Tanketa Chance Wilson

I am the Executive Director of the Barita Foundation. In my role, I lead the planning, execution and partnership-building, in support of a number of initiatives implementing Cornerstone Trust & Merchant Bank and Barita Investment Limited’s philanthropic leadership in Jamaica. I am motivated daily to pursue my passion of supporting individuals, especially our youth, to reach their full potential through education and self-improvement. I have been responsible for reshaping the foundation to expand it's focus under three main pillars to include entrepreneurship.

I have over two decades of experience in social development, administration, community development and social work. Prior to joining the Barita team, I served as CEO at the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation. During my tenure at Grace & Staff I led in the formation of strategic partnerships resulting in increased impact and extending the reach of the Foundation’s work. This included the establishment of the first privately operated Science Technology Engineering and Math STEM Centre, in partnership with USAID. I also worked at the Ministry of National Security in the capacity of Administrative Manager and Senior Social Worker where I supported displaced and vulnerable clients in socially and economically reintegrating into society.

I wrote for a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Psychology from The University of West Indies and later completed a Master of Science degree in Development Studies with a concentration in Social Policy from Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social & Economic Studies. A Fulbright alum, I have participated in the United States State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme IVLP (Standing with Civil Society). I am an executive member of the Council of Voluntary Social Services where I previously served as the Youth Sector Chair. I am preparing to assume the role of Chairman of the MICO University College's Child Assessment and Research in Education Centre's Advisory Committee.