When newly installed New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani tapped Kamar Samuels on Thursday to lead New York City’s public school system, the appointment resonated deeply with Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora — including Samuels’ longtime friend Cathy Kleinhans, a former Miss Jamaica (World) contestant and CEO of Jamroppo Productions.
The two share decades of service, study, and a sustained commitment to community.
“I’ve known Kamar for many years,” Kleinhans said. “Long before titles and headlines, he was already doing the work.”
Their paths first crossed in 2002–2003 during their involvement with Jamaica Impact (JAMPACT) — a period later described by political scientist and former Think Tank co-chair Diana Cassells as the organization’s “Golden Era.” Founded by Stephan Wright and Hope Greaves-Johnson, JAMPACT quickly emerged as an influential volunteer organization for young professionals across the New York tri-state area.
Kleinhans said both she and Samuels served as co-chairs of the Education and Membership Committees, united by a shared determination to give back to Jamaica in meaningful and lasting ways.
“Our work spanned numerous initiatives,” she recalled. “We sponsored basic schools and supported the Teach for Jamaica Project, led by Community Affairs Attaché Janet Madden. Through intentional outreach and engagement, we doubled JAMPACT’s membership.”
But JAMPACT was about more than service alone. Kleinhans said it fostered a strong sense of belonging and cultural pride, bringing members together through concerts, ski trips, and a major cultural outreach at the Calabash Literary Festival in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth.
“We stayed in Parrotee,” she said, “deepening both cultural appreciation and community bonds.”
As part of its enduring legacy, JAMPACT’s Think Tank hosted annual conferences addressing issues related to youth development, financial growth, and national progress. Its most lasting contribution, Kleinhans noted, was groundbreaking diaspora research led by Cassells.
“That research ultimately informed the diaspora engagement model now used by successive Governments of Jamaica,” she said.
That era of service flowed seamlessly into Samuels’ professional calling. In 2003, both Samuels and Kleinhans began their careers through the NYC Teaching Fellows program.
“Coincidentally, that year marked the beginning of our teaching journeys,” she said. “New York City has been good to us.”
Kleinhans vividly recalled relying on Samuels while preparing for the New York State teacher certification exams, particularly the mathematics section.
“I reached out to Kamar for support,” she said. “We met several times at the Barnes & Noble on 14th Street. Under his patient and watchful guidance, I worked through problem sets.”
She added that Samuels carefully reviewed each concept, offering thoughtful feedback and steady encouragement.
“I went on to pass all my teaching examinations, and we both ultimately completed our Master of Science in Education,” she said.
In his new role, Samuels will oversee all NYC public schools, the largest public school system in the U.S. Kleinhans said his experience leading school integration efforts, navigating controversial gifted-program reforms, and managing complex school mergers has prepared him to step into the role from day one.
“Kamar’s leadership style is contemplative and inclusive,” she said. “He listens carefully and responds thoughtfully. These are qualities he will continue to refine and embody in this new role.”
She offered both praise and guidance as he takes on one of the most challenging education leadership positions in the country.
“I am immensely proud of Kamar, and by extension, all members of JAMPACT’s Golden Era,” Kleinhans said. “My advice to him is simple: continue to be who you are. Lead with your warmth, your smile, and your great sense of humor, while remaining laser-focused on the goals of your administration.”
She closed with a message rooted in shared heritage and optimism.
“Your lifelong commitment to service — whether volunteering for a cause, helping a friend succeed, or listening to every voice among your constituents — has prepared you well for this moment,” she said. “As Jamaicans and as parents, we wish you every success in your new tenure and in your continued dedication to educating the children of New York City.”
