The Team
The Cayman Connection network would not be possible without a passionate group of people who all play a vital role in supporting and connecting Caymanians overseas.
The Cayman Connection team is made up of dedicated Caymanians who are on a mission to support and connect Caymanians worldwide.
Join our team…
As a Cayman Connection Student Ambassador, you’ll help create a connected, supportive and empowering community for Caymanian students and trainees abroad – while developing skills, experience and networks that support your own personal and professional growth. For more information on the role and benefits of volunteering, visit our Member Portal HERE.
Student Ambassadors
Jelani Hanson
Student Ambassador (Canada)
University of Toronto Mississauga
Hi! I’m Jelani, a Communications and Linguistics student at the University of Toronto in Mississauga! I love to do graphic design, produce music, and study languages in my spare time. I’m here with Cayman Connection because I love my country and I want to serve Caymanians as best as I can, especially with the new experience of studying abroad!
Aadi Parillon
Student Ambassador (UK)
University of Sheffield
Hi, I’m Aadi! I’m a Law student at the University of Sheffield. As a Caymanian studying abroad, I’m always happy to connect with fellow Caymanians and especially support students coming from home as they settle into university life in the UK. Whether it’s advice, sharing experiences, or simply having someone familiar to reach out to, I’m always open to connecting and helping where I can.
Abigail Rivers
Student Ambassador (UK)
University of Surrey
Hi everyone, I’m Abigail! I’m passionate about supporting students as they settle into university life, explore opportunities across the UK, and stay connected to home. I look forward to being a friendly and approachable point of contact, helping students make the most of their university experience.
Deidre Edwards
Student Ambassador (UK)
University of Reading
Hi everyone, I’m Deidre! I am currently in my final year pursuing BSc Computer Science at the University of Reading. As a Student Ambassador, I want to foster a sense of community to feel “home” away from home and for my fellow Caymanians to have a familiar face. Reach out if you’d like to have a chat!
Georgina Kerford
Student Ambassador (UK)
University of West London (UWL)
Hi, I’m Georgina, a Media and Communications student at the University of West London, heading into my final year of studies. I’m passionate about travelling, dancing, and embracing the diverse cultures and experiences that London has to offer. I really value the community that Cayman Connection creates and the guidance and support they provide to students and adults living overseas, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the Student Ambassador community and supporting other Caymanians abroad.
Jade Mckenzie
Student Ambassador (USA)
University of South Florida
Hi everyone, my name is Jade Mckenzie. I am pursuing a graduate degree in Counselor Education with a specialization in School Counseling. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the youth of the Cayman Islands and contributing to the growth of our community. I look forward to continuing providing meaningful support to students abroad and creating content that will be beneficial for students with Cayman Connection.
Louie Ch’ng
Student Ambassador (USA)
University of Virginia
Hi everyone, I’m Louie! I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Accounting in the USA, after completing my Bachelor’s in the UK (Leicester). I’m passionate about volunteering, traveling, cooking, and going to daily Mass. What I love most about being a Student Ambassador is being that steady, 24/7 support system; making sure no student ever feels alone, and that there’s always someone who’s been there to offer guidance. I’m excited to keep building that same sense of community with Cayman Connection’s members. Feel free to reach out anytime — happy to connect!
Alumni Ambassadors
Aliyah Reid
Alumni Ambassador (UK)
Goldsmiths, University of London
Hello everyone! I’m Aliyah Reid, and I previously studied Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London. I’m passionate about amplifying and advocating for Caymanian artistic work, experiences and voices. Through this role, I aim to help create spaces where our community feels welcomed and empowered, while celebrating Caymanian excellence both locally and globally.
Eddie Weber
Alumni Ambassador (Cayman)
Kroll (Cayman Islands)
Hi everyone, I’m Eddie and I work as an Associate in the Restructuring Advisory at Kroll. I completed both my Master of Public Policy (2024) and Bachelor of Arts in Economics, International Studies, and Spanish Language and Literature (2022) in the USA. I am passionate about sustainable economic development, international relations, and science and technology policy, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. I’m eager to assist students interested in studying in the USA with my extensive experience in American education across various states, and serve as resource for students at any stage of their academic journey.
Jared McGill
Alumni Ambassador (Cayman)
University of Law
Hello everyone, I’m Jared McGill. I am an Accredited Mediator and an Associate Arbitrator and hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Law from The University of Law. I look forward to connecting with Caymanians returning home and connecting them to real opportunities. I believe that the Cayman Connection Member Portal is a key technology that helps to build Caymanian communities across the globe, and am an advocate for balancing mental health in young people and young adults. Fun fact: I am always eager to go for walks and watch movies on the big screen!
Krista Samuels
Alumni Ambassador (Cayman)
Hello everyone, I’m Krista. I am an Associate Attorney in the Investment Funds team at Ogier, and earned my BSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology from the University of Greenwich in London, where I first connected with Cayman Connections during its early days. I later completed my GDL online and LPC in Manchester, UK. I am excited to be an Alumni Ambassador and mentor, supporting Caymanian students throughout their university journey and beyond.
Kendra Harrison
Alumni Ambassador (UK)
University of Exeter
Hi everyone! I’m Kendra, an Alumni Ambassador with Cayman Connection. I’ve studied at both Sussex and Exeter, so I can help with both. I’m very passionate about taking care of your own wellbeing, making the most of your studies, and am really looking forward to continuing my time with Cayman Connection – specifically with making content and researching the best ways to support us all through this exciting time. Feel free to send me any questions or thoughts you may have!
