Jamaican Women of Florida, or JWOF, is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering Jamaican women in Florida. Our mission is to unite and support strong, talented individuals passionate about positively impacting their communities.
JWOF offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to foster personal growth, professional development, and cultural enrichment. We provide scholarships and educational resources to deserving young women of Jamaican descent pursuing higher education, equipping them with the tools to achieve their dreams and become leaders in their fields.
Additionally, JWOF is committed to community outreach. We organize charitable activities and volunteer opportunities through partnerships with local organizations to uplift those in need. From health forums to supporting shelters and promoting literacy programs, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Preserving Jamaican culture is another priority for JWOF. We celebrate our rich traditions through vibrant events, workshops, and cultural showcases, by embracing and sharing the essence of Jamaica with our neighbors and friends.
JWOF is a network and a warm and welcoming community where Jamaican women can build lifelong friendships, find mentorship, and become a part of a sisterhood. Whether you're a Jamaican woman in Florida or share our values and interests, we invite you to join us at JWOF. Together, we can make a difference and celebrate Jamaican women's remarkable strength and beauty.
Education
Women's Conference
JWOF hosts workshops and forums that are beneficial to members and/or the general public. In addition, we provide support to local schools and partner with other organizations on educational activities. We award scholarships to "POWERFUL WOMEN...NEXT GENERATION" The Organization awards a renewable scholarship, annually, to a high school student accepted in a tertiary program, first or second generation Jamaican, to encourage the recipient to achieve her four-year educational goal at a tertiary institution. The annual scholarship is valued at $1,250.
“Jamaican Women of Florida is a beacon for Jamaican girls to express their magnificence and become powerful women of tomorrow.”
4-Year Scholarship
“Powerful Women…Next Generation” 4-Year Scholarship is awarded annually and is open to first or second-generation Jamaican-American females who are graduating from a State of Florida High School and plan to attend a post-secondary institution.
The 4-year scholarship focuses on JWOF’s mission to encourage emerging powerful women, is valued at $5,000 and is intended to support the recipient’s achievement of her four-year education at a tertiary institution. JWOF’s goal is to subsidize the cost of tuition, books and/or other college-related expenses incurred at the institution.
“The Jamaican Women of Florida fills a great void by providing a place for talented women, from millennial to baby boomers, to work together creating positive change with a lasting impact on our community. JWOF has given me a place to share my knowledge and receive great counsel which has benefitted myself as well as my clients. The good works they do can be measured by each young woman they engage to embrace the powerful agent of change that they can be.”
Community
Volunteering
JWOF is committed to our community. We partner with like-minded non for profit organizations to provide community services such as the United Way Of Broward County's ReadingPals program, Kiwanis Club, The Caribbean Bar Association, and Give Me Dignity to name a few.
“JWOF offers service and sisterhood. The former to fulfill our moral obligations. The latter for friendship, fun, food, fetes, laughter, warmth and support. It is our pleasure to give aid in big and small ways for the betterment of others.”
Cultural Connection
Run-A-Boat
We host and/or participated in cultural-related activities, including JWOF’s "Run-A-Boat" the Annual Anancy Festival, and Jamaican Jerk Festival, and actively engage in the Jamaican Diaspora initiatives.
“Being a member of JWOF gives me the opportunity to participate in events that positively impact our community both here and in Jamaica.”
Providing Support
Melody House, Montego Bay, Jamaica
JWOF adopted Melody House, a home for abandoned and abused girls in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Melody House was established in 1979 and is supported by charitable donations with some funding from the government of Jamaica. JWOF supports this organization with needed supplies and also tries to make annual visits to connect with the girls. We also provide assistance to women with special needs that are in alignment with the JWOF goals.
“JWOF is a vital umbrella service organization that rallies through leadership and membership the philanthropic efforts of Jamaican women. The organization is one of it’s kind to galvanize the talent of Jamaican women in service to our country and development of personal and interpersonal talents and skills, It holds space in the Diaspora as one that celebrate leadership and outstanding accomplishments of Jamaican Women in the Diaspora.”