Meet our Leadership Board
Karaine Holness, President
Karaine Holness is a founding member and current president of the Jamaican American Connection non-profit organization. She is a successful business owner, having opened Hair’s Kay Beauty Salon in New Haven, Connecticut, just eight years after moving to the United States from Jamaica. Karaine is also a board member of the Shubert Theather and actively participates in the New Haven community. She founded the New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival and organizes an annual Women getaway to Jamaica called Sistahs Jammin'. Additionally, Karaine partners with the Jesse Homeless Outreach Project every summer to provide free haircuts to the homeless. She is married and has three children.
Craig Brandon,Vice-President
Craig is originally from Jamaica and now resides in Connecticut. He has a High School Diploma and an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Application and Business Studies from Jamaica, and later received an Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design from Housatonic Community College in the US. Craig furthered his studies at the University of Bridgeport, Shintaro Akatsu School of Design, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. He is a member and Vice President of the Jamaican American Connection of Greater New Haven. In his free time, Craig enjoys doing freelance graphic design, photography, socializing, playing volleyball, soccer, and watching basketball.