25 Jamaican women in Hollywood honored at inaugural JWLH Honors dinner

The inaugural Jamaican Women Leading Hollywood (JWLH) Honors dinner, held on September 28 at Hotel Figueroa, celebrated the achievements of 25 remarkable Jamaican women in the entertainment industry.

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The event, organized by the CODA Network and supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), brought together industry leaders, advocates, and talents to recognize their significant contributions.

The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, highlighted the immense talent within Jamaica’s arts and culture community, both locally and internationally. “In particular, there are many Jamaican women who have made an extraordinary impact in the U.S. entertainment industry,” he stated. “We are proud for them to represent us in film and television. Their impressive contributions are a true testament to our island’s hard-working values, warm spirit, and vibrant culture.”

Among the distinguished honorees were Antoinette Clarke, Vice President of Brand Entertainment at CBS and two-time Emmy Award-winning producer; Antoinette Robinson, known for her roles in Dear White People and The Blackening; Orly Marley, producer of One Love: The Bob Marley Movie; Sundra Oakley from One Love: The Bob Marley Movie; and Sydnee Winters, Broadway actor renowned for her performances in Hamilton and The Lion King.

Donovan White, Director of Tourism for Jamaica, remarked on the island’s significant influence on global art and culture. “We are honored to support an event that celebrates the accomplishments of these women who are continuing that legacy and establishing a firm sector for Jamaicans in Hollywood.”

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JWLH is a non-profit organization focused on promoting and supporting Jamaican women in entertainment through advocacy and community engagement. Proceeds from the event will support scholarships, mentorship programs, and workshops aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders.

The JWLH Honors Dinner marks the beginning of a series of events designed to amplify the work of Jamaican women in film and television.

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