TISHAUNA N Mullings credits Northern Caribbean University (NCU) for being the foundation of the professional success she has achieved as an international social development entrepreneur. When she walked into her first entrepreneurship class at NCU in 2012, she had no idea that a simple class project would become the blueprint for one of the Caribbean’s most ambitious social enterprises.

Neither did she know that 13 years later the university would appoint her to the prestigious position of Product Sample for 2025 at its 102nd commencement ceremony held August 10.

What began as an assignment became NexxStepp Lifelong Educational Services, a thriving consultancy over the past decade that offers leadership development, soft skills training, and system-strengthening programmes across multiple sectors. It has become the heartbeat of a mission that has already impacted more than 10,500 lives across Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and Africa.

However, this is no ordinary success story as Mullings was raised in rural Jamaica, without the privilege of parental networks or a built-in safety net. Her journey started from humble beginnings, pushing through personal issues, and years of financial uncertainty. However, a burning conviction and relentless work and strategy opened the doors of opportunities. Mullings has not looked back.

“There was a period where I found myself struggling with low self-esteem and I had no interest in exploring leadership. However, when I started NCU, my outlook changed, and I was given the opportunity to rise above my adversities. This became my blueprint for success,” Mullings recounted.

As a strategist and internationally recognised changemaker, she has dedicated her career to advancing innovation, inclusion, and community transformation.

“My life in the professional world, is a replica of my NCU environment. In my valedictory speech I surpassed outdoing myself. I envisioned where I would be today, and I encourage my fellow graduates to go after their dreams and make a difference in the lives of others,” Mullings said.

Today, her influence extends to national development efforts, where she has delivered impactful initiatives for the United States Embassy, British Council, JN Foundation, and VM Foundation. Her work focuses on youth empowerment, non-profit capacity building, and economic equity.

Internationally she serves as a senior project consultant with the Ubele Initiative in the United Kingdom (UK), where she leads equity-based projects in partnerships with agencies like the Greater London Authority and Thrive LDN.

She is also the founder of The Little Genius Competition, Jamaica’s flagship platform for youth public speaking and critical thinking, which has shaped a decade of confident, community minded children. Among her newer ventures are the Genius Nation Lab as well as Financial Architects, both designed to prepare young people for nation building and financial independence.

“This is just the beginning. We are on the cusp of creating a moral revolution in the way communities think about leadership, opportunity, and social impact,” she said with a quiet certainty. “I have seen what is possible when people are equipped with the right skills, the right connections, and the belief that they can lead. And there is so much more to come.”

Mullings’ reach is not confined to Jamaica. She has represented the Caribbean at Africa–Caribbean development forums in Ethiopia, Morocco, and Kenya and has brought back global insights to shape local solutions. Armed with a master’s degree in development administration and planning from University College London, she has worked with UK local councils to design social impact projects and adapted that expertise to strengthen Caribbean communities.

“At NexxStepp, corporate training is more than just a revenue stream. It is a lifeline for change. Fees from high-value corporate clients are channelled into subsidising training for rural small businesses, non-profits, and social enterprises,” Mullings reported.

“Young people aged 18 to35 are brought into corporate spaces for mentorship and exposure, accelerating their career readiness. Every corporate workshop is a ripple in a larger pond, boosting productivity in boardrooms while seeding leadership in villages.”

Recognition has followed. This year, Mullings was named one of the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s 2024 Supreme Heroes, joining a cohort of Jamaicans recognised for impactful, community-driven work. The honour comes with tailored support, training, funding, and national visibility, that will help her expand her reach and mentor even more young people. She was awarded the USAID/Jamaica National Rural Regeneration Award, and earned accolades from both national and international bodies.

Tishuana Mullings .