally, I am a Woman in Enterprise Certified Banker, a TD Wellbeing Ambassador, TD Diversity and Inclusion Community Volunteer, strong advocate for the TD Black Employee Network, as well as an integral champion of the Black Community Business Development team. I am an active participant in coaching and mentorship opportunities across non-profit organizations centered around financial literacy and stakeholder impact,” Housen said.’ Through the Black Community Business Development program, regional managers across Canada act as ambassadors are the first point of contact for Black communities interested in learning more about how TD supports and works with personal and business clients in Black communities. “I am a trusted advisor to leadership teams across the TD enterprise on how to reach out and liaise with Black communities,” she advised. The TD Black Community Business Development program came about after years of close working relationships with Black organizations in Canadas, and by working with entities s like the Black Opportunity Fund, Federation of African Canadian Economics- F.A.C.E Coalition, Black Hxouse, as well as getting involved with Black community programs, such as, the Boss Women Entrepreneurship Training program. The Black Community Business Development program is designed to focus on creating better relationships with Black communities, and Housen said it includes a dedicated team of market leaders, advisors, and colleagues from across the Bank that provide Black communities and businesses with access to banking products and services, investing advice, and other custom hands-on experiences that are working to help drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive future. According to a 2020 TD Stories article, Bharat Masrani, Group President and CEO,TD Bank Group, shared the additional ways TD would start to work to help combat systematic racism and its impacts and now, in 2024, the bank is starting to see the fruits of those seeds planted in 2020. Since joining TD in 2017, she has steadily climbed the ranks, transitioning through various retail roles to her current position as Regional Manager.With over a decade of experience in Management, Business Development, Leadership. Operations, and Customer Service across Jamaica’s financial sector, Housen has brought a wealth of expertise to her role. All of that she said,“compliments and enhances my abilities to meet the TD mandate of striving to provide legendary experiences to clients and colleagues.” “We are learning more about the unique issues and needs of Black communities and striving to deliver elevated advice and service directly to these communities to help empower them to participate fully in society,” she stated. Also from the Black Opportunity Fund, whose mandate is to dismantle anti-Black racism by establishing a sustainable pool of capital to fund Black-led businesses and Black-led not for profit organisations and charities,The Black Entrepreneur Loan Program can be accessed. It is an inclusive lending program for Black entrepreneurs, to improve the social and economic well-being of Canada’s Black communities and is described as a pathway through the Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program.This helps to foster economic inclusion to Black entrepreneurs who have been unable to secure funding to-date through Canadian financial institutions, that they may be eligible for loans of up to $50,000, thus providing more equitable access to credit to those who disproportionally face hurdles securing funding for their businesses. The Black Opportunity Fund prioritises initiatives around education, health, women, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and youth that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada. Nothing was left to chance and Housen is on top of her game leading and designing ways to help Black business owners drive their visions forward, for which she’s proud. Not bad for a Jamaican immigrant in the forefront that takes pride in epitomising the Black Customer Experience through TD’s Black Customer Experience Strategy. To learn more about the TD commitment to a more inclusive tomorrow visit TD.com/MarchForward. LATANYA MONTEITH HOUSEN I Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development, Metro West I Women in Enterprise Banker (WE Banker). 7 For the past 17 years, Clifton Flushy has been a part of the TD Bank Group (TD) landscape in various capacities. He started out as a Customer Experience Associate at the Bramalea Branch in Brampton, Ontario. Over the span of his career, Flushy worked in various markets in the Greater Toronto Area, including past roles as Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Group Manager, Manager and Segment Strategy, which equipped him to navigate his involvement with the TD Black Employee Network, which he says, “was the place where we, as a Black community within the Bank, would come together.” Fast forward to today, where he leads the charge for the Black Customer Experience (BCE) Strategy as National Manager, Black Community Business Development and you’ll find a proud Black man of Jamaican descent, enjoying the thrill and challenge of being a leader. In his role with the TD Black Employee Network, he helps the team to promote awareness and enhance the employee experience. They put together townhalls and send out newsletters to Black employees and allies, to inform them of what is going on in the Black community and help community members navigate the corporate environment. “At the end of the day, it is education on what Blackness is and what anti-Black racism is also,” explains Flushy, who holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from York University and an MBA from the University of Guelph. