Meet the Speakers
Adanna Austin, Representative of the Central Bank for Trinidad and Tobago’s National Financial Literacy Programme
Presenter- ‘Making money make sense- minding your financial business’
Coach Adanna Austin is a dynamic and visionary leader in the world of business and marketing. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a trusted authority in the field of marketing dynamics and business solutions. Adanna’s journey began with a passion for entrepreneurship and a drive to help businesses thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Adanna’s professional journey has been marked by continuous learning and innovation. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and has honed her skills through extensive industry experience. Her expertise lies in devising cutting-edge marketing strategies that harness the power of data analytics, digital advertising, and customer engagement to drive results for her clients.
As the founder and CEO of Marketing Dynamics Business Solutions, Adanna has built a reputation for excellence and has guided countless businesses to success. Her coaching and consulting services are characterized by a personalized approach, where she collaborates closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and goals. Adanna’s strategic insights and hands-on guidance have propelled numerous businesses to new heights, helping them navigate the complex landscape of modern marketing.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Adanna is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the business world. She believes in the power of mentorship and actively supports the growth and development of aspiring entrepreneurs and marketing professionals.
Coach Adanna Austin’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and her unwavering dedication to her clients make her a true luminary in the world of marketing dynamics. Her passion for helping businesses thrive continues to inspire and empower those fortunate enough to work with her.
Candice Clarke-Salloum, Corporate Relations Manager, Shell Trinidad and Country Chair for Shell in the English Speaking Caribbean
Panellist- ‘Leadership: Leading from within to impact others as a Catholic’
Chelsea Jardim, Owner/Managing Director, Dough Bomb Donuts
Panellist- ‘Leadership: Leading from within to impact others as a Catholic’
Chelsea Jardim is the founder of Dough Bomb Donuts, a premium gourmet donut brand established in 2022 with the mission of elevating the donut experience in Trinidad and Tobago. Before entering the food industry, Chelsea studied Law with the University of London and later pursued a Master’s Degree in Project Management.
What began simply as a craving quickly turned into a business idea after recognizing a gap in Trinidad’s dessert industry for high-quality, creative donuts. Starting from the ground up, Chelsea first sold donuts at the Savannah on Independence Day night before expanding into office sales throughout Port of Spain, deliveries, and pop-up events across the country. From there, Dough Bomb grew into a dedicated commercial kitchen operation and eventually into its own storefronts through determination, growth, and strategic expansion.
Today, Dough Bomb Donuts has become known for its innovative flavours, premium quality, and strong brand presence, continuing to push the boundaries of the local dessert scene. Chelsea has since expanded the brand further with the launch of Glazed by Dough Bomb, a sister company focused on fresh glazed donuts and creative topping combinations, continuing the mission of bringing some of the best donuts to Trinidad and Tobago.
Darren Mohammed, AI Consultant
Moderator for Panel Discussion on ‘Leadership: Leading from within to impact others as a Catholic’
Presenter -‘ Preparing for the AI Co-Worker – (updates, tools, usage of tools to build personal effectiveness
Darren Mohammed is an AI Consultant, an Independent Director on the board of JMMB Bank (T&T) Ltd. and JMMB Express Finance (T&T) Ltd. and a former Director at Microsoft.
After a 17-year tenure at Microsoft through several leadership roles, concluding as Director of Azure, Microsoft’s Cloud & AI platform, Darren now works as an AI Consultant. As an AI Consultant he has trained several Boards of Directors and their Executive teams on AI as it pertains to their industry also conducting AI discovery workshops to determine the best AI projects for quick wins.
He has a background in Computer Engineering and has been working in the Tech industry for over 30 years. During that time, other notable tenures were 6 years of entrepreneurial experience, having built a successful SME startup prior to joining Microsoft and 5 years working for a multi-national Oil & Gas company as a technologist building and supporting upstream apps.
Darren also serves on the regional JMMB Group Information Systems Board Committee.
David Isidore, Project Officer for Sustainable Development, Ministry of, Planning, Economic Affairs and Development
Feature Speaker- ‘Theology of Work-Why our work matters to God’
David Isidore is a development professional and researcher from Trinidad and Tobago with experience spanning public policy, education, youth formation and international affairs. He currently serves in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as a Project Officer for Sustainable Development within the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, where he contributes to national strategic initiatives and international reporting processes, including the country’s Voluntary National Review for the United Nations
David’s academic background includes graduate studies in International Relations with a specialization in foreign policy, alongside a strong intellectual interest in natural law, ethics and political philosophy. His research interests focus on ethical foreign policy and the intersection of moral philosophy and international relations.
Beyond government service, he has experience coordinating youth development programmes, mentorship initiatives, leadership camps, and educational workshops. David combines analytical rigor, organizational leadership and a strong commitment to service, education, and human development.
Fr Derek Anton, Hospital Chaplain for the Northern and Southern Vicariates
Presenter- ‘The Quiet Battle- Spiritual Warfare’
Fr Derek Anton is a priest of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. Fr Derek was a qualified accountant and worked in the private sector for several years before answering the call to the priesthood and entering the Seminary at age 41. For 19 years he functioned as a parish priest in parishes in the Central and Eastern Vicariates. For most of those years he also performed the role of Regional Episcopal Vicar in both those Vicariates. He was at one time the Coordinator of the Vocations Recruitment Team of the Archdiocese and Director of the Pre-Seminary. He is currently the Hospital Chaplain in the Northern and Suburban Vicariates, with responsibility for ministering to the sick, their families and staff in both public and private medical institutions in those Vicariates. He is involved in other ministry assignments, including the offering of Masses on weekends in parishes in the Southern Vicariate.
