Toronto-born Lawyer of Jamaican heritage, Nailah Gordon-Decicieo is a Community Champion, Cultural Guardian and Thought Leader. By chairing the JA-CDN Emergency Response Fund (COVID-19) to address food insecurities for eligible applicants, Nailah is agile in strategizing culturally-conscious solutions; preparing her to serve Canadians again. 

Internationally recognized as a trusted advocate, she pioneers engaging, educating and empowering others by serving as one of the first Canadian GJDC Representatives; being one of the first Canadians to receive the NBA’s ‘Nation’s Best Advocates: Top 40 Under 40’ Award; and acknowledged as the first Black female Prosecutor to serve in Southern Alberta, Canada. 

An Honours Commerce graduate admitted to practice law in Jamaica and Canada, she is passionate about business, social justice, women and youth issues. By collaborating with the People and Prosperity Working Groups created to accelerate Jamaica’s Vision 2030, Nailah is a changemaker apprised of the opportunities and challenges facing Jamaicans and equipped with the cultural competency and transferable knowledge and skills to protect and advance the Diaspora movement. 

If re-elected, Nailah is committed to nation building by amplifying Jamaican voices including Western Canada, proactively solving Diaspora concerns and encouraging reinvestment in Jamaica to ensure her sustainable development.

Rhona is a Certified Human Resources Leader and an active member of the Human Resources Professional Association with over 25 years’ experience. She is a strong relationship builder who easily establishes credible alliances with key stakeholders. 

Born and raised in Manchester, Jamaica, she attended Knox College High School before moving to Canada where she completed her post-secondary education. Her strong commitment to volunteerism has led her to serve her community in various capacities including:
 

1. ​Global Jamaica Diaspora Electoral Committee (2019) 

2. Jamaica 60th Anniversary Planning Committee 

3. President of the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations (Toronto) Inc. (AJAA) (2019 to present) 

4. President Knox Past Students Association (Toronto) (2017 to present) 

5. Member of the City of Toronto People and Equity, Black Staff Network (Part of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit) 

These experiences have allowed for ongoing and meaningful engagement with Diaspora Youth and Young Adults as well as collaboration and contribution to significant philanthropic endeavours with like minded individuals and organizations in the 
Diaspora. 

She continues to seek ways to be of service to her local and broader communities and her homeland, Jamaica.

My name is Lisa Rutty, and I am seeking election to volunteer on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council.  Leveraging more than 20 years of Management Consulting and Business Development experience with American Express Global Business Travel to now helping clients navigate through the process of homeownership and investments as a licensed REALTOR® in Ontario, Canada and Jamaica. 

I have achieved my Certified International Property Specialist Designation (CIPS) and e-PRO Certification from the National Association of REALTORS®. I also hold a certificate in Business Management from Toronto Metropolitan University (previously known as Ryerson University) and a diploma in Travel & Tourism from Seneca College. 

To give back to the community, I volunteer with the Jamaican Canadian Association (Ontario) as the Membership Services Committee Chair and as a member of the Membership Event Committee. Additionally, I am a Brand Ambassador with the Jamaica Tourism Board, representing the Tourist Board at various events in the Greater Toronto Area.

In my personal time, I am an avid traveller, who has visited more than 32 Countries across 6 continents. I am eager for the opportunity to join the GJDC to further enhance collaboration between Jamaicans “ah yaad and abroad”.