Since 1987, CHTAEF has raised over $2.5 million in scholarships for Caribbean students and professionals, changing the face of our industry.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors and corporate sponsors in 2015 and 2016, over 40 Caribbean nationals are currently under scholarship preparing for careers in tourism through the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation.
My name is Latisha Eastman and I received a scholarship from the CHTA foundation in 2018.
Firstly I would like to thank you for such an opportunity. I graduated from the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute in 2020 with a 3.87 GPA however we were unable to have a graduation ceremony so I included a photo of me on my last day of school.
With your scholarship, I was able to excel in my studies achieving a 4.0 GPA in my last two semesters. Also, I completed a six months internship at Sandals Barbados where I was able to gain a lot of experience in the industry.
I am now a student at the Florida International University where I am completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management online. I look forward to growing within the Hospitality field and one day supporting other students in need through the Foundation.
Thank you again.
Latisha Eastman
Trinidad & Tobago
“Being the recipient of the scholarship grant from CHTAEF has enriched my life. … I am eternally indebted to CHTAEF for making my dreams a reality.”
My name is La Toya Wallace and I am from the tiny twin Island State of Antigua and Barbuda. My childhood dream was to be a hospitality professional, but my parents were not fond of the idea and I was encouraged to pursue a “white collar” job instead. As a result, I became a teacher and have spent the last twenty years positively impacting the youth, but I never grew out of love with my affinity for the hospitality industry.
After much deliberation, I decided to launch into the field. That decision led me to enrol into the undergraduate program at the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Monroe College. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to work in the front of the house or back of the house so I opted to undertake two degrees at once as I felt like I was playing catch. I applied for the undergraduate Hospitality Management program as my major and the Baking and Pastry Arts program as my minor.
The reality of funding my tuition hit me after the joy of being accepted subsided. To be honest, money is a scarce commodity as I am a single parent and a civil servant. How was I going to pay for school? I couldn’t afford the financial burden of getting a loan to cover the cost, so I began to research scholarship foundations, and I came across Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) and decided to give it a try. I applied in 2016 and was successful.
This scholarship enabled me to not only pursue my dreams of attending college, but it was my trajectory into the industry. I was able to connect with other giants in the industry and it gave me the connections that I needed to advance my career. An opportunity came up in 2017 to participate in a study abroad program to Italy, and I knew that I had to capitalize on this. But funding was needed again, so I re-applied in 2017 and was awarded another scholarship grant.
Italy was an amazing experience! I went on a food tour of the Northern Region of Italy and did an internship at Cast Alimenti: being tutored by the Master chefs of Italy was a mind blowing experience. I learnt how to make fresh pasta, pizza, croissants, bread, desserts and pastries, and cake decoration on my internship. In addition, I got the first-hand experience of seeing cheese, wine, prosciutto, caviar, rice, olive oil and flour being produced. The wine tasting, cheese tasting, and chocolate tasting was an added benefit.
Being the recipient of the scholarship grant from CHTAEF has enriched my life. Had it not been for this institution, I would not be the holder of a double university degree, nor would I have been able to participate in the study abroad to Italy. I am eternally indebted to CHTAEF for making my dreams a reality. Today, I am better equipped to mould the upcoming cadre of hospitality professionals in Antigua and Barbuda.
I implore you to be a beacon of light to others by giving to the CHTA foundation.
Donate Today!!!
“I expanded my professional network and skills, traveled and learned how food changes lives,
and connected with students and chefs who were also positively impacted by CHTAEF.”
My name is Blaire Thompson and I am from the beautiful island of Nassau, Bahamas. Being raised in a country that thrives from tourism and hospitality made it quite difficult to not be eager to contribute to the same industry, specifically as a Chef. I first sought this interest in my high school’s Food & Nutrition class, which graduated into food competitions, volunteer events and networking with some of the nation’s culinary leaders.
That incessant effort to learn was recognized by the Caribbean Hotels & Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) who awarded me a scholarship to study at a prestigious culinary school, Johnson & Wales University. As I was welcomed into one of the leading organizations in the hospitality industry, I expanded my professional network and skill, traveled and learned how food changes lives, interned at the most magical place on earth, and connected with students and Chefs who were also positively impacted by CHTAEF.
