"The values I was taught growing up were absolute: Work hard. Study Hard. Read the Bible. Read our country's Constitution. Always remember the Golden Rule. Take good care of yourself because ultimately you are the only one who can make the choices that impact your life. That meant take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and intellectually.
I was taught that when you do these things, you will prosper and you will be able to help others. Those are the basics that set me free into a world of opportunities. And one day, the President of the United States called and talked me to serve my country as an Ambassador. I told him I wanted to be in Jamaica. Shortly after I arrived, The Most Honorable P.J. Patterson labeled me "The Lady of Silk and Steel" and I think he got it exactly right.
Today I remain involved within diplomatic circles, but I am consumed by neither diplomacy nor politics. I am a student of policy matters at the macro-level and an avid consumer of policy studies.
I am now in a position to "give back". I find The American Friends of Jamaica, Inc. to be the appropriate vehicle. I find in the leadership of the AFJ, like-minded people. Each has had the discipline to be successful in his/her respective endeavor; each feels a personal obligation to help others as they are able; each, perhaps fortuitously, fell into the embrace of a warm and charming people on the island of Jamaica. So, we work together to try to make a difference through the hands and hearts of those on the island engaged in the same charge. We seek to enable these thoughtful and caring Jamaicans because we know that some people need a helping hand. And all of us at the AFJ ardently believe in the talent of the Jamaican people and the future of the country.
Charitable giving in the United States has fallen during these difficult economic times. The AFJ must now reach out to broaden its circle of Friends. Our plan is moving forward and our goal is to significantly increase our giving to qualified Jamaican entities. We know this cannot happen overnight, but we will work very, very hard - as I was taught to do so many years ago. " Outlook Magazine, April 24, 2011