Lesleyann Samuel

President
Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc.

Lesleyann Samuel was elected in 2018 to her 3rd and final 2-year term as the President of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. During her short tenure, UJAA membership has grown from 32 to over 60. A leader of vision and passion, she has focused on developing the programs of the Union, establishing UJAA as a stakeholder
with various education organizations in Jamaica, including the National Education
Inspectorate, enhancing the effectiveness of the member organizations, and
collaborating with other alumni umbrella groups around the globe.

With over 30 years of leadership experience in several non-profit organizations, Samuel is also serving as the Vice-Chair of the Jamaica Diaspora Education Task Force which has supported teachers and schools in Jamaica by providing training, and as Assistant Treasurer for the alumnae association of her alma mater – Immaculate Conception High School, St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Samuel has been employed in various leadership capacities in the telecommunications sector for the past 35+ years, and since 2001, has been an adjunct professor with University of Maryland Global Campus in the Business Management department. She currently teaches Organizational Leadership.

In recognition of her deep commitment to serving others and giving forward, Samuel has been the recipient of numerous awards over the years including the Consul General’s Heritage Award 2018 from the Consulate General of Jamaica New York, in recognition of “outstanding and dedicated services to the community.”

She has also recently received awards such as the United States House of Representatives Proclamation, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, 2019; Wolmer’s Alumni Association NY Chapter – Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Commitment to Community Service, 2019; Know Association of Past Students NY Chapter – Dedicated Leadership, 2019; and many others.

Samuel holds M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering – Technology Management from the
University of Pennsylvania, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Management from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

She is of Jamaican descent and is the proud mom to son, Nicholas who lives and works in southern California.