Through CHTAEF, I was constantly reminded not of what my country can do for me, but of what I can do for my country. As a recent first-generation college graduate, I am excited to take on the responsibility of being a young leader in The Bahamas ‘ culinary industry, and ensuring that as my country expands through tourism, we also sustain ourselves through the support of local resources. What CHTAEF recognized in me, as they do with many other young people is how important education is to build better leaders and subsequently a better future for the Caribbean.
“I believe I would not be in the same spot I am now in my life if it wasn’t for the CHTA Foundation. This foundation gave me the chance to pursue my goals and career as a chef by supporting me throughout my journey.”
Hello! My name is Druso Daubon and I would like to share some of my story with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Foundation (CHTA Foundation). My passion for cooking and hospitality began around when I was 8 years old. It was 2004 and my aunt had just opened her restaurant in Culebra, Puerto Rico; where my father is from. She invited me there for the summer to work with her since she had noticed that I take a particular fondness working with food. I realized that I loved working in restaurants.
When I graduated high school a year early, I went to talk to some of the local restaurants and got a job at the Dinghy Dock Bar and Grill as dishwasher. Shortly after, I was promoted me to the grill and fry station, and after a year I had the chef position. In 2014, I realized I wanted to pursue the career path as a professional chef, so I applied to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. In September of 2014, I started my journey as a chef and moved to the CIA. Over the four years there, I learned skills and lessons in the kitchen, about how to be a good business owner, and networked with other chefs. I had the opportunity to do an internship at 3 Michelin star Le Bernardin in New York City, one of the world’s most renowned seafood restaurant. Along with this, I was able to work and study full-time on my campus, more specifically at the restaurant Bocuse, learning culinary skills from butchery to ordering and working on the line to working as the plate expediter. During my final semester, I had the opportunity to spend that semester in Puglia, Italy where we had daily kitchen lessons along with school trips to other parts of Italy and interned at Canneto Beach 2 in Margherita di Savoia, another renowned seafood and pizza restaurant of Southern Italy. After this semester, I graduated in December of 2017 with the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration and concentration in Italian Cuisine.
Currently I am 22 years old and living my dream, fishing and cooking; I go early some days to catch fish for the restaurant I work at, Dinghy Dock Bar and Grill, returning later to cook those fish for customers. I am working on changing the food scene in Culebra, trying to promote local, responsibly caught seafood, while preparing the food in new ways that would put a spotlight on the flavors of the fresh seafood.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I believe I would not be in the same spot I am now in my life if it wasn’t for the CHTA Foundation. This foundation gave me the chance to pursue my goals and career as a chef by supporting me throughout my journey. I am grateful for every opportunity I received, and I believe it is very important to support the foundation. This foundation gives people like me an opportunity to pursue their hospitality careers, but more importantly, it allows for the scholarship recipients to share their knowledge and inspire their peers.
Please Donate Today!!!
2020 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Anguilla
Cenita Liddie
B.SC. Hotel Admin in Hospitality Management (HR focus)
University of the West Indies
Bahamas
Jasmine Bain
B.SC. Culinary, Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales
Savion R. Bethell
B.SC. Hospitality & Tourism Management
Johnson & Wales
Forjee Jackson
B.SC. Hotel Admin in Hospitality Management
Johnson & Wales
Barbados
Olivia Chee-A-Tow
B.SC. Hotel Admin in Hospitality Management
Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School
Bermuda
Rayquon Woodley
B.SC. Hotel Admin in Hospitality Management
Les Roches – Marbella
BVI
Shamorie Glasgow
B.SC. Hotel Admin in Hospitality Management
Les Roches – Swizterland
Jamaica
Jada Smith
B.SC. Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales
Lauren Tomlinson
B.SC. Hospitality & Tourism Management
Les Roches
St Lucia
Venessa Richardson
MS Executive Leadership in Hospitality Management
Monroe College
Trinidad & Tobago
Darius Campbell
B.SC. Culinary, Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales
2019 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Aruba
Laura Arianna Molina
B.Sc. Travel & Tourism Management
University Of Aruba
Bahamas
Nathan Boyd
B.Sc. Culinary, Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales
Barbados
Kerri-Ann Brathwaite
Professional Development Certification
