Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – The Dr. Katherine Y. Brown (KYB) Leadership Academy a leadership development program with a mission to build the capacity for global leadership while also increasing awareness of pulmonary hypertension (PH) hosted its 2024 groundbreaking international conference in Trinidad and Tobago, marking a significant milestone with the launch of the 30th cohort of the KYB Leadership Academy program, exclusively comprised of thirty two (32) scholars who live in Trinidad. These scholars participated in a three month virtual training program, collectively completed hundreds of hours of community service, a capstone project, and culminated in an in person leadership experience this March.
Twelve scholars from KYB Leadership Academy in Nashville, Tennessee flew in to contribute to this monumental event, which culminated in the training of 1,000 students in Trinidad and Tobago following the principles laid out in Dr. Brown’s inspirational book, “I Am Amazing.” “The conference not only served as an educational conference but also as a moment of collective impact and empowerment for participants. Everyone has a purpose in life and needs to know that they are amazing. Dr. Katherine explained.” Principal (Ag) Faeid Ali from A.S.J.A Boys’ College, San Fernando explained, “It was wonderful having Dr. Brown and her team visit our college. Her positivity, energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and many of our boys mentioned feeling a greater sense of motivation and self worth after her visit. We look forward to seeing her again!”
The KYB “I Am Amazing” transformation tables were a highlight of the conference, offering an intensive, immersive experience designed to instill confidence and a sense of purpose among the attendees. This innovative approach has been lauded as a powerful tool in personal and professional development, fostering an environment where individuals are encouraged to recognize and embrace their inherent worth and capabilities. The schools KYB visited included Bishop Anstey High School East; Trinity College; A.S.J.A Boys’ College San Fernando, A.S.J.A Girls’ College San Fernando; A.S.J.A Girls’ College Charlieville and also a session at Massy Motors Limited in San Fernando. During their time in the country they had the opportunity to meet with San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, whereas he spoke to the KYB leaders about success and managing obstacles as they come. He explained,“You have to be tested to give a testimony and when you’re tested, don’t be scared to do what you’re called to do.”
Another highlight included stilt walking lessons from the renowned Junior Bisnah.
Dr. Brown presented copies of her book to be housed in each school library. A highlight was the tours the Nashville students experienced while learning the culture including visiting Pitch Lake, San Fernando Hill, Mt. St. Benedict, and embracing the food and culture. The group received gifts courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism upon arrival in the country. Robert D. Brown, a student at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, TN shared, “Visiting Mt. Hope Hospital and learning about the treatments available for people diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension was a great learning experience. The hospital staff took a lot of time to explain everything to us.”
Dr. Katherine Y. Brown expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the community partners (Toanya Rahim of Leadership Lab, Jaime Chaitan of Ridiculously Intentional, and Ada Mohammed), educational institutions, and all the stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago who played a pivotal role in the success of the conference. “This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of empowering individuals to realize their potential. We exceeded our expectations, 1000+ students is amazing. “To hear the students shouting “I Am Amazing” at the end of the session was powerful. We are immensely thankful to everyone who made this possible and contributed to the transformative journey of our participants. Katherine explained that support came from near and far including Nashville based Storyville Gardens, a KYB Leadership Academy 2024 community partner.
The KYB Leadership Academy established in 2016 has hosted its conference in Turks and Caicos Islands, Medellin Colombia South America, Johannesburg, South Africa to name a few. The success of the KYB International Conference in Trinidad and Tobago is a stepping stone towards a broader impact, with the academy looking forward to continued opportunities and collaborations to expand its reach and continuing to make a difference in the lives of individuals around the world.
About KYB Leadership Academy:
Founded by Dr. Katherine Y. Brown in 2016 the KYB Leadership Academy is dedicated to the development of leaders through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and international conferences. With a focus on personal growth and professional excellence, the academy strives to empower individuals to lead with confidence and purpose. Its mission is to build the capacity for global leadership, while increasing awareness of pulmonary hypertension. The program is sponsored by the Roberta Baines-Wheeler (RBW) Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Group, a 501c3 nonprofit organization named in honor of the Brown mother who passed away in 2016.
