TWO deserving team members from ATL Automotive Group were recently named recipients of the Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism, Hospitality & Service Scholarship.

Now in its third year, the scholarship has been providing eligible individuals with resources needed to unlock their true potential.

Following the application process, Emele Clarke and Cristal Brown were chosen as this year’s recipients. Created to honour the late Chairman Stewart, the scholarship is awarded to individuals who embody a true instinct for all things tourism-, hospitality- and service-related.

For Clarke, being chosen as a beneficiary for the scholarship is a dream come true. He shared that his passion for cars and how they work was what led him to join ATL Automotive in 2012 as a Volkswagen brand apprentice. Ten years later, Clarke is heavily sought after by customers for his thorough methods of diagnosing and resolving issues for their vehicles.

“I have worked with ATL Automotive for over 10 years and I have pushed myself to learn about new brands and how to work with them during that time. This has improved my technical abilities and I’m far more knowledgeable now than when I began,” said Clarke.

He added that he tries to keep abreast of innovative technologies so that he can always apply new and efficient ways of getting the job done.

“I also recognise that there is an increasing need for knowledge of new technology in the automotive industry. I try my best to read and listen to experts in the field but I knew that would not be enough. The scholarship is the perfect opportunity for me to become a master technician and I am so grateful to be a part of this year’s cohort.

“The innovation and progress at ATL Automotive is always evolving because of advancements in connectivity, autonomous and electric vehicles, and sustainable transportation. Those with expertise in automotive technology can assist to shape the direction of transportation in the future — and I intend to be a part of this movement,” Clarke shared.

Clarke will begin his studies in September to read for a Bachelor of Education in Applied Technology, specialising in Automotive Technology at the Vocational Development Training Institute.

Brown’s journey with the group began over a decade ago. In 2013 she joined the ATL Automotive Group as a customer service representative. Since then, she has transitioned through seven promotions and is now the group customer service supervisor.

Her stellar performance through the years saw her overseeing customer satisfaction across nine ATL dealerships in Jamaica, leading a group-wide PBX changeover initiative, and managing customer expectations for 10 Caribbean islands at BMW Caribbean Hub.

She describes herself as a fervent believer in the power of education and continuous learning through which, to date, she has completed more than 15 courses through the ATL Academy — the group’s training department — in association with Harvard Management Mentor.

For Brown, being a recipient of the scholarship is an opportunity she has been manifesting even before she filled out the application.

“When I found out I was a beneficiary I was in awe as I realised that what I had been proclaiming had finally come to pass. This is my third time applying so one can imagine how elated I am to be able to embark on this journey. Nothing happens before it’s time, and my time has come,” said Brown.

“I am keen on learning, and this symbolises validation, hope, and belief in my potential. I know that the scholarship embodies the true spirit of our late chairman and I try my best to use the values and principles he created as a guide for how I operate.

“It is my hope that as my other colleagues and I elevate our professional careers through these opportunities, our efforts will add to the legacy that he has created for us.” Brown will proudly study for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering programme at MIU City University in Miami.