From Yard to the World: Jamaican Women Making Waves in Florida

Florida is home to one of the most vibrant Jamaican diasporas in the United States. Within this community, Jamaican women continue to shine, breaking barriers, uplifting others, and leaving their mark across industries. From community service to the arts, innovation, and military leadership, their stories reflect resilience, brilliance, and the enduring pride of our culture.

Today, we celebrate four remarkable women whose journeys from “yard” to the world inspire us all: Claudia McLean, Navy Captain Janice G. Smith, Dr. Dahlia Blake, and Debbie Dickinson.

Photo credit: 3PM Media LLC — **Claudia McLean - Joshua’s Heart Foundation**

Empowering the Next Generation

Claudia McLean - Joshua’s Heart Foundation - Empowering the Next Generation

As Executive Director and board member of Joshua’s Heart Foundation, Claudia McLean is at the forefront of youth empowerment and community service. The nonprofit, founded by her son Joshua when he was just four years old, has distributed over 7 million pounds of food to nearly 742,000 individuals across Florida and beyond.

Claudia’s leadership ensures that the organization not only fights hunger but also cultivates young leaders. More than 60,000 youth volunteers have been empowered through Joshua’s Heart—many of whom return as mentors after college to continue the cycle of giving back.

Her story reflects the Jamaican values of service, compassion, and resilience. Claudia shows us how one family’s vision can grow into a movement that uplifts thousands.

“Claudia proves that leadership rooted in service creates legacies that last for generations.”

Navy Captain Janice G. Smith — Breaking Barriers in the U.S. Navy
From Morris Hall in St. Catherine, Jamaica, to commanding some of the most significant naval operations in the United States, Captain Janice G. Smith has built a career defined by leadership and trailblazing achievement.

She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1989, earned her commission in 1997, and went on to become the first Jamaican-American woman and only the second Black woman to command a U.S. naval destroyer. In 2020, she made history again as the first African-American woman to lead Military Sealift Command Atlantic (MSCLANT), overseeing vital logistics operations across the Atlantic.

Captain Smith’s career is a testament to discipline, courage, and global influence. Her success paves the way for others to follow, proving that excellence knows no boundaries.

“Her journey shows that with discipline and courage, no barrier is too high to break.”

Dr. Dahlia Blake — Blending Opera and Reggae
A classically trained soprano and visionary creator, Dr. Dahlia Blake is the founder of Opera Meets Reggae, an artistic movement that fuses Jamaica’s cultural heartbeat with the elegance of opera.

Her innovative performances highlight the richness of Jamaican artistry on international stages, breaking down barriers between traditional European opera and Caribbean rhythms. By weaving reggae into classical forms, she not only celebrates her roots but also redefines what opera can be.

Dr. Blake’s work amplifies Jamaica’s cultural legacy, showcasing how art can both preserve heritage and create new global conversations.

“Her voice carries the power of opera and the soul of reggae, bridging worlds through music.”

Debbie Dickinson — Innovating for Wellness
As co-founder of ThermaBand, Debbie Dickinson is a trailblazer in health and wellness innovation. Her company developed ThermaBand Zone, a wearable device designed to help women naturally regulate body temperature, particularly during menopause.

This groundbreaking technology not only empowers women to navigate health changes with confidence, but also demonstrates the brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit of Jamaican women in the global marketplace.

Debbie’s innovation proves that Jamaican women are not only culture bearers but also creators of cutting-edge solutions that improve lives worldwide.

“Innovation thrives when women design solutions for women.”

From Yard to the World
The stories of Claudia McLean, Captain Janice G. Smith, Dr. Dahlia Blake, and Debbie Dickinson remind us of the strength, resilience, and cultural pride Jamaican women carry wherever they go. They are champions in their fields, role models for future generations, and living proof that “from yard to the world,” Jamaican women continue to make waves.

As we celebrate their achievements, we also honor the countless other women of the Jamaican diaspora in Florida who are shaping communities, businesses, classrooms, and families every day. Their journeys inspire us to embrace our heritage while continuing to build legacies of impact and pride.

✨ Jamaican Women of Florida salutes these phenomenal women and all those who continue to carry the strength of Jamaica into the world.

FROM YARD TO THE WORLD: Jamaican Women Making Waves in Florida