NCU partners with Minds of Jamaica to empower future leaders

Northern Caribbean University (NCU) has joined forces with Minds of Jamaica (MOJ) to do more than educate, but to transform. Launched out of the Minds Of Initiative, Minds of Jamaica is a mentorship programme focused on connecting Jamaican students with real professionals in their areas of interest to gain career insight. The initiative leverages the power of the internet to provide students and young professionals with direct access to experienced mentors, known as “Minds,” from diverse industries ranging from the sciences to the arts.

“At NCU, our commitment is not just to graduation but to transformation,” said Shelli-Gaye Bignall, director of career and employment services at NCU. “This partnership is preparing students to rise, not only as job-seekers but as changemakers who will shape Jamaica’s future.”

Minds of Jamaica mentees generally leave the programme with a clearer understanding of their intended career paths. Its impact has already been seen in NCU’s pilot and first full mentorship cohorts, with students reporting significant growth in mindset, direction, and career readiness.

Shavenya Smikle, a criminal justice major and Sandals Foundation Scholar, reflected on her experience with mentor Hodine Williams, an established prosecutor: “I came into this mentorship looking for guidance, and came out more confident and determined to make a difference. My mentor helped me launch a justice initiative and secure an internship. This experience turned potential into purpose.”

Aspiring ethical hacker Samuel Wilson was mentored by Dr Carlene Campbell, a cybersecurity expert. “The mentorship helped me build confidence, access hands-on resources, and connect with global professionals. I’m now actively working towards my dream of launching a tech company,” he shared

Hospitality and Tourism student Hailey Morgan, mentored by industry veteran Shaniel Cowans, added: “I now see my future clearly. I’ve gained tools, belief, and direction, and that changes everything.”

Regional director Sanjay Brown, an engineer, explained: “Career mentorship is not optional. It’s essential. Too many students lack access to the guidance they need to navigate their career paths. Minds of Jamaica exists to fill that gap. The ripple effect of mentorship is exponential – one guided student influences families, communities, and ultimately the nation. This partnership with NCU is one of our many initiatives geared towards increasing access to relevant and strategic career development. We are proud to help light the path for Jamaica’s next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders.”

A release to the media on the programme notes that ‘the initiative aligns closely with national priorities, including the Vision 2030 Jamaica framework, particularly in the areas of human capital development, innovation, and global competitiveness. The NCU-MOJ partnership is more than a programme; it is a purposeful pipeline preparing students to lead in boardrooms, classrooms, courtrooms, and beyond’.

“Every transformed student is a national investment,” Bignall emphasised. “Each graduate who discovers their purpose becomes a pillar of society. This is how we build Jamaica, one mentored student at a time.”

With two successful cohorts completed, NCU and MOJ plan to expand the programme, introducing mentorship to more departments, hosting success story showcases, and increasing visibility on and off campus.

To support or participate, contact Minds of Jamaica at moj@themindsof.com or visit www.themindsof.com. For more on NCU’s mentorship initiatives, reach out to the Career and Employment Services Office at careerservices@ncu.edu.jm or visit www.career.ncu.edu.jm.