The Tribune

EMPOWERING future Bahamian leaders while providing innovative solutions through access to education has been a hallmark of the Lyford Cay Foundations. Now, for the first time in its nearly 50-year history, the foundations are proud to announce that an alumna from its scholarships programme will lead the organisation.

Felicity Humblestone, a Canadian Lyford Cay scholar, has been named executive director of Lyford Cay Foundation and is focused on upholding the foundations' legacy of impact in education in The Bahamas.

"It's a privilege to lead this organisation with its longstanding history of enriching the lives of Bahamians. Because of the foundations, thousands of students, some of whom never dreamed of college, have now seen that dream come true; still others are already vibrant contributors to Bahamian society," reflected Ms Humblestone.

"However, there is still so much work to be done. The foundations' guiding vision is that all Bahamians who aspire to create a better life and a better country have access to opportunities to do so," she continued. "The support of the foundations made attaining a university degree possible for me; I am deeply honoured to work towards the goal so that others have that same opportunity."

The impact of the foundations has been vast. To date, more than $50 million has been invested in Bahamians by Lyford Cay Foundations' generous donors. Some 1,450 scholars have pursued higher education outside the Bahamas; more than 1,350 students have pursued their degrees at University of the Bahamas; 240 Bahamian non-profits are doing good work across the archipelago; 226 FOCUS students are actively on the path to college; and six Cutillas Scholars have started their post-secondary education.

Ms Humblestone believes that the foundations can make an even greater difference in the future by harnessing the strength of its scholars.

"Lyford Cay Foundation scholars are making notable contributions in every sector of society from government leadership to technology to business and every field in between. They are using the education that they have received with the help of the Foundations to create innovative solutions that will ultimately transform our country," she said.

"We look forward to deepening our connections with our scholars, learning more about their journeys to success, and harnessing their collective power to enrich the Foundations' programmes. With the combined influence of our donors and scholars, we will be closer to our vision of making sure that every Bahamian is empowered to reach his or her full potential."

Ms Humblestone is deeply committed to the Bahamas and has made philanthropy her life's work. Before taking on a new role as executive director, she served for seven years at the foundations as the programme director of FOCUS, an out-of-school time enrichment programme that she was hired to launch and develop. Prior to joining the foundations team, Ms Humblestone led the Alumni Relations and Development Department at The College of The Bahamas.

"It is gratifying to see the impact the Foundations have been able to make as the largest private contributor to educational opportunities in the country," said Lyford Cay Foundation Chairman Basil P Goulandris.

"Our board is motivated by the work of so many Bahamians to create a better Bahamas for all. As we move toward celebrating 50 years of service in 2019, we look forward to Felicity's leadership as the foundations continue to support the dreams, plans and success of Bahamians."