Cornell University
Olivia Chee-A-Tow
B.Sc. Hotel Admin in Hospitality Management
Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School
BVI
Krista Grant
B.Sc. Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
Grenada
Vanessa Dopwell
B.Sc. Hospitality & Tourism Management
Edinburgh Napier University
Jamaica
Jada Smith
B.Sc. Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales
Lauren Tomlinson
B.Sc. Hospitality & Tourism Management
Les Roches
St Lucia
Venessa Richardson
M.Sc Hospitality Management
Monroe College
Trinidad & Tobago
Darius Campbell
B.Sc. Culinary, Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales
USVI
Micaya Tuitt
B.Sc. Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
2018 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Aruba
Karel Arends
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
University of Aruba
Bahamas
Jasmine Bain
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Krysta Russell
B. Sc Tourism Management
Mount St. Vincent University
Deidrah Stubbs
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Puerto Rico
Alana Mendez
B.Sc. Tourism Management
Johnson & Wales
Trinidad & Tobago
Latisha Eastman
A.Sc Hospitality Management
Trinidad & Tobago Hospitality Training Institute
USVI
Tywreh Nelson
B.Sc. Tourism Management
University of the Virgin Islands
2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Anguilla
Cenita Liddie
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
University of the West Indies
Antigua
Kia Harrigan
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Monroe College
Aruba
Marc Anthony Ranis
B.Sc. Culinary &Tourism Management
Florida International University
Bahamas
Forjee Jackson
B.Sc. Baking & Pastry Arts/Food Service Management and Tourism & Hospitality Management Double Major:
Johnson & Wales
Gabrielle Josey
B.Sc. Culinary Nutrition and Baking and Pastry Arts
Johnson & Wales
Donovan Moss
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Dwayne Sinclair
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Lynn University
Kenria Taylor
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Antanae Taylor.
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Barbados
Roberta Alleyne
B.Sc. Hospitality & Tourism Management
University of the West Indies
Makayla Bennett
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Christine Gibson
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
NYC College of Tech
Guyana
Kendra Gajadhar
B.Sc. Tourism Management
University of the West Indies
Jamaica
Dominique Haughton
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Florida International University
Brianna Jureidini
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Florida International University
St Lucia
Carleen Isidore
B.Sc. Tourism Management
Monroe College
Stacy Lamontagne
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Monroe College
Astrid Lindberg
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
University of the West Indies
Gemi St Paul
M.Sc Culinary Arts Education
Johnson & Wales
St Maarten
Nathalie Boston
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
University of St Maarten
Trinidad & Tobago
Dwayne Duncan
M.Sc. Hospitality Management
Florida International University
USVI
Jecoix Gittens
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
University of the Virgin Islands
2016 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Antigua
Richard Charles
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Monroe College
Shemica Stevens
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Monroe College
LaToya Wallace
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Monroe College
Aruba
Michael Kerr
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Stichting, Netherlands
Bahamas
Tara
Eastman-Charles
B. Sc Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Atlanta
Keishanne Moss
B. Sc Culinary/Hospitality Management
Johnson & Wales
Kyle Oliver
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Johnson & Wales
Jourdana Rodgers
B.Sc. Restaurant, Food & Beverage Management
Johnson & Wales
Dinae Rolle
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Mount St. Vincent University
Tarran Simms
M.Sc. Business
ESCP Business School
Ariana Strachan
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Mount St. Vincent University
Jamaica
Tashika Jones
B.Sc. Tourism Management
University of the West Indies
Nicole McDonald
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
St Vincent & The Grenadines
Aimee Dunn
B.Sc. Hospitality & Event Management
Queens Collage
Trinidad & Tobago
Malika Andrews
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Kadesha Jacobs
B.Sc. Culinary & Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales
Turks & Caicos
Wilkiens Martin
B.Sc. Culinary Arts
Miami International University
USVI
Aaron Gumbs
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
University of the West Indies
2015 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Anguila
Susan Brookes
Anglia Ruskin for Human Resources
Zenya Greenaway
University of the West Indies for Human Resources.
