The inaugural Jamaican Women Leading Hollywood (JWLH) Honors Dinner, was held at the elegant Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles California on September 28, 2024. Organized by the CODA Network in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board, Moët Hennessy, and Kate Spade, the event celebrated 25 remarkable Jamaican women who have made outstanding contributions to the film and television industry.
Themed “Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change,” the JWLH Honors Dinner highlighted the significant strides these women have made in the entertainment world, from shaping creative projects to leading at the forefront of industry change. With influential figures from across Hollywood in attendance, the evening was filled with heartfelt tributes, inspiring speeches, and a strong sense of community.
Among the honorees were some of the most talented and visionary women of Jamaican descent in entertainment, including April King, Partner at Artist Collective Entertainment; Antoinette Clarke, SVP Brand Partnerships at CBS; Antoinette Robinson, actress; Orly Marley, President of Tuff Gong Worldwide and wife of Ziggy Marley; and Renee Robinson, a film strategist. Other esteemed honorees included Nova Perry Esq., Entertainment Attorney and Talent Manager; Karen Grant Selma, EVP Head of Business Affairs at Jesse Collins Entertainment; and Naomi Francis, Press Secretary to Jamaica’s Prime Minister.
The event also honored rising talents and established stars alike, such as Syndee Winters, Disney Princess singer and Broadway star; Sundra Oakley, actress in One Love: The Bob Marley Movie; Charlise Rookwood, producer, TV host, and vegan chef; and Tiffany Kerr, actress. The evening also featured appearances by Malik Yoba (New York Undercover, Cool Runnings), Monica Lawson (NCIS, Power), and former Miss World Toni-Ann Singh.
The night opened with a powerful speech by Etienne Maurice, son of trailblazing actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who served as the evening’s MC. Throughout the night, speakers shared their personal stories of navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry while championing the importance of representation and mentorship for future generations.
Lexi Chow, founder of JWLH and the CODA Network, remarked on the event’s significance: “Last night was not just a celebration; it was a movement. Together, we can create a more inclusive future. Representation for the Caribbean diaspora matters, and we are committed to uplifting Jamaican women in the entertainment industry.”
In addition to celebrating these trailblazers, JWLH is committed to raising proceeds to support initiatives that empower Jamaican women in film and television. This includes scholarships, mentorship programs, and workshops designed to foster the next generation of leaders in the entertainment industry.
The event marked the beginning of a series of efforts by JWLH to amplify the voices of Jamaican women in Hollywood. CODA Network, which stands for Caribbean on Demand, All in one place, offers premier Caribbean-focused titles through a global OTT streaming platform, reinforcing its commitment to the Caribbean diaspora’s presence in entertainment.
