About Island Futures

Caribbean imagination shaping a resilient tomorrow

Who we are

Island Futures was created in response to a simple reality: Caribbean communities face overlapping challenges from climate shocks, uneven education outcomes, and systems that are often shaped outside the region. We believe the Caribbean must lead its own development agenda, while drawing on global resources and diaspora expertise to scale impact.

Established in 2025, Island Futures operates across borders with a structure designed for regional work. We are registered as a nonprofit in the United States and as an external company in Barbados, allowing us to responsibly mobilise international and regional partnerships in support of Caribbean governance, priorities, and accountability.

Island Futures is both a fund and an implementer. We provide grants, technical support, and catalytic investments, while co-designing and delivering initiatives with Caribbean communities, educators, and governments.

Our vision

A Caribbean where communities, grounded in culture and equipped through education and climate readiness, build resilient and imaginative futures.

Our mission

To equip Caribbean communities for a resilient and imaginative future by advancing education, cultural strength, and climate readiness through regional and global collaboration.

Meet our board of directors

Island Futures is guided by a Board that brings together deep Caribbean knowledge and global experience across education, youth development, climate resilience, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and public leadership.

The Board’s collective strength lies in its ability to bridge research and practice, local insight and global networks, and ambition with strong governance. This ensures Island Futures remains accountable, credible, and firmly rooted in Caribbean priorities.

Our Directors

  • Dr Chris Emdin is the Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Professor of Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is widely recognised for his work at the intersection of culturally relevant pedagogy, youth engagement, and STEM education.

    Dr Emdin brings global expertise in education innovation, with a focus on designing learning experiences that genuinely connect with young people from historically underserved communities. His insight supports Island Futures’ efforts to rethink education in ways that are creative, relevant, and transformative.

  • Dr. Renée Rattray is an education leader and social innovator with more than two decades of experience across teaching, leadership development, and education reform in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. She is the founder of TeachGood | LeadGood and has led major initiatives focused on strengthening schools and empowering educators.

    Dr. Rattray’s work centres on equity, innovation, and systems change, with a strong track record of bridging research, policy, and community insight. As President of Island Futures, she guides the organisation’s strategic vision, partnerships, and programme design, ensuring that all work remains grounded in Caribbean realities and built for long-term impact.

  • Dr. Shauna Knox is an educator, researcher, and policy leader focused on decolonising learning and expanding access to innovative, culturally grounded education. She is the Founder and CEO of The Emancipation Group and creator of The Emancipation Game, a digital learning platform that teaches higher-order mathematics through global Black history.

    Her background includes senior leadership roles in education policy, racial equity strategy, and federal education programmes in the United States. Dr Knox brings expertise in education innovation, equity, and emerging learning technologies, strengthening Island Futures’ approach to systemic change.

  • Dr. Nicole K. Grimes is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and strategist with over 25 years of experience across education, leadership development, and culturally driven entrepreneurship. She is the founder and CEO of Carib Biz Network, which supports Caribbean entrepreneurs through business development and market access.

    Dr Grimes has held senior leadership roles in education and is recognised for her work advancing equity, innovation, and inclusive leadership. Her expertise strengthens Island Futures’ engagement with diaspora communities, entrepreneurship, and education systems that support economic mobility.

  • Tamaisha Eytle is a Caribbean social innovator and development leader with a strong background in youth development and community-led initiatives. She currently serves as Project Director at Future BARBADOS and is the founder of The Possibilities Agency, a consultancy focused on social impact.

    Her career includes senior roles with the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust and the United Nations Development Programme. Tamaisha brings grounded experience in programme design, grassroots engagement, and creating inclusive spaces for young people’s leadership, helping ensure Island Futures’ work remains participatory and community-centred.

  • Deborah Stoute is a Barbados-based strategic communications professional with extensive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. She has worked with regional and international organisations to strengthen brand presence, manage complex reputational issues, and build cross-sector partnerships.

    Deborah brings deep knowledge of the Caribbean business and public sector landscape, with particular strength in shaping narratives that support organisational growth and social impact. Her expertise supports Island Futures’ visibility, credibility, and engagement with partners across the region.

  • Gregg Bishop is a senior executive specialising in social impact, economic development, and small business growth. Born in Grenada and raised in Brooklyn, he currently serves as Executive Director of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation’s Social Justice Fund.

    Previously, he was Commissioner of New York City’s Small Business Services, where he led major initiatives supporting minority and women-owned enterprises and expanded access to capital. Gregg brings deep experience in public leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, supporting Island Futures’ work at the intersection of opportunity, equity, and regional development.