About Us

St. Rachel Ustanny

For the past 10 years I have worked intently at social research, with an emphasis on human rights and project management. Such exposure has prepared me for my current professional specializations in advocacy communication, training and capacity development, networking, needs assessment, and project writing. I take extreme pride in my work and believe that research is the foundation of any solid concept or sensible argument.

Since I was three years old, I have not spent a day out of an active educational program. In fact, I am currently undertaking a doctoral degree (Ph.D) in Educational Leadership. I have obtained a number of professional certificates in human rights short courses and today I have a few important academic memorabilia and professional certificates and awards decorating my home office, these include:

Development Studies & Gender- Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree
International Relations & Political Science- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) double major degree
Flow-Rotary Youth Leadership Award for Jamaica 2009 (2nd Place)
Youth Leadership Awardee for the Rotary Club of Kingston, May 2009

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where I lived and was raised in an inner-city community, Water House, for the first 10 years of my life with my mother–a country girl who worked her way from the corridors of Coronation Market in downtown Kingston to the classroom of a public primary school; and my father–a literal jack-of-all-trades, who did whatever work was available to supplement the family’s needs. After obtaining a government scholarship in 1990 to attend Ardenne High School my family migrated to the country and I was transferred to Montego Bay High–a traditional girls school located in Jamaica’s second city, Montego Bay.

At Montego Bay High, I excelled in sports–representing the school in track in Western Championships, and netball at the national under-13 level. In addition to sports, I did well at academics, obtaining the Bank of Nova Scotia Bursary to sit external pre-university examinations, where I obtained nine CXC/GCE O’ level subjects. Later, I went on to do an additional O’ level subject, Economics, and three GCE A’ level subjects, which ushered me into undergraduate life at the University of the West Indies, Mona. After traveling to the Hague in 1999-2000, I developed a passion for development issues, which influenced my decision to pursue graduate studies in Development Studies and Gender. This effort was supported by a grant from the Dutch Embassy.

At present, I am Executive Director of Elora Consulting, which delivers research and education services to Jamaican businesses, individuals and other organisations conducting social interventions in local communities. In the past, I have delivered services to:

Jamaicans for Justice- Jamaica’s leading human rights non-government organization and lobby group
Jamaica Family Planning Association- A leading Jamaican non-government organization providing sexual and reproductive health services to Jamaicans since 1957
Jamaican Network of Seropositives- the largest network of HIV positive persons in Jamaica
Coalition for Community Participation in Governance- an affiliate of the Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC) focusing on issues of sanitation and safe water
Jamaica AIDS Support for Life- a non-government organization providing HIV Prevention services and support to vulnerable groups
Council of Voluntary Social Services/ United Way of Jamaica- an umbrella organization for social agencies operating in Jamaica
International Planned Parenthood Federation (London)- a leading advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Thank you for taking the time out to visit Jamaican Researcher. I do hope that you find our articles interesting and informative. You can subscribe, to receive future publications, by selecting one of icons in the subscription column on the right.

Have a Wonderful Day!

________________________________________

St. Rachel Ustanny, M.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.)
Creator/ Writer/ Editor
Jamaican Researcher

By jamresearcher March 5, 2008

20 Comments to “About Us”

By Victor Cummings, July 9, 2008 @ 11:28 pm

Came upon your page by accident and would like to speak with you.
By St. Rachel Ustanny, July 14, 2008 @ 1:16 am

Hi Victor sorry for the late response to your request for information on communities efforts in local development. I can put in touch with some leaders who are learning to advocate and are implementing advocacy as a tool for sustainable community development. Please see My Reports page on this blog for 2 Advocacy Packages for Springfield and Morant Bay, which are in use now. I also advise that you talk with community leaders directly about this issue (inform me if you need to identify such leaders). Otherwise from that check me out on Roots FM this Friday, July 18, 2008 at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., along with leaders of various communities, as we talk about community development, advocacy, and partnership in the context of the SEJ Project for which funding is being sought to make it national.
By Kristen Jackson, August 3, 2008 @ 3:56 am

I love the passion you expend towards your work. It is definitely motivation to those of us who run across your page.

