Dawn Clemetson: President

I was born in Kingston. I attended Immaculate Conception High School where I was Head Girl. I attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada and majored in Math and minored in Computer Science.

Education is very important in my family. My grandfather was a headmaster and former president of Jamaica Union of Teachers. His daughters, my aunts, were both teachers. As a child, I was sent to every lesson in town.

In August 2004, I sent out an email to my fellow Dallas Jamaicans telling them of the plight of the children at St. Theresa Basic School. I hoped it would not fall on deaf or busy ears. It did not. Beresford Clarke, Lena Lyn, Conrod Goulbourne and Jonathan Clemetson responded immediately. Their commitment has made this what it has become today – an organization helping needy schools in Jamaica.

It has taken a large commitment of time to get this organization off the ground. We have met an average of 3 times per month since August 2004. We have and will continue to participate, as stated in our by-laws, without compensation monetarily or otherwise. Through our by-laws, this will ensure that all that is given to us will be used to support the students in Jamaica and the organization.

My contribution to Jamaica YES is my way of saying thanks to those who taught me, those who showed me the way. From across the miles, this is my way of giving back to Jamaica.

Conrod Goulbourne: Vice President

Unlike most Jamaicans abroad who claim to be from Kingston, I hail from the hills of Jamaica. The small country community of Bartons, St. Catherine is where I was born and raised. I am a graduate of Good Hope Primary School and St. Jago High School, both in St Catherine.

After finishing fifth form at St. Jago, I emigrated to Milwaukee, WI. In Wisconsin, I completed 12th grade at West Division High School followed by Marquette University. Next I moved to McKinney, Texas where I currently reside and work for JCPenney as an Information Technology project manager.

My hope is that our organization will be able to make a difference in creating a learning environment that will help to better the educational climate for our Jamaican youths.

Lena Lyn: Secretary

I was born in Clarendon, Jamaica and am a graduate of Alpha Academy and Alpha Commercial College in Kingston.

I emigrated to Houston, Texas in 1980 where I resided until relocating to Dallas, Texas in 1995. I've worked at a major telecommunications company for the past 25 years and currently hold the position of Financial Reporting manager.

I volunteered to be part of JamaicaYES. My hope is that my efforts in our fund raising will help with the school feeding program. Though I left Jamaica long ago, I have never forgotten the everyday hardship of some of the people in just getting their children clothed and fed. The children who benefit from our feeding program, will one day grow up to become productive citizens of Jamaica.

Beresford Clarke: Treasurer

I attended Manchester High School, migrating to the United States after completing the 4th form. I completed high school in Inglewood, California. and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Notre Dame.

After working for nine years in the Aerospace Industry, I returned to college to pursue an MBA from the University of Texas as Austin. I currently work as a Senior Financial Analyst for Texas Instruments Inc.

I joined Jamaica YES because I strongly believe that education is the key in moving Jamaica along the road towards economic and social advancement. A strong educational base will go a long way towards solving many of the problems that plague Jamaica especially violent crime and poverty.

Jonathan Clemetson: Public Relations

I'm a graduate of Munro College (High School) in Jamaica. After Munro I moved to Texas to attend the University of North Texas (UNT) where I graduated in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology. I worked as a Med Tech before being accepted to Baylor College of Dentistry. After Dental school I was accepted to the General Practice Residency (GPR) Program at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

I hold licenses in the states of Oklahoma and Texas. I perform general, cosmetic and Special Care (Hospital and non-hospital) dentistry. I hold memberships in many professional dental and non-dental organizations. I am currently a part time Clinical and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry.

I organize dental mission trips to Jamaica to serve the less fortunate. I believe in helping the less fortunate especially when it has to do with education. I'm donating much of my time to the endeavors of Jamaica YES because I foresee wherein Jamaica YES will be the exemplary charitable group that will do wonders for the youth of Jamaica.

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