Journalist Naomi Francis was among more than 20 “remarkable women” recognised for the significant strides they have made in the television and film industries by Jamaican Women Leading Hollywood (JWLH) at its inaugural honours dinner on September 28.

Francis, who is currently press secretary to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, was honoured for the standard of excellence she has displayed in media and communication over the years, JWLH, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting Jamaican women in the film and television industries, explained.

“Naomi’s years of experience working with high-level leaders, corporate, media, and social industries, and her time in journalism and media from presenting news on television and radio and writing features in print to rising on the corporate ladder as manager in telecoms to her current high office as press secretary while conducting her PhD research on artificial intelligence make her a well rounded honouree who understands the importance of culture and diversity in this evolving field,” added JWLH.

The organisation also noted that Francis, during her time in media, has served as chair of school boards and has “done dynamic work in helping marginalised communities and children”.

“Not only is she a rock star in her respective industry, her commitment to philanthropy and empowering young women by bridging inner-city students with resources make her a fierce leader and female power player,” JWLH added.

Francis, in responding to the award, said she was honoured to be “recognised alongside some real powerhouse women who are doing great work in Jamaica and the Diaspora”.

“It really goes to show that what we do matters… this is motivation to keep doing what we do in the areas we serve so we impact and touch lives…” she told the audience at the function held at Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, California.

“I’ve been so focused on work and getting things done, making people feel seen and doing the heavy lifting that it was a surprise that someone took time to notice,” said Francis.

“Work for me is doing the long hours, gruelling tasks, making sacrifices, and quietly getting things done. I don’t make a splash about me or what I do. But I guess that it speaks volumes. You never know who is really watching, seeing, being impacted, being motivated by what you do,” added the St Hugh’s High School alumnus whose first exposure to media was as a presenter on Rappin’, the youth-focused television show aired in the 1990s.

In addition to Francis, the honourees were April King of Artist Collective Entertainment; Antoinette Clarke, CBS producer and author; Antoinette Robinson, actress; Orly Marley, producer and president Tuff Gong Worldwide; Renee Robinson, film industry strategist; Karen Grant Selma, executive vice-president, head of business affairs Jesse Collins Entertainment; Manuela Goren, veteran Conde Naste journalist and Jamaica advocate; Syndee Winters, Disney Princess singer and Broadway star; Taylor Craig, emerging producer; Sundra Oakley, actress Bob Marley:One Love; Charlise Rookwood, producer, TV host, and vegan chef; Dion Fearon, producer and head of films, Caribbean on Demand (CODA) Network; Raquel Graham, inventor,
Shark Tank winner; Tiffany Kerr, actress; Trishauna Clarke, actress and entrepreneur; Kimberly Patterson, actress; Karen Marley, set/interior designer; Lorna Mae Johnson, White House Association member and advocate; Rae Williams, TV host,
Access Hollywood; Zuri Marley, emerging actress and DJ; and Mapy, award-winning violinist.

Lexi Chow, founder of JWLH and CODA Network, said the event “was not just a celebration, it was a movement”.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive future — the importance of representation and mentorship in the industry,” Chow said.

“We are committed to uplifting Jamaican women in the entertainment industry and ensuring their voices are heard, because representation for the Caribbean Diaspora matters,” she added.

The non-profit organisation said the honours dinner marks the beginning of a series of events dedicated to amplifying the voices of Jamaican women in Hollywood. It also explained that the 2024 honourees were “selected based on their social impact in the industry as authentic voices for Jamaican representation, because representation matters”.