Antigua and Barbuda
Latoya Gonsalves
Culinary Institute of America for Culinary
Tiffany Gordon
University of Technology for Culinary
Kempton McCalmont
University of the West Indies for Hospitality Management
Nadia Robinson
Monroe College for Hospitality Management
Gabrielle Thomas
Johnson & Wales Rhode Island for Culinary
Aruba
Arantxa Alves
Berkeley College of New York for Marketing
Christopher Geerman
Florida International University for Hospitality Management
Bahamas
Kirvez Ferguson
Johnson & Wales for Food Service Management
Brittney Hanna
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
Tarran Simms
Arizona State University for Sustainable Tourism
Dwayne Sinclair
Kendall College for Hospitality Management
Donovan Smith
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
Kenia Taylor
Florida International University for Tourism Managemen
Blair Thompson
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
Travis Delva
Johnson & Wales for Hospitality Managemen
Barbados
Madeline Layne
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
Haiti
Kareen Etienne
Florida International University for Hospitality Management
Jamaica
Kelsey Girod
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
Josh Parkins
Johnson & Wales Rhode Island for Culinary
Gason Powell
Florida International University for Hospitality Management
Jordon Richards
Johnson & Wales Rhode Island for Culinary
Puerto Rico
Druso Daubon
Culinary Institute of America for Culinary
Diaz-Centeno
Boston University for Event Management
St. Kitts
Jamila Boddie
Florida International University for Restaurant Management
St. Lucia
Paulyn Eugene
Trinidad &Tobago Hospitality Institute for Culinary
Sarah George
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
St. Marteen
Caroline Nolasco
University of St. Maarten for Hospitality Management
Turks & Caicos
Alisa Folkes
Ashworth College for Tourism Management
U.S. Virgin Islands
Cathriellah Shabazz
University of Virgin Islands for Hospitality Management
Emmaleah Turner
University of Virgin Islands for Hospitality Management
Shekeenah Caesar
Johnson & Wales for Hospitality Management.
Trinidad & Tobago
Sarah Jagdip
Johnson & Wales for Culinary
Sarita Singh
Mount Saint Vincent University for Hospitality Management
Je Zen Levia
Mount Saint Vincent University for Hospitality Management
2014 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Anguilla
Kim Blaize – CHTAEF
Assoc. Science Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt
Anguilla Community College
Antigua and Barbuda
Derry-Ann Adams – Virgin Holiday
Culinary Arts & Food Service Mgm
Johnson and Wales
Gabrielle Thomas – Virgin Holiday
Assoc. Degree Baking & Pastry Arts
Johnson and Wales
Bahamas
Natassia Sears – Virgin Holidays
BS Resort Management
Johnson and Wales
Kirvez E Ferguson – 1st Caribbean
Culinary Arts & Food Service Mgmt
Johnson and Wales
Brittany Hanna – Virgin Holidays
BS Culinary Arts & Food Service Mgmt
Johnson and Wales
Rache Josey – CHTAEF
Culinary Arts & Food Service Mgmt
Johnson and Wales
Kara Manouzi – Interval
Master of Science/Hospitality Mgmt
FL International University
Blaire Thompson – CHTAEF
Bach Culinary Arts & Food Srv. Mgmt
ohnson and Wales – North Miami
Blaire Thompson – CHTAEF
Bach Culinary Arts & Food Srv. Mgmt
Johnson and Wales – North Miami
Latreia Smith – CHTAEF
Assoc. Pastry Arts
Johnson and Wales
Kenia Taylor – Interval
BS Hotel Mgmt
FIU
Chara Darceuil – 1st Caribbean
BS Hotel Mgmt
FIU
Domonique Sturrup – 1st Caribbean
BS Baking & Pastry
Johnson and Wales- Rhode Island
Barbados
Deidre Small – Virgin Holiday
M Science in Tourism & Events Mgmt
Univ of West Indies, Cave Hill
Christine Gibson – 1st Caribbean
Hospitality Studies
Barbados Comm. College
Grenada
Jovari Hagley – Virgin Holiday
B.Sc. Hosp & Tourism Mgmt
UWI St. Augustine
Jamaica
Brittany Ho – Interval
Hospitality Mgmt
FIU
Kelsey Girod – Virgin Holiday
BS Baking/Pastry Arts/Food Srv Mgmt
Johnson and Wales
Jordan Richards – Interval
Culinary Arts
Johnson and Wales
Josh Parkins – CHTAEF
Culinary Arts & Food Srv Mgmt
Johnson and Wales – Providence
Puerto Rico
Patricia Diaz Centeno – Interval
B.Sc. Hospitality Admin
Boston University
Alejandra Calvillo – Interval
Travel & Tourism & Hosp. Mgmt
Johnson and Wales
Druso Daubon – CHTAEF
Culinary Arts
CIA, NY
Trinidad & Tobago
Jael Avion Joseph – 1st Caribbean
AIB.BA. Business Administration Tourism and Hospitality Management
Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality Institute
Shandelle Edwards – Interval
Tourism & Hotel Mgmt
Johnson and Wales – North Miami
Sarita Singh – CHTEAF
Tourism & Hotel Mgmt
Mount St. Vincent Univ
Sara Jagdip – CHTEAF
BS Baking & Pastry Arts/Food Serv Mgmt
Johnson and Wales
2013 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Anguilla
Caroma Walters – General Professional Development Scholarship 2013
Bar Operations
Anguilla Community College
Antigua and Barbuda
Lana Williams – Starwood Scholarship 2013
Five Courses
The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) – New York
Aruba
Rollyn Angel-Rosas – Interval International Scholarship 2013
B.Sc. Culinary Management
Art Institute – Fort Lauderdale
Bahamas
D’Nae Ashley Baker – Virgin Holidays 2012 continuing award; Virgin holidays and CHTAEF special study award 2013; and Johnson and Wales University tuition dollars 2013
B.Sc. Culinary Nutrition
Johnson and Wales – Rhode Island
Domonique Sturrup – CIBC-FirstCaribbean International Bank Scholarship 2013 and Johnson and Wales tuition dollars 2013.