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the Bank made a number of commitments including to expand the diversity of its leadership teams and extend the support and services it offers to Black, Indigenous and other minority communities. Flushy’s current role, supporting the Black Customer Experience Strategy, was created as part of these changes. “Our lived experience is very different from people who are of the majority… My voice matters, and my team’s voice should matter as well,” he says. In an interview with The Gleaner, Flushy shares that he is still astounded by the huge influx of community members and allies who have joined the Black Employee Network at TD since its creation. “Initially when I started, the Black Employee Network had about 700 members and I am proud of where the network has grown now standing at 5,000 members, which is a big deal because there are over 95,000 total employees,” remarks the banker, who also leads the allyship pillar of the TD Wealth Visible Minority Council. Flushy says he is similarly encouraged by what he’s seeing in his day job. “My current role as National Manager, Black Community Business Development is incredible. It’s a great role where we go out and thank Black customers for their business and say thank you for being with us. The goal is to bring the Bank to Black communities with the intention of bettering the financial services and support provided by the Bank to Black communities.” As part of the Strategy, Flushy’s team is focused on creating better relationships with Black communities and businesses in which TD Black leaders, managers and personal bankers across Canada have been trained to provide elevated advice and a tailored customer experience for Black Customers, all backed by a research-based approach. “The strategy is defined by the belief that we must take the initiative to better our financial services by recognizing gaps in service and addressing them ourselves through proactive outreach to Black communities,” says Flushy. Clifton Flushy commits to Black excellence Clifton Flushy-National Manager, Black Community Business Development - TD Bank Group The Black Customer Experience Strategy also provides financial literacy to community organizations the bank has worked with through the TD Ready Commitment, the bank’s corporate citizenship platform. “We do a lot of work - both internally and externally- to make sure that people know that we want to do Black business,” he reiterates. Flushy is happy to see positive change and reflects on the times in his past role where people would mistake a Caucasian colleague to be his boss and were surprised when he was the one in-charge. He hopes for a time when that bias no longer exists. According to Flushy, the Black Employee Network is working to change that as it educates employees internally, helping them gain a better understanding of the unique perspectives of Black communities. Flushy has worked hard to achieve his well-deserved success at the Bank, including receiving several internal awards recognizing his accomplishments and zeroing in on his leadership around the Black Customer Experience Strategy. His work on that initiative has helped strengthen the financial services and support provided by TD to Black communities and accelerated the corporation’s broader and long term goals around Diversity and Inclusion. Sponsored by Sophia Findlay ® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 22, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 7 For the past 17 years, Clifton Flushy has been a part of the TD Bank Group (TD) landscape in various capacities. He started out as a Customer Experience Associate at the Bramalea Branch in Brampton, Ontario. Over the span of his career, Flushy worked in various markets in the Greater Toronto Area, including past roles as Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Group Manager, Manager and Segment Strategy, which equipped him to navigate his involvement with the TD Black Employee Network, which he says, “was the place where we, as a Black community within the Bank, would come together.” Fast forward to today, where he leads the charge for the Black Customer Experience (BCE) Strategy as National Manager, Black Community Business Development and you’ll find a proud Black man of Jamaican descent, enjoying the thrill and challenge of being a leader. In his role with the TD Black Employee Network, he helps the team to promote awareness and enhance the employee experience. They put together townhalls and send out newsletters to Black employees and allies, to inform them of what is going on in the Black community and help community members navigate the corporate environment. “At the end of the day, it is education on what Blackness is and what anti-Black racism is also,” explains Flushy, who holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from York University and an MBA from the University of Guelph. