JAMAICA
FORWARD

Her work is driven by a desire to bridge communities, preserve heritage, and inspire cultural connection across generations and borders. Through Jamaica Forward, she invites fellow diasporans to become active co-creators in Jamaica’s future — helping to build systems that honor the past, empower the next generation of Jamaican leaders and creators, and define a future where Jamaica’s culture, creativity, and communities thrive globally. Lisa’s career spans over 15 years across corporate leadership, nonprofit engagement, and cultural advocacy. She has led high-profile initiatives at Hilton, FINN Partners, and mission-driven organizations throughout the U.S. and the African continent, delivering campaigns, programs, and experiences rooted in community, culture, and legacy. Her passion for community-building has shaped her work across the African continent and the U.S. As a longtime consultant with the African Tourism Association, she led operations for the World Tourism Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa; facilitated partnerships to encourage travel to the continent; collaborated with the Senegalese Embassy in Washington, D.C., to strengthen connections between Dakar and the diaspora; and spearheaded communications efforts for The Global Media Project, which established production and storytelling workshops across the African diaspora to reclaim the narrative of the continent. She has also directed communications and fundraising for organizations including the See Forever Foundation & Maya Angelou Schools, Future Business Leaders of America, and Community of Hope — supporting campaigns that raised over $3 million for arts and education and amplifying grassroots stories through media and digital platforms. Lisa Simone holds a B.A. in Media & Professional Communication from the University of Pittsburgh, with a certificate in Corporate and Community Relations.