carib-lifeThey come from varied backgrounds and fields of expertise, but the recipients of the 2015 Caribbean Life newspaper’s Impact Awards share certain attributes — selflessness, determination and passion.

The awardees, whose common traits include support for community concerns, are being recognized at the Impact Awards Gala on Thursday in Brooklyn at the Paradise Catering Hall, 51 Avenue U (between W. 11th and W. 12th Sts.). A portion of the event proceeds will help fund scholarships for Caribbean American students in New York City.

The 2015 Impact Awards winners – and their Caribbean roots – are Tropicalfete organization founder and President Alton Aimable (St. Lucia); Leanna’s Inc. hair and body care products company CEO Leanna Archer (Haiti); Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy founder Kwayera Archer Cunningham (Jamaica); West Indian American Day Carnival Association President Thomas Bailey (Trinidad and Tobago); community activist Joan Bakiriddin (Guyana); Econocaribe Shipping company executive Gordon Berment (Trinidad and Tobago); investment, trade and economic development analyst Geneieve Brown-Metzger (Jamaica); GraceKennedy, Foods USA Senior Vice President Ricardo Bryan (Jamaica); BullZii Marketing publicity, advertising and promotion firm founder Andrea Bullens (Jamaica); award-winning interior designer Anishka Clarke (Jamaica); Caribbean Gemz company cofounders Sabrina Clinton and Elijah Knight (Barbados); Indo-Caribbean Alliance cofounder and community leader Richard David (Guyana); Wildlife Conservation Society assistant director of Government and Community Affairs Nicole Robinson-Etienne (St. Vincent and the Grenadines); Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Roy Hastick (Grenada); Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill President and CEO Lowell Hawthorne (Jamaica); Dennis Shipping Company owner and founder Dennis Hawthorne (Jamaica); entrepreneur, editor and community leader Edgar Henry (Guyana); AbunDance Academy artistic director and founder Karisma Jay (Panama); Patriot Agency business services company owner and community leader Terry LaPierre (Trinidad and Tobago); Garifuna cultural ambassador and educator James Lovell (Belize); community leader and Mt. Zion Church of God (Seventh Day)Pastor Gilford Monrose (U.S. Virgin Islands); community advocate and mentor Judy Newton (Barbados); motivational speaker and Center for Black Student Achievement head Dennis Rahim-Watson (Bermuda); Riviera Imports executive and community leader Juan Reyes (Dominican Republic); music promoter, writer and Images LLC marketing firm Co-President Dave Rodney (Jamaica); Rapid Realty firm executive and community leader Nina Rodriguez (Puerto Rico); entrepreneur and restaurateur Annette Runcie (Jamaica); Caribbean Airlines executive and community leader Carl Stuart (Guyana); Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers President and CEO Vaughan Toney (St. Vincent and the Grenadines); Square Deal Shippers and Movers founder and community leader Ruby Wood (St. Vincent and the Grenadines); and author, New School master’s program professor and cultural activistTiphanie Yanique (U.S. Virgin Islands).

“The Community News Group and Caribbean Life are proud to celebrate the people who have made a difference in the Caribbean community in NY. Caribbean Life has been serving the community for 25 years. As someone who has worked with the community it’s my honor to recognize these individuals,” said Community News Group CEO Les Goodstein. “They are truly the backbone of our neighborhoods.”

Caribbean Life newspaper is part of the Community News Group, New York’s largest family-owned collection of newspapers, websites and magazines.

The affair begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktail hour before dinner. Valet parking is available. Tickets are $85 per person and business attire is required. For tickets, contact Jennifer Stern of the Community News Group by calling (718) 260-8302 or sending email to [email protected]