Reccarnei holds a 1st class degree in International Relations and Sociology from Oxford Brookes University and has recently completed an MPhil in Sociology of Marginality and Exclusion. She also has experience in the charitable sector, supporting care leavers, those experiencing homelessness, those struggling with substance abuse and students. Her ties to Jamaica stem from her father being born and raised in Clarendon, moving to the UK in the 1990s, and her mother being born and raised in England to two Jamaican-born parents.

Charde is a final-year Economics undergraduate at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge. Both of her parents were born and raised in Jamaica, with her maternal family in St Elizabeth and her paternal family based in Kingston and Montego Bay. As someone who has had the opportunity to continually visit Jamaica throughout her life, they believe it is extremely important for British-Jamaican diasporans to visit Jamaica, learn about our culture and be able to immerse themselves in the culture.

Tasnim is a recent Human, Social and Political Science (HSPS) graduate from St John’s College, University of Cambridge, specialising in Sociology. She is half Jamaican and half Ghanaian: her father was born in England to two Jamaican-born parents and her mother was born and raised in Ghana, moving to the UK in the 1980s. As part of the Reconnect JA team, she is looking forward to immersing herself in the culture and building real connections in Jamaica and the UK.

Jaheem is a final-year Education and Psychology student at the University of Cambridge, from East London, UK. He is a business owner, whose business specialises in both sneakers and apparel since December 2020. He plans to continue running this business as a profession until he graduates, and then plans to develop a career in consulting. Jaheem’s connection to Jamaica comes through both of his parents, with his mother being from Tivoli Gardens, Kingston, and his father comes from Clarendon. This connection has facilitated his desire to return to Jamaica and to embody the culture, as well as help to reconnect the British-Jamaican diaspora with their heritage through a variety of opportunities.

Equipped with a Finance and Business degree, Tariq brings global internship experience across Malaysia, the UAE, Malta, and most recently participating in Grace Kennedy’s Birthright Programme in Kingston, Jamaica. His international exposure has given him a key insight into global business, fuelling a passion for cultivating sustainable growth. With over six years of experience working with local grassroots charities, focused on youth empowerment and facilitating creative spaces that have amplified hundreds of underrepresented voices. Tariq’s Jamaican heritage stems from his grandparents who both emigrated to the UK in their 20s.

Tajha is a 2D animator and picture book illustrator from Spanish Town, Jamaica. She graduated from the University of the West Indies with a BFA in Animation, while freelance animating and illustrating for local and international clients. Her work has been recognised locally, regionally and internationally, through the showcasing of her short films at Animae Caribe, ConchShell International Film Festival and developing an animated short for Sesame Street. She was also chosen as a mentee for a 9-month mentorship programme through the UK ScreenCraft Works initiative. With Reconnect JA, Tajha hopes to bridge the gap between Jamaicans interested in connecting with the UK and the diaspora interested in immersing themselves in the culture of their homeland.