B.Sc. Baking and Pastry Arts
J&W – Rhode Island
Jasmine Forbes – CHTAEF 2013 scholarship with Johnson and Wales tuition dollars 2013
B.Sc. Culinary Arts and Food service Management
J&W – Charlotte
Mikiayla Dames – CHTAEF General scholarship with Johnson and Wales tuition dollars 2013
B.Sc. Sports Entertainment and Event Management
J&W – North Miami
Nastassia Sears – Virgin Holidays 2013 with Johnson and Wales tuition dollars 2013
B.Sc. Culinary Arts with major in Resort Management
J&W – North Miami
Raché Josey – General Scholarship and Johnson and Wales 2013
B.Sc. Culinary Arts and Food Service Management
JWU – North Miami
Barbados
Christine Gibson – CIBC-FirstCaribbean International Bank Scholarship 2013
Ass. Hospitality Studies
Barbados Community College
Deidre Small – Virgin Holidays 2012 and Virgin Holidays and CHTAEF special study award 2013
B.Sc. Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management
JWU – Miami
Lisa Howard – Virgin Holidays special study award 2013 only
Masters. Sustainability Management
Columbia University – New York
Curaçao
Gregory Winklaar – Starwood Worldwide Resorts Professional Development scholarships 2013
Strategic Leadership
Cornell University
Dominica
Vernelle Samuel – Interval International Scholarship with Johnson and Wales tuition dollars 2013
B.Sc. Travel Tourism and Hospitality Management
JWU – Miami
Grenada
Jovari Hagley – Virgin Holidays Scholarship 2013
B.Sc. Hospitality and Tourism Management
University of the West Indies St Augustine – Trinidad
Haiti
Danavia Previlon – Interval International Scholarship 2013 with Johnson and Wales tuition dollars.
B.Sc. Hotel and Lodging Management
Johnson and Wales – North Miami
Jamaica
Josh D. Parkins – CHTAEF General scholarship with Johnson and Wales tuition dollars
B.Sc. Culinary Arts and Food Service Management
Johnson and Wales – North Miami
Karen McFarlane – Starwood Worldwide Resorts Professional Development scholarship 2013
Spa and Hospitality Management
UNEX UCI – online
Marcia Brown Kelly – CHTAEF General Scholarship 2013
Masters – Hospitality Management
FIU – online
Puerto Rico
Patricia Diaz Centeno – Interval International Scholarship 2013
B.Sc. Hospitality Administration
Boston University
St Lucia
Joanne Felix – Virgin Holidays special Study award 2013 only
B.Sc. Hospitality Management
Morgan State University
Trinidad & Tobago
Jael Avion Joseph – CIBC-FirstCaribbean International Bank scholarship 2013
AIB.BA. Business Administration Tourism and Hospitality Management
Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality Institute
Eric Cooper – Starwood Worldwide Resorts Professional Development scholarship 2013
Kitchens Connected
Culinary Institute of America
Shayna Johnson Tobago – Virgin Holidays 2012 and Johnson and Wales University tuition dollars 2013 ongoing Virgin Holidays 2013
B.Sc. International Hotel and Tourism Management
Johnson and Wales – Rhode Island