Our ERS Mentors
Our mentors possess unparalleled expertise and extensive experience in their respective fields, providing our youth entrepreneurs with the best possible guidance and assistance in achieving their goals.
Naketa S. West
Naketa West is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) holding a Master of Science Degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, along with a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from the Mona School of Business Management.
With a wealth of experience exceeding 15 years in human and social development, Naketa has established a robust track record collaborating with local and international organizations across both private and public sectors. Her focus has been on developing and implementing impactful programs and interventions that empower youth, teachers, and professionals in Jamaica, as well as the broader Caribbean and Latin American region. Her career journey has encompassed pivotal roles at the Trust for the Americas, UNESCO Office of the Caribbean, German Development Agency, Victoria Mutual Foundation, Ministry of Education and Youth, and the National Youth Service. Notably, she served as the youngest Executive Director for the National Youth Service.
Dwayne Gutzmer
Dwayne Gutzmer is the CEO of the Institute of Law & Economics. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computing and Information Technology from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Masters in Business Administration with special focus in Finance from the University of Wales.
His passion and commitment to the development of sound community partnerships and youth advancement has thrust him to numerous volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles ranging from
- Commissioner, Labour Market Reform Commission
- I-Believe Ambassador
- Youth Representative, RCM–PANCAP
- Dean, CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme
- Junior Chamber International (JCI Jamaica)
- Member, Jamaica 50th Anniversary Committee
- Member, UNAIDS Caribbean Prevention Working Group
- Jamaica Youth Ambassadors Program (JaYAP)
- Safe School Ambassador, Safe Schools’ Task Force 2007 – 2008
- Member of the National Students’ Solution Symposium Planning
Committee, Education Transformation Team, (MOE) (2006 – 2007) - Member of the Violence Prevention Alliance Steering Committee,
(MOH) (2006-2009) - Member of the Sustainable Community Competition, Planning
Committee (MOE) (2007) - Member of the XCHANGE Program, UNICEF(2006-2007)
- Vice President of the Red Hills Community Development Association
(RHCDA) (2006-2007).
Shauna Todd
A proud member of her alma Mata, The Queen’s School in Kingston, Shauna is a certified Paralegal from the Institute of Law and Economics and also holds esteemed level certifications in Presentation and Communication from the Junior Chamber International Youth Organization (JCI Kingston), Empowered Entrepreneur Trainer of Trainers certification from the USAID and even a Commercial Stage Acting certification from the Probe Master Entertainment Company in Kingston, Jamaica.
With over 13 years of experience spanning across areas of entrepreneurship, business development, financial management, and most recently, case management through her interfacing with various projects at the Institute of Law & Economics, Shauna’s true passion is simply people.Her multifaceted approach to life, coupled with the relatable yet nurturing effect she has on
everyone she connects with, makes her remarkably unforgettable. As one who believes her purpose on this earth is to help others, she lives by one of her favorite Psalms of the good book which gives hope, security, and promise from our creator- Psalm 121- I will lift up mine eyes to hills, from
whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord who created heaven and earth.