Helping Youth Turn Their Ideas Into Action
Young people have ideas, dreams, and talent. YWOP/YMOP helps them turn these into real steps for growth. Through mentorship, training, and support, we guide youth as they learn and build confidence.
Our Vision
To be a global, leading voice and model non-profit organization for youth development.
Our Mission
To offer programmes and opportunities that support youth career and life development.
Our Purpose
To empower and engage youth by providing opportunities that enable them to transform their lives.
We help young people learn, grow, and plan for the future.
Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) is an award-winning Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which was founded by Lanisia Rhoden as her Community Service Project when she won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Miss Manchester Festival Queen Competition in 2009. The organization provides career mentorship and guidance, personal development training, and entrepreneurship training and support to young women and men between 13 and 32 years, across Jamaica and the Caribbean Region.
Meet Our Team
Our competitive advantage is our dedicated staff and volunteers who develop and implement our award-winning, internationally recognized programmes.
Lanisia Rhoden
Founder/Executive Director
Lanisia founded Young Women/Men of Purpose (YWOP/YMOP) in 2009 as her community service project, after winning the JCDC Miss Manchester Festival Queen Competition. She is a Business and Non-Profit Management Consultant and is passionate about youth and community development and entrepreneurship. With over 15 years’ experience in both sectors, Lanisia is committed to helping NGOs globally achieve sustainability through Social Enterprise Development. Lanisia loves travelling, is a devout Christian and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Kimone Clark
Programme Coordinator
Kimone Clarke is a seasoned Social Worker and entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience partnering with local and international agencies to design and implement programmes that address the complex needs of vulnerable populations. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to community empowerment, sustainable development, and creating pathways for lasting social impact. Throughout her career, Kimone has consistently applied a strengths-based approach, supporting individuals in achieving personal growth while advancing broader community development and outreach initiatives. Her professional journey reflects a passion for people, purposeful leadership, and the transformative power of change. Driven by a personal philosophy of adding value in every interaction, Kimone strives to ensure that everyone she encounters leaves better than they came. Her work continues to inspire meaningful change, fostering resilience and opportunity within the communities she serves.
Horace Palmer
Finance Officer
Horace Palmer is an experienced Accounting professional for over 35 years in various industries and charitable organisations. Horace Palmer also volunteers time in community and at schools to mentoring teens and young adults. Horace Palmer likes to travel and hiking the countryside around Jamaica.
Alanna Leslie
Communications Advisor
Alanna Leslie is a Jamaican media and communications professional with experience across voice over, broadcasting, digital media and the performing arts. With a background in storytelling and audience engagement, she brings a creative and people-centered approach to communication strategy and public engagement. Alanna has worked with organizations, brands and community initiatives in developing impactful messaging and content, while also maintaining an active presence in the creative arts sector as a vocalist and performer.
Dan Vecchi
Digital Advisor
Dan Vecchi serves as the Digital Advisor for YWOP/YMOP, bringing over 15 years of international technology and business development experience to the team. From serving in the Peace Corps in Paraguay to leading strategic initiatives for digital platforms, Dan’s career is defined by connection and innovation. He is highly skilled in helping organizations align their technology goals with real-world community impact. When he isn’t advising on digital strategy, Dan is an active member of his local music community, proud father, and loves finding new ways to support youth-driven initiatives.
Meet Our Supporters
YWOP/YMOP is proud to collaborate with dedicated partners, sharing a common goal of creating positive change and improving the lives of Jamaica’s youth
YWOP/YMOP partners with local, national and international organizations and institutions who are committed to empowering young women and men, by supporting career development, developing professional and entrepreneurial skills to foster personal and professional growth among youth. Our collaboration provides resources, support, mentorship, and expertise to help us achieve our mission.
Together, we will create a more inclusive and empowered future.