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the Bank made a number of commitments including to expand the diversity of its leadership teams and extend the support and services it offers to Black, Indigenous and other minority communities. Flushy’s current role, supporting the Black Customer Experience Strategy, was created as part of these changes. “Our lived experience is very different from people who are of the majority… My voice matters, and my team’s voice should matter as well,” he says. In an interview with The Gleaner, Flushy shares that he is still astounded by the huge influx of community members and allies who have joined the Black Employee Network at TD since its creation. “Initially when I started, the Black Employee Network had about 700 members and I am proud of where the network has grown now standing at 5,000 members, which is a big deal because there are over 95,000 total employees,” remarks the banker, who also leads the allyship pillar of the TD Wealth Visible Minority Council. Flushy says he is similarly encouraged by what he’s seeing in his day job. “My current role as National Manager, Black Community Business Development is incredible. It’s a great role where we go out and thank Black customers for their business and say thank you for being with us. The goal is to bring the Bank to Black communities with the intention of bettering the financial services and support provided by the Bank to Black communities.” As part of the Strategy, Flushy’s team is focused on creating better relationships with Black communities and businesses in which TD Black leaders, managers and personal bankers across Canada have been trained to provide elevated advice and a tailored customer experience for Black Customers, all backed by a research-based approach. “The strategy is defined by the belief that we must take the initiative to better our financial services by recognizing gaps in service and addressing them ourselves through proactive outreach to Black communities,” says Flushy. Clifton Flushy commits to Black excellence Clifton Flushy-National Manager, Black Community Business Development - TD Bank Group The Black Customer Experience Strategy also provides financial literacy to community organizations the bank has worked with through the TD Ready Commitment, the bank’s corporate citizenship platform. “We do a lot of work - both internally and externally- to make sure that people know that we want to do Black business,” he reiterates. Flushy is happy to see positive change and reflects on the times in his past role where people would mistake a Caucasian colleague to be his boss and were surprised when he was the one in-charge. He hopes for a time when that bias no longer exists. According to Flushy, the Black Employee Network is working to change that as it educates employees internally, helping them gain a better understanding of the unique perspectives of Black communities. Flushy has worked hard to achieve his well-deserved success at the Bank, including receiving several internal awards recognizing his accomplishments and zeroing in on his leadership around the Black Customer Experience Strategy. His work on that initiative has helped strengthen the financial services and support provided by TD to Black communities and accelerated the corporation’s broader and long term goals around Diversity and Inclusion. Sponsored by Sophia Findlay ® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 22, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 7 For the past 17 years, Clifton Flushy has been a part of the TD Bank Group (TD) landscape in various capacities. He started out as a Customer Experience Associate at the Bramalea Branch in Brampton, Ontario. Over the span of his career, Flushy worked in various markets in the Greater Toronto Area, including past roles as Financial Advisor, Branch Manager, Group Manager, Manager and Segment Strategy, which equipped him to navigate his involvement with the TD Black Employee Network, which he says, “was the place where we, as a Black community within the Bank, would come together.” Fast forward to today, where he leads the charge for the Black Customer Experience (BCE) Strategy as National Manager, Black Community Business Development and you’ll find a proud Black man of Jamaican descent, enjoying the thrill and challenge of being a leader. In his role with the TD Black Employee Network, he helps the team to promote awareness and enhance the employee experience. They put together townhalls and send out newsletters to Black employees and allies, to inform them of what is going on in the Black community and help community members navigate the corporate environment. “At the end of the day, it is education on what Blackness is and what anti-Black racism is also,” explains Flushy, who holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from York University and an MBA from the University of Guelph. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, the Bank made a number of commitments including to expand the diversity of its leadership teams and extend the support and services it offers to Black, Indigenous and other minority communities. Flushy’s current role, supporting the Black Customer Experience Strategy, was created as part of these changes. “Our lived experience is very different from people who are of the majority… My voice matters, and my team’s voice should matter as well,” he says. In an interview with The Gleaner, Flushy shares that he is still astounded by the huge influx of community members and allies who have joined the Black Employee Network at TD since its creation. “Initially when I started, the Black Employee Network had about 700 members and I am proud of where the network has grown now standing at 5,000 members, which is a big deal because there are over 95,000 total employees,” remarks the banker, who also leads the allyship pillar of the TD Wealth Visible Minority Council. Flushy says he is similarly encouraged by what he’s seeing in his day job. “My current role as National Manager, Black Community Business Development is incredible. It’s a great role where we go out and thank Black customers for their business and say thank you for being with us. The goal is to bring the Bank to Black communities with the intention of bettering the financial services and support provided by the Bank to Black communities.” As part of the Strategy, Flushy’s team is focused on creating better relationships with Black communities and businesses in which TD Black leaders, managers and personal bankers across Canada have been trained to provide elevated advice and a tailored customer experience for Black Customers, all backed by a research-based approach. “The strategy is defined by the belief that we must take the initiative to better our financial services by recognizing gaps in service and addressing them ourselves through proactive outreach to Black communities,” says Flushy. Clifton Flushy commits to Black excellence Clifton Flushy-National Manager, Black Community Business Development - TD Bank Group The Black Customer Experience Strategy also provides financial literacy to community organizations the bank has worked with through the TD Ready Commitment, the bank’s corporate citizenship platform. “We do a lot of work - both internally and externally- to make sure that people know that we want to do Black business,” he reiterates. Flushy is happy to see positive change and reflects on the times in his past role where people would mistake a Caucasian colleague to be his boss and were surprised when he was the one in-charge. He hopes for a time when that bias no longer exists. According to Flushy, the Black Employee Network is working to change that as it educates employees internally, helping them gain a better understanding of the unique perspectives of Black communities. Flushy has worked hard to achieve his well-deserved success at the Bank, including receiving several internal awards recognizing his accomplishments and zeroing in on his leadership around the Black Customer Experience Strategy. His work on that initiative has helped strengthen the financial services and support provided by TD to Black communities and accelerated the corporation’s broader and long term goals around Diversity and Inclusion. Sponsored by Sophia Findlay ® The TD logo and other TD trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 22, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT By Sophia Findlay I Regional Manager By Sophia Findlay As the Regional Manager for Black Community Business Development and Women in Enterprise at TD Bank Group (TD), Latanya Housen is a driving force behind positive change. With a passion for amplifying the TD brand and fostering growth, she leads her team in providing essential support to Black Communities. Housen’s financial expertise coupled with her role as part of the Black Community Business Development team, helps make her a vital part of the bank’s work in welcoming Black business and entrepreneurs to the bank. As part of the bank’s Black Community Business Development team, she and her colleagues across Canada are helping to shine a spotlight on TD and to grow both personal and business portfolios of Black communities by working to deepen existing customer relationships. Housen knows all too well the uphill slope of working to establishing oneself, especially as a minority. Her journey in the financial services sector began way before she touched Canadian soil in 2016 as a permanent resident, and like some immigrants fresh to the country, she experienced firsthand the challenges and frustration that comes with trying to excel in a foreign land. “I had to reset my career starting from scratch because of some barriers that we faced, such as being educated but without Canadian experience,” she recalled. This mother of two boys, who came to Canada with her husband and children, hails from Manchester, Jamaica, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University and a double major Bachelor of Science degree in both Management and in Psychology from the University of the West Indies.This has helped her to become an instance part of the TD enterprise. “I bring passion to my role and feel a strong sense of purpose by being part of a solution center as well as working to advocate on behalf of my customers in my daily work life.” “Additionally, I am a Woman in Enterprise Certified Banker, a TD Wellbeing Ambassador, TD Diversity and Inclusion Community Volunteer, strong advocate for the TD Black Employee Network, as well as an integral champion of the Black Community Business Development team. I am an active participant in coaching and mentorship opportunities across non-profit organizations centered around financial literacy and stakeholder impact,” Housen said.’ Through the Black Community Business Development program, regional managers across Canada act as ambassadors are the first point of contact for Black communities interested in learning more about how TD supports and works with personal and business clients in Black communities. “I am a trusted advisor to leadership teams across the TD enterprise on how to reach out and liaise with Black communities,” she advised. The TD Black Community Business Development program came about after years of close working relationships with Black organizations in Canadas, and by working with entities s like the Black Opportunity Fund, Federation of African Canadian Economics- F.A.C.E Coalition, Black Hxouse, as well as getting involved with Black community programs, such as, the Boss Women Entrepreneurship Training program. The Black Community Business Development program is designed to focus on creating better relationships with Black communities, and Housen said it includes a dedicated team of market leaders, advisors, and colleagues from across the Bank that provide Black communities and businesses with access to banking products and services, investing advice, and other custom hands-on experiences that are working to help drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive future. According to a 2020 TD Stories article, Bharat Masrani, Group President and CEO,TD Bank Group, shared the additional ways TD would start to work to help combat systematic racism and its impacts and now, in 2024, the bank is starting to see the fruits of those seeds planted in 2020. Since joining TD in 2017, she has steadily climbed the ranks, transitioning through various retail roles to her current position as Regional Manager.With over a decade of experience in Management, Business Development, Leadership. Operations, and Customer Service across Jamaica’s financial sector, Housen has brought a wealth of expertise to her role. All of that she said,“compliments and enhances my abilities to meet the TD mandate of striving to provide legendary experiences to clients and colleagues.” “We are learning more about the unique issues and needs of Black communities and striving to deliver elevated advice and service directly to these communities to help empower them to participate fully in society,” she stated. Also from the Black Opportunity Fund, whose mandate is to dismantle anti-Black racism by establishing a sustainable pool of capital to fund Black-led businesses and Black-led not for profit organisations and charities,The Black Entrepreneur Loan Program can be accessed. It is an inclusive lending program for Black entrepreneurs, to improve the social and economic well-being of Canada’s Black communities and is described as a pathway through the Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program.This helps to foster economic inclusion to Black entrepreneurs who have been unable to secure funding to-date through Canadian financial institutions, that they may be eligible for loans of up to $50,000, thus providing more equitable access to credit to those who disproportionally face hurdles securing funding for their businesses. The Black Opportunity Fund prioritises initiatives around education, health, women, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and youth that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada. Nothing was left to chance and Housen is on top of her game leading and designing ways to help Black business owners drive their visions forward, for which she’s proud. Not bad for a Jamaican immigrant in the forefront that takes pride in epitomising the Black Customer Experience through TD’s Black Customer Experience Strategy. Empowering Black Communities Strategy at TD Bank Group To learn more about the TD commitment to a more inclusive tomorrow visit TD.com/MarchForward. LATANYA MONTEITH HOUSEN I Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development, Metro West I Women in Enterprise Banker (WE Banker). By Sophia Findlay As the Regional Manager for Black Community Business Development and Women in Enterprise at TD Bank Group (TD), Latanya Housen is a driving force behind positive change. With a passion for amplifying the TD brand and fostering growth, she leads her team in providing essential support to Black Communities. Housen’s financial expertise coupled with her role as part of the Black Community Business Development team, helps make her a vital part of the bank’s work in welcoming Black business and entrepreneurs to the bank. As part of the bank’s Black Community Business Development team, she and her colleagues across Canada are helping to shine a spotlight on TD and to grow both personal and business portfolios of Black communities by working to deepen existing customer relationships. Housen knows all too well the uphill slope of working to establishing oneself, especially as a minority. Her journey in the financial services sector began way before she touched Canadian soil in 2016 as a permanent resident, and like some immigrants fresh to the country, she experienced