THE Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) of the United Way of Jamaica has announced its new executive committee for the 2025–2027 term. This milestone comes as WLI celebrates two decades of championing women’s empowerment and community development and positions itself for even greater impact across Jamaica.

The newly appointed executive committee is led by chair Roxann Linton, a leader with extensive experience in financial services and founder and CEO of InnerHub Consulting Services Ltd. She brings valuable experience serving other not-for-profit institutions, reflecting her deep passion for youth and community development, as well as women’s empowerment and advancement. She succeeds Grace Burnett who provided distinguished leadership during WLI’s 19th and 20th years.

Joining Linton on the executive are Mellissa McHargh as deputy chair, Amanda Beepat as treasurer, and Annette Osbourne as deputy treasurer. The initiative’s vital work in education, mentorship, membership, advocacy, and events will be guided by Sharon Lake and Marjory Kennedy in education; Grace Burnett and Mellissa McHargh in mentorship; Chorvelle Johnson-Cunningham and Michelle Tracey in membership; Nadine Heywood and Herma McRae in advocacy; and Kim Lee and Renee Menzies McCallum in public relations, fund-raising & events.

Since its inception WLI has delivered measurable impact through initiatives that support early childhood education, youth mentorship, advocacy for youth and other vulnerable constituents, and community development. Its long-standing partnership with the VOUCH Sylvia Foote Basic School continues to provide funding for teaching aids, special needs instruction, and facility upgrades. It has also partnered with childcare institutions to host Darkness to Light seminars on preventing and detecting child sexual abuse. Since 2018 its Conversations With Boys forums have provided young men a trusted space to discuss issues that matter to them.

As Linton begins her term she emphasises that with two decades of experience behind them and the steadfast support of partners and sponsors the Women’s Leadership Initiative is well positioned to deepen its impact, cultivate new leaders, and continue creating opportunities that uplift women and strengthen communities throughout Jamaica.