Public Scholarship

I believe in the potential of critical sociological research to transform lives and societies. This belief informs my commitment to making scholarship accessible beyond the academy, which I have pursued through collaborations with community members, nonprofit organizations, government institutions, socially responsible private-sector partners, and others working to advance more just and equitable societies. Through public speaking, writing, digital media, and collaborative initiatives, I seek to create opportunities for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the practical application of sociological research.

Strengthening Diaspora Youth Connection to Jamaica and Increasing a Sense of Jamaican Identity Panelist | Jamaica Diaspora Conference | Montego Bay, Jamaica | 2024

I participated in a panel discussion where I shared insights from my research on the diverse experiences of people of Jamaican descent raised abroad. I spoke about how they understand the significance of their Jamaican identity and how they maintain a sense of connection to Jamaica while living overseas.

Caribbean Policy Research Institute’s (CAPRI) 2024 Budget Breakdown Opening Remarks | CAPRI Budget Breakdown | Kingston, Jamaica | 2024

I delivered the opening remarks at the launch of CAPRI's 2024 Budget Breakdown, which brought together policymakers, researchers, and members of the public to examine the Jamaican government's fiscal priorities. In my remarks, I emphasized the importance of budget transparency and public understanding of government spending in fostering democratic accountability and enabling Jamaicans, both on the island and abroad, to participate meaningfully in conversations about the country's future.

Unlocking Diaspora Capital for the Global South: Capital Raising Lessons from the Caribbean Moderator | Re-Align Business & Investment Conference | Kingston, Jamaica | 2025

I moderated a fireside chat with David Mullings, CEO and Chairman of Blue Mahoe Capital, exploring the potential of diaspora investment to advance social and economic development in the Caribbean. Our conversation focused on Blue Mahoe Capital's efforts to make regional investment opportunities accessible to everyday investors in the diaspora, with an emphasis on investment vehicles that can facilitate the provision of affordable housing in the region.

Urban Dialogues: Imagining Kingston’s Futures Co-Organizer & Panel Moderator | Kingston, Jamaica | 2025

I co-organized this public forum in collaboration with Island City Lab, a Jamaica-based urban planning think tank, and researchers from the University of Amsterdam’s Department of Geography. The event brought together academics, activists, artists, policymakers, and private-sector representatives to discuss Kingston’s urban challenges and envision more inclusive and equitable futures. I moderated the panel on housing, which explored tensions between housing as a basic right and a market commodity, the influence of global capital on Kingston’s housing landscape, and possibilities for making housing more affordable and accessible to local residents.