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Past Trailblazer Recipients 

Since the inception of the Award, JAC has recognized the following Trailblazers:


Richard Simpson
Senior Engineering Director, R&D with Medtronic (2022) Jamaica

Kenneth Joseph - Cultural Musicologist

 Internationally known educator, musician, and conductor of The Steel Pan Music (2022) Trinidad


Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne
NASA Rocket Scientist, Internationally-acclaimed speaker and Humanitarian (2019)Trinidad

Dr. Sherene Mason, MBA.
Board-certified Pediatric Nephrologist and attending physician at CT Children's Medical Center (2019) Jamaica


Dr. Gary V. Desir
Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine and Chief of Internal Medicine at Yale-New Haven (2018) Haiti

Juan Castillo
94.3 WYBC Radio Announcer and Director of Urban Programming and Director of Operations (2018)


Michael "Bojangles" Howell
Promoter of Jamaican Music & Culture (2017) Jamaica


Dr. Taneisha Grant
Gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Center of Connecticut (2017) Jamaica


Hon. Berita Rowe-Lewis
Elected Town Official, Town of Hamden (2016) Jamaica


Dr. Iline P. Tracey
Interim Superintendent, New Haven Public Schools (2016) Jamaica


Norman Forrester
CRPC, First VP & Sr. Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch (2015) Jamaica


Paula Vassell
Agape Children's Ministries Learning Center & Lighthouse Christian Academy (2015) Jamaica


Mr. Garfield Pilliner
M.S. 2013-14 New Haven Public School Teacher of the Year (2014) Jamaica


Dr. Maysa Akbar
Ph.D., ABPP, Integrated Wellness Group (2014) Dominican Republic


Mr. Neville Wisdom
Founder, NW Fashion Design Studio (2013) Jamaica


Mrs. Ena Williams
MBA,RN, CNEP, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Yale-New Haven Hospital (2013) Jamaica


The West Indian Social Club of Hartford (2012)

Cedella Marley
Singer, Actress, Author and Humanitarian (2012)


Ms. Janice Hart
Cultural Icon, Performer and Pastor (2012)


Ms. Yvette Hamilton
New Haven Alderwoman (2012)


Mr. George Gorden Sr.
Third World Café (2012)


Mr. Gary Moore
James Hillhouse High Track Coach (2011)


Ms. Euannie Catnott
Mother’s Kitchen (2011)

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