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

Network Up event comes up on Saturday, September 19th. You can find details HERE.