Employability Officers
Gabriella King
Employability Officer (Cayman)
Cayman Connection
Hi! I’m Gabriella King, but I mostly go by Gabbie and hail from North Side. I have just finished my MSc in Public Policy from the University of Edinburgh and the year before completed a BFA in Film and Political Science. I am very passionate about building community, culture, film, and politics, and deeply committed to serving the Caymanian and wider Caribbean community. I love being involved in Cayman Connection because it is an extension of my passion and I get to stay connected to other Caymanians globally. It’s a great community!
Kayla Jeffers
Employability Officer (Cayman)
Deloitte (Cayman Islands)
Hi, I’m Kayla! Having recently moved back to Cayman after completing my MA in International Human Resource Management in the UK, I look forward to continuing my journey with Cayman Connection in a new role as Employability Ambassador. In this role, I’ll focus on supporting students as they navigate the transition from university life into their future careers. I am excited to provide guidance and valuable resources to help new graduates feel equipped as they take their next steps professionally.
Marketing and Communications
Brianna Solomon
Marketing Intern
Cayman Connection
Hi, I’m Brianna! I recently completed my BA in Marketing at the University of Leicester. I have a strong interest in marketing and communications and enjoy learning how effective communication can help build connections and engage different audiences.
Through my work with Cayman Connection, I’ve been able to broaden my skills and gain valuable experience in marketing and communications. I look forward to continuing to learn, develop my skills and broaden my expertise while contributing to the organisation and its community.
Management
Ashlea Akinwumi (Webster)
Executive Director
As Executive Director of Cayman Connection, Ashlea leads the organisation’s work supporting Caymanian students and trainees across the UK, USA and Canada. She is committed to ensuring that young Caymanians feel prepared, connected and supported throughout their journey overseas and as they prepare to return home.
Ashlea is particularly passionate about the power of youth voice and lived experience, helping ensure that Caymanian students and trainees play an active role in shaping the resources, opportunities and support designed for their community. Guided by her Caymanian heritage and the values of Caymankind, she is committed to creating meaningful impact and strengthening connections between Caymanians around the world.
Zoe Conolly Basdeo
Student Experience Manager
Zoe Conolly Basdeo is a London-based Caymanian with a background in management consulting, organisational psychology, and mental healthcare administration across the non-profit and private sectors.
Passionate about creating people-centred organisations and communities, Zoe is particularly interested in organisational culture, mental health and wellbeing, and developing initiatives that foster belonging, personal growth, and meaningful connection. She previously served as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador for the Cayman Islands (2019–2022) and delivered a TEDxSevenMileBeach talk exploring the societal and cultural constraints affecting Caymanian youth. She also served as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Representative for the Department of Psychological & Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
As Student Experience Manager, Zoe is committed to ensuring Caymanian students studying overseas feel welcomed, connected, and supported throughout every stage of their journey, helping them build lasting connections with one another and with the Cayman Islands.
Volunteer Directors/Trustees (The Board)
Our team of dedicated Board Members all volunteer their time to ensure the smooth and appropriate running of the organisation. We thank all our Board Members for their time and diligence to ensure we are compliant and meeting our obligations as a registered Not-for-profit in the Cayman Islands and CIC Social Enterprise in the UK. Our Board also inspires and challenges the teams to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the organisation.
Ben Gillooly
Director (Volunteer)
Ben Gillooly is a Director of Ogier Global in the Cayman Islands, having previously been counsel in the investment funds team of Ogier.
Ben joined the Cayman Connection Board in May 2021 and took the lead in establishing the Cayman not-for-profit entity for Cayman Connection.
Ben looks after the company’s corporation and governance.
Winston Connolly
Director (Volunteer)
Winston Connolly is a Cayman Islands-based professional independent director licensed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). He delivers independent, non-executive directorship services to hedge funds, private equity funds and public companies. He acts as a trusted fiduciary on a wide range of alternative investment vehicles, including private equity, hedge and credit funds.
Mr. Connolly is also a corporate attorney, advising on Cayman Islands offshore structuring and AML/KYC regulatory compliance. His board and legal work span the full fund lifecycle — formation, restructuring, distressed situations and wind-down — informed by more than three decades in the financial sector and advising directors on their roles, responsibilities and duties under Cayman Islands law.
Robin Harding
Director (Volunteer)
Robin Harding grew up in the Cayman Islands and is a partner in Maples and Calder’s Finance team in the Maples Group’s Cayman Islands office. Robin has extensive experience in advising clients on high-profile cross-border corporate, banking and finance transactions.
Robin joined the Maples Group in the Cayman Islands as an articled clerk in 2003 and has worked overseas in the firm’s Dubai, Hong Kong and London offices.
Marzeta Bodden
Director (Volunteer)
Marzeta Bodden is driven by a vision where self-defined success, generosity, and everyday joy intersect. With a diverse background spanning aviation, tourism, education, and finance, she brings expertise in strategic marketing, project management, and leadership development.
Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Tourism Product Development for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Marzeta focuses on enhancing the quality, competitiveness, and sustainability of destination’s tourism offerings. Beyond work, she enjoys savouring meals and spending quality time with family and friends, dancing to soca music, volunteering with Rotary, exploring new cultures, reading, listening to podcasts, and practicing yoga. Marzeta’s ethos centers on living vibrantly through work, service, and the pursuit of diverse experiences.
Founder
Kate Kandiah
Cayman Connection Founder
Kate founded the Cayman Connection network in 2012 in partnership with the CIGO-UK and DOT, established the UK social enterprise not-for-profit CIC in 2018 and the Cayman Islands Non-Profit-Organisation for Cayman Connection in 2021.