Featured Member October, 2019 - Michelle Manley-Gauntlett

Each month we feature a member of the Jamaican Women of Florida as a way for us to learn more about each other and share the stories of the powerful women who make up this wonderful organization. October’s featured member is Michelle Manley-Gauntlett, Chair for our Run-A-Boat Event. We’re proud to have her as one of our members.

Michelle Manley-Gauntlett IT Project Manager

Michelle Manley-Gauntlett is an IT Project Manager where she has actively participated in the firm's charity Corporate Giving Program. Michelle began investing her time in charitable endeavors from a previous employer, a Fortune 500 company in Fort Lauderdale. As a member of the firm's Community Star Team, Michelle came to realize that donating her time, energy, and skills to benefit others in need, was not only liberating but also was the catalyst for fulfilling her sense of purpose. Michelle previously served on the board of the St Hugh's Alumnae of South Florida; her high school in Jamaica, and continues to support the organizations as much as possible. In 2017, Michelle represented her company on a visit to Haiti, where supplies were donated to a local primary school. In 2018, she visited Melody House in Montego Bay with her Jamaica Women of South Florida (JWOF) sisters who provide support and encouragement to abused and abandoned young girls. These experiences had a profound impact on Michelle, and she hopes to have the opportunity for repeat visits. Michelle is a vibrant, fun-loving mother, grandmother, and wife. She spends her waking hours in service to the community, focusing on the various causes she is most passionate about. When she is not working, Michelle values time with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

My great grandmother, Mama Black; was full of wisdom with very little education ,she was significantly instrumental in influencing my father to focus on his education. He was later able to accomplish more than she could ever have imagined.

What age do you wish you could permanently be, and why?

If I had the opportunity to do over somethings in my earlier years, I would have done something a little differently; however, I have never contemplated the best age to be permanent. I believe that we are here for our given purpose, which is a moving cycle, and our generation is a necessary maker.

What’s something you like to do the old-fashioned way?

I like preparing my family's meals traditionally, as we did in Jamaican. No microwaves, nothing fake just real fire, a pot, and a stove.

What was the best book or series that you've ever read?

My reading time is focused on reading children's books for my grandchildren or work-related- technical materials. For my personal growth and enjoyment, I have Michelle Obama's book, "Becoming." and "Outlander" series on my reading list.

Why JWOF?

JWOF was on my path, and I was impressed by my experience at my first JWOF Empowerment Conference and the rest is history. As Jamaican women, we all have varying degrees of goals, dreams, skills, and accomplishments; there is a place for us all at the JWOF table. Out of many, we are one!