I am curious seeing you have worked with disability groups have you had any experiences with the Deaf Community of Jamaica?
By rachelhaye, August 3, 2008 @ 4:14 am

Hi Kristen, thanks for browsing my pages. My work in the disability community is primarily with the sight impaired. Did a bit on exceptional children, but nothing with the deaf so far.
By samwel kimani Mushai, September 8, 2008 @ 8:25 am

Thanks for all you do for visual impaired. Send me moreinformation on how to be part of your programme. you can visit my website to get to know myself.
By Dave Lucas, October 4, 2008 @ 4:57 pm

You’re doing marvelous work on this blog! Glad to have “bumped into you!”

Peaceful Blessings!
By Elaine, October 16, 2008 @ 9:15 pm

Great work Rachel reaching out to so many groups in our society keep on going…
By Jody-Ann, November 17, 2008 @ 9:53 pm

Hi Rachel! Having read several of your articles and your bio, I must say that I greatly admire your work. I am a Jamaican student at a US liberal arts college , expecting to complete my BA in neuroscience next year. Currently, I am working on the start-up for a social-entrepreneurial org. focused on community development and youth empowerment in Jamaica. Essentially, we aim to establish an efficient and decentralized way for grassroots nonprofits in Jamaica to receive funding for their programs. I would LOVE to learn more about your work and share my ideas with you. Thanks! Please contact me at my email address if you can!
By Yvonne Chin, November 18, 2008 @ 5:56 pm

Hi Rachel ,
I came upon your page by accident too.
I’m so proud of you.

I’ve got a little section on my organising board for inspiration. I have articles on Usain and Robert Lalah from the Gleaner there. I’ve got a spot for you!

Walk good
By JACQUELINE, December 1, 2008 @ 6:05 pm

HI RACHEL I THINK THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS REALLY GREAT, YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME TO DO SOMETHING, INSTEAD OF JUST SITTING DOWN, AND WAITING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO GET THE JOB DONE.
By kerri, December 29, 2008 @ 6:39 pm

well i am elated that the information is at my disposal. i am writing a speech to show media and society influences bleaching in Jamaica. it would be very much appreciated if i could speak to u or contact you to give me your opinion on the speech. thanks in advance
By Damion Mitchell, December 30, 2008 @ 2:44 pm

Hi Rachel,

I am so delighted to see your passion that has led to your success. I met you some years ago, and from then I could feel your drive to and love for human and the Jamaican society. Your husband and I became good friends and I know that he shares the same values and care for life. I encourage you both not to give up the good fight and I extend all the blessings of courage and strength to do what you do. Love Always.
By Floyd Rowe, January 20, 2009 @ 4:05 pm

Rachel,

Awesome stuff! Keep up the good work. It really is a breath of fresh air.

Best,

Floyd Rowe
By Tanya Henry, January 24, 2009 @ 3:27 am

Hi Rachel,

Your website and your work, with the Gleaner and community projects, are brilliant. I am hoping to become involved in some community development activities myself and I am finding your projects quite an inspiration. I particularly like your project on playgrounds in the inner-city because I have seen the impact the lack of such spaces has on communities such as Greater Portmore.

I hope to be able to meet you and perhaps even work with you on some of these development projects with you.

Keep up the great work.

Tanya
By Rupert, January 25, 2009 @ 1:17 pm

Wonderful work you are doing. Keep it up. You are an example of “YES WE CAN”
By Gloria Simms aka "Priestess" "MaMa G", February 13, 2009 @ 6:26 pm

Same spirit, I n I have meet and greet each , and as far as I CAN SEE we walk similar pathway alone, as far as works and inspirations, and I know we will walk many others together as we advocate on behalf of those without voice, and or visions.
By Allison Stona, February 24, 2009 @ 12:49 pm

Hi Rachel, I am indeed elated that there are people like you out there, who are esteemed role models for our youths and continue to surpass our expectations. I wanted to know whether you are working on any projects concerning teenage pregnancy as I would love to partake in any way possible.
Keep up the good work!
By Pauline, February 28, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

Rachel,

Your work is encouraging others to persist and persevere to change a crass culture. I am currently working on materials to build the culture of sustainability. I’ll tell you more about my the findings of my dissertation, which assessed the effect of adult education programs on sustainable development in Jamaica. Together we can accomplish even more.
By Camille Loggins, April 8, 2009 @ 10:29 pm

St. Rachel,

You may remember me as Camille Mwaisela. I thoroughly enjoyed perusing your website and love the passion you have for your work. You give a voice to things unseen and frequently unheard.

Keep up the good work!
By Junior HC Sappleton, June 11, 2009 @ 7:53 pm

What stands out to me the most about your work is your passion…..its also a bit infectious, keep it up.