firsthand the challenges and frustration that comes with trying to excel in a foreign land. “I had to reset my career starting from scratch because of some barriers that we faced, such as being educated but without Canadian experience,” she recalled. This mother of two boys, who came to Canada with her husband and children, hails from Manchester, Jamaica, and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University and a double major Bachelor of Science degree in both Management and in Psychology from the University of the West Indies.This has helped her to become an instance part of the TD enterprise. “I bring passion to my role and feel a strong sense of purpose by being part of a solution center as well as working to advocate on behalf of my customers in my daily work life.” “Additionally, I am a Woman in Enterprise Certified Banker, a TD Wellbeing Ambassador, TD Diversity and Inclusion Community Volunteer, strong advocate for the TD Black Employee Network, as well as an integral champion of the Black Community Business Development team. I am an active participant in coaching and mentorship opportunities across non-profit organizations centered around financial literacy and stakeholder impact,” Housen said.’ Through the Black Community Business Development program, regional managers across Canada act as ambassadors are the first point of contact for Black communities interested in learning more about how TD supports and works with personal and business clients in Black communities. “I am a trusted advisor to leadership teams across the TD enterprise on how to reach out and liaise with Black communities,” she advised. The TD Black Community Business Development program came about after years of close working relationships with Black organizations in Canadas, and by working with entities s like the Black Opportunity Fund, Federation of African Canadian Economics- F.A.C.E Coalition, Black Hxouse, as well as getting involved with Black community programs, such as, the Boss Women Entrepreneurship Training program. The Black Community Business Development program is designed to focus on creating better relationships with Black communities, and Housen said it includes a dedicated team of market leaders, advisors, and colleagues from across the Bank that provide Black communities and businesses with access to banking products and services, investing advice, and other custom hands-on experiences that are working to help drive progress toward a more equitable and inclusive future. According to a 2020 TD Stories article, Bharat Masrani, Group President and CEO,TD Bank Group, shared the additional ways TD would start to work to help combat systematic racism and its impacts and now, in 2024, the bank is starting to see the fruits of those seeds planted in 2020. Since joining TD in 2017, she has steadily climbed the ranks, transitioning through various retail roles to her current position as Regional Manager.With over a decade of experience in Management, Business Development, Leadership. Operations, and Customer Service across Jamaica’s financial sector, Housen has brought a wealth of expertise to her role. All of that she said,“compliments and enhances my abilities to meet the TD mandate of striving to provide legendary experiences to clients and colleagues.” “We are learning more about the unique issues and needs of Black communities and striving to deliver elevated advice and service directly to these communities to help empower them to participate fully in society,” she stated. Also from the Black Opportunity Fund, whose mandate is to dismantle anti-Black racism by establishing a sustainable pool of capital to fund Black-led businesses and Black-led not for profit organisations and charities,The Black Entrepreneur Loan Program can be accessed. It is an inclusive lending program for Black entrepreneurs, to improve the social and economic well-being of Canada’s Black communities and is described as a pathway through the Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program.This helps to foster economic inclusion to Black entrepreneurs who have been unable to secure funding to-date through Canadian financial institutions, that they may be eligible for loans of up to $50,000, thus providing more equitable access to credit to those who disproportionally face hurdles securing funding for their businesses. The Black Opportunity Fund prioritises initiatives around education, health, women, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and youth that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada. Nothing was left to chance and Housen is on top of her game leading and designing ways to help Black business owners drive their visions forward, for which she’s proud. Not bad for a Jamaican immigrant in the forefront that takes pride in epitomising the Black Customer Experience through TD’s Black Customer Experience Strategy. Empowering Black Communities Strategy at TD Bank Group To learn more about the TD commitment to a more inclusive tomorrow visit TD.com/MarchForward. LATANYA MONTEITH HOUSEN I Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development, Metro West I Women in Enterprise Banker (WE Banker). Supporting the Black Customer Experience Strategy at TD Bank Group
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