Rev Hilary Bengochea, Deacon, Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima RC Church
Panellist- ‘Leadership: Leading from within to impact others as a Catholic’
Rev Hilary Bengochea is a Catholic Deacon attached to the Fatima RC Church Curepe.He was the former Marketing Director of Carib Brewery and held various executive positions over a twenty years corporate career.
He co-founded and operates two small businesses in training and communications. He has recently taken up contemplative gardening.
Judy Joseph Mc Sween, Timeout Specialist
Presenter- ‘Spiritual Emotional Intelligence’
Judy Joseph Mc Sween Time Out Specialist, is uniquely positioned as the only certified coach in the region in the combined areas of Emotional, Conversational, Spiritual and Spiritual Emotional Intelligence. She is an experienced facilitator who supports clergy, lay leaders and workplace teams integrate emotional intelligence with spiritual formation.
She is well known across the Caribbean, where she delivers residential retreats and contemplative programmes on Emotional Intelligence and Spirituality, Compassionate Listening, Conversational Intelligence, and Spiritual Emotional Intelligence for multidenominational communities. Her work with the US based EQHR Center for Faith-Based Organisations, now integrated into the Interim Ministry Network (IMN) USA – equips leaders to manage stress, improve team dynamics, strengthen workplace communication and foster inclusive, values-driven cultures. She is a regular presenter and workshop facilitator at the IMN’s annual conference. She is a regular contributor to the Catholic News and presented at our first God@Work Conference.
This year, she will share practical, faith-rooted tools that participants can apply immediately to deepen relationships with self, colleagues, creation and the Trinitarian God while improving leadership effectiveness in the workspace.
Lisette Maxime-Hernandez, Manager, Business Development- Cuna Caribbean Insurance Society
Presenter: ‘Balance and Burnout for Women- Strategies to be restored and renewed’
Lisette Maxime-Hernandez is a results-driven business development professional with a strong track record of driving growth, building strategic partnerships, and identifying new market opportunities. As the Manager of Business Development and Cuna Caribbean Insurance , she brings a dynamic blend of strategic insight, relationship management, and operational excellence to her work.
Lisette has a passion for creating value and fostering long-term client success, and specializes in developing and executing growth strategies that align with organizational goals. She has a keen ability to analyze market trends, uncover emerging opportunities, and translate insights into actionable initiatives that drive revenue and strengthen competitive positioning.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Lisette excels at working across teams and with external stakeholders to cultivate meaningful partnerships. Her approach is rooted in clear communication, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering measurable results.
Lisette’s professional strengths include:
- Strategic planning and business growth initiatives
- Relationship and stakeholder management
- Market research and opportunity analysis
- Negotiation and partnership development
Cross-functional collaboration
An avid gardener and gym enthusiast , her diversity in serving is not only linked to her corporate sphere however as one of her major goals is to hear the words “ Well done good and faithful servant”. Always willing to serve, always willing to help she can be found fulfilling her ministry calling of spreading the gospel and visiting the shut in.
Neil Parsanlal, Chief Executive Officer, PEAPSL Consultancy Limited
Panellist- ‘Leadership: Leading from within to impact others as a Catholic’
Neil Parsanlal is a passionate leader, communicator, and servant of the Gospel who believes that faith is not separate from work—but the very foundation of it. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of PEAPSL Consultancy Limited, where he specializes in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and public sector transformation. Beyond titles and roles, he sees leadership as a calling: an opportunity to reflect Christ in decision-making, relationships, and service to others.
Deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, Neil is committed to helping others discover how their professional lives can become a witness to God’s presence in the world. Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or parish communities, his message is simple—faith must be lived, not hidden. He strives always to connect faith with everyday life—bridging spirituality, leadership, and personal growth. Through his work, he has inspired many to lead with integrity, emotional intelligence, and compassion—principles that resonate strongly with the call of Christ to serve others.
Sandee Bengochea, North American and Trinidad Regional Coordinator for the World Community of Christian Meditation
Sandee Bengochea B.A.(Hons.), M.H.R.M. (Dist.)
North American and the Caribbean Regional Coordinator for the World Community for Christian Meditation.
Co-Founder of the Customer Service Academy of Trinidad and Tobago
Retired Adjunct Lecturer – Leadership, Team Building and Human Resource Management (The Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business)
Shian L. Ottley-Reid, Organizational Psychologist
Shian L. Ottley-Reid, Organizational PsychologistPresenter- ‘Becoming your best self – clearer, wiser, stronger’
Shian L. Ottley-Reid is an Organizational Psychologist, certified ICF Executive Coach (PCC), and Doctoral Candidate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. With nearly two decades of experience, she has worked across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, helping organizations strengthen leadership effectiveness, enhance organizational culture, and optimize people performance.
Holding dual Master’s degrees (MSc/MBA) in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, New York, Shian specializes in leadership development, organizational transformation, talent management, executive coaching, change management, and strategic people solutions. Through her corporate consultancy work, she has partnered with local and international organizations to design and implement initiatives that improve employee engagement, team effectiveness, and organizational success.
As a consultant engaged in People and Culture transformation within the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Shian supports efforts to strengthen organizational effectiveness, align people practices with mission and values, and foster cultures of accountability, stewardship, and service.
Deeply influenced by her faith journey, Shian believes that authentic leadership is rooted in purpose, service, and respect for the dignity of every person. She is passionate about helping leaders and organizations align their values with their actions, creating environments where individuals can thrive while contributing meaningfully to a shared mission.
Shian is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). She is also a former Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists (TTAP). Her work is driven by a commitment to developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating lasting impact through leadership, service, and purposeful transformation.