AMPLIFY CONNECT: Creative Social Enterprise Fellowship

and Accelerator Participants

 

Fellows
 

Denée Thomas – Visual Artist
Denée is a Trinidadian visual artist whose vibrant works explore Caribbean identity, tradition, and social change. With a background in management and digital marketing, she blends creativity and business to elevate regional narratives and inspire transformation.
 

Jordan Smith – Game Developer
Founder of Accent Games, Jordan is a Trinidadian developer creating culturally inspired, innovative games. With over a decade in game design, he champions Caribbean representation in the global gaming space.
 

Isaiah Mapp – Visual Artist
Known as "theizzydream," Isaiah is a versatile artist whose work spans graffiti, digital design, and film. His art challenges social norms, reflecting the dualities of society and the human experience.
 

Asher Bain – Crochet Artist
At 23, Asher is the founder of LA Designs, a crochet clothing brand merging tradition and trend. Inspired by her grandmother and mother, she’s preparing to launch her first storefront and a new denim-crochet line in 2025.
 

Jonathan Villaroel – Visual Artist & Entrepreneur
At 21, Jonathan explores identity and culture through drawing, sculpture, and painting. His work reflects the complexity of life and humanity’s attempts to understand it, aiming to inspire introspection and connection.
 

Deneka Thomas – Poet, Entrepreneur and Comms Professional
Deneka is a spoken word poet and aspiring author with an urgent voice that rises against gender inequality, advances advocacy for women, encourages self and body image appreciation and exhorts environmental awareness. An award-winning Spoken Word Poet, writer, arts educator and activist Deneka is the force behind popular spoken word and slam event, Bacano Leaf. Deneka was the 2018 First Citizens National Poetry Slam Champion and 2nd runner up of the competition in 2019. 
 

Keeron Isaac – Poet, Author and Entrepreneur
Keeron Isaac is a 27 year old medical student turned poet and author. After being faced with death of relatives, redirected career plans, and salient advice from his mother Keeron Isaac has found himself on a new journey which explores, upholds and preserves culture through writing . With two poetry collections out and more on the way, Keeron is enjoying diving wholly into this life of writing , performing and connecting to people through poetry and art. He always thought that his empathy would be perfect in shaping him into a doctor but it has now coalesced into a space that allows him to connect to others through writing and vulnerability which he thoroughly enjoys .
 

Accelerators

Alicia Buckmire – Chief Creative Director, Amplified Event Essentials
Alicia is a dynamic entrepreneur with 14+ years in children-inclusive event planning. Founder of Amplified Event Essentials, she offers entertainment services including balloon artistry and event décor. Her bold, community-centered creativity is rooted in early experiences selling sapodillas and hosting childhood competitions.
 

Richard Noel – Fashion Designer
Richard is a celebrated Caribbean designer known for bold prints and color-rich collections. From Red Runway to Mission Catwalk, he now mentors emerging talent while growing his brand, RN, across resort, bridal, and Carnival wear.
 

Nicole Joseph – Graphic Designer & Craft Educator
With over 25 years in design and education, Nicole is a multidisciplinary artisan passionate about mas-making, sustainable craft, and community empowerment. She is currently completing a CVQ in Masquerade Design.
 

Alicia Reyes – Poet & Artist
Ali Reyes is a passionate creator whose energy and artistry breathe life into her work. She is known for transforming the mundane into meaning through poetic expression and creative fire.
 

Dawsher Charles – Puppeteer, Educational Coach & Author
Founder of Survival Scholars, Dawsher uses puppetry and trauma-informed education to support youth. With multiple awards and partnerships across the Caribbean, she empowers thousands through her Puppet Palace and creative development programs.