I was first introduced indirectly to the Network-Up: Connecting Opportunities group in June 2025 and attended my first session on June 21, 2025. I remember introducing to Dr. Scholastica Olagunju the “National Grow Castor Project” I had initiated in 2013 and administered until 2024 on behalf of my denomination (the third largest in Jamaica) and for which I am currently seeking funding to scale operations to producing Jamaica Black Castor Oil for export. Up to that point, I had already raised over $650,000 in donor funds and had put 300 of 1000 acres into production as a community poverty alleviation and wealth creation initiative, part of our denomination’s mission outreach/church-based community development focus.

My first Network-Up presentation was done at the September 2025 meeting. The feedback was excellent. Dr Willy Kotigua was especially useful by providing me with AI support, which I subsequently used to prepare for my second presentation in July 2026. Having prepared and submitted quite a few proposals and landed two large grants, what I have learned is that, apart from leaning into what the donor is after, your passion for and knowledge of the subject helps to clinch the deal.

I believe Network-Up has the potential to tap into major donor and investment networks on behalf of Network-Up members. The end game? Bringing to life in unprecedented ways, projects and programs of existing and graduate BGU students.

Dr. Judith Johnston

DTL graduate, 2014