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…
There are many reasons to get involved with Cayman Connection, whether you are a student, professional, ex resident, frequent visitor or simply someone who loves the islands. For information on how to join our team please email hello@caymanconnection.org.
Global Student Ambassadors

Gabriella "Gabbie" King
Global Lead Student Ambassador (UK)
“As Joint Global Lead Student Ambassador, my goal is to encourage partnership and collaboration across the Caymanian student diaspora while serving as a support system for my fellow ambassadors. We know how challenging university life can be, but we’re here to cheer you on, offer support, and make sure no one has to navigate it alone!”

Kayla Jeffers
Global Lead Student Ambassador (UK)
Kayla Jeffers is pursuing a Masters degree in International Human Resource Management at the University of Westminster in London. She is deeply passionate about serving her community and is dedicated to using her knowledge and personal experience to assist students with their transition to university overseas.
I look forward to working alongside my fellow ambassadors and the wider Cayman Connection network to further develop impactful initiatives and strengthen our global student community.”

Jared McGill
Student Ambassador (Canada)
Jared McGill currently lives in Canada. He migrated to Canada in Fall 2017 to complete his undergraduate degree in Business from Trinity Western University. While Jared holds an Associate of Arts degree from the University College of the Cayman Islands, and a Bachelor of Business degree from Trinity Western University, in the near future, he hopes one day to become lawyer.
Jared enjoys rappelling, hiking, travelling to countries and hanging out with friends.

Eddie Weber
Alumni Ambassador (USA)
Eddie Weber, an American who grew up in the Cayman Islands, recently earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP’ 24) from the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. Before that, he attended Kenyon College in Ohio, completing a triple major Bachelor of Arts degree (BA’ 22) in Economics, International Studies, and Spanish language and literature. Eddie is passionate about sustainable economic development, international relations, and science and technology policy, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He is now back home in the Cayman Islands and is eager to assist students interested in studying in the U.S. With his extensive experience in American education across various states, he is an excellent resource for students at any stage of their academic journey.

Celine Webster
Student Ambassador (UK)
Celine Webster is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Business and Laws at the University of Exeter. Believing in the power of shared experiences, she values the connection to her community while embarking on her second year.
Linking arms with fellow members, guiding them through a vibrant university journey that blends academics, the local social scene, and the Cayman community.

Georgina Kerford
Student Ambassador (UK)
Georgina Kerford is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Marketing, Media, and Communications at the University of West London. She serves as the course representative, advocating for her peers and working to create a positive academic experience for all students.
With a background in pageantry and public speaking, Georgina brings strong leadership and communication skills to her role, ensuring that students’ voices are heard and valued within the university community.

Shaneeka Taylor
Student Ambassador (UK)
Shaneeka is a final-year Business and Management for the Creative Industries student with over 10 years of experience leading youth initiatives, including 3 years as a Prevention Educator. Passionate about branding, content curation, and youth advocacy, she is enthusiastic about using her creativity to guide and connect prospective and current students through their university experience. Shaneeka is now focused on finding her next opportunity to apply her skills and experience in the creative industry, aiming to make a meaningful impact and grow her career.

Charlotte Webster
Student Ambassador (UK)
Charlotte Webster is pursuing a Master’s in Global Sustainability Solutions at the University of Exeter, after graduating with First-Class Honours in Environmental Science. An Olympic sailor who represented the Cayman Islands at Paris 2024, she is passionate about sustainability, marine conservation, and community engagement. As a Regional Student Ambassador for Cayman Connection, Charlotte looks forward to strengthening networks among Caymanian students in the UK and helping build a supportive overseas community.

Abigail Rivers
Student Ambassador (UK)
Hi everyone! I’m Abigail Rivers, a student at the University of Surrey, and I’m thrilled to begin my role as a UK-based Student Regional Ambassador. 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.

Jade Mckenzie
Student Regional Ambassador (USA)
My name is Jade McKenzie, and I’m your new US-based regional ambassador. I am currently pursuing my master’s in counselor education with a specialization in school counseling at the University of South Florida. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the youth of the Cayman Islands and contributing to the growth of our community. With the experience and knowledge gained overseas, I hope to provide meaningful support to students stepping into education abroad.

Aliyah Reid
Student Ambassador (UK)
Hello everyone! I’m Aliyah Reid, a Caymanian master’s student pursuing Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London. I’m excited to join the Cayman Connect Student Ambassadors, supporting Caymanians as they navigate life abroad. 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.

Kendra Harrison
Student Ambassador (UK)
Hi, I’m Kendra Harrison and I’m a Caymanian student completing my MSc in Clinical Psychology at Exeter. Being raised in the heart of George Town, supporting my community has been a key aspect of my upbringing and is why I aspire to give back to Cayman as much as I can. I’m beyond enthusiastic to be a UK-based Regional Student Ambassador for Cayman Connection, and am excited to support all students pursuing their studies here!

Louie Ching
Student Ambassador (UK)
I am completing my final year of study in Accounting and Finance at the University of Leicester, where I also serve as a Course Representative for the Students Union. As President of the Holy Cross Student Chaplaincy and a volunteer with the Dominican Friars, I strive to demonstrate leadership, faith, and a commitment to community service. I’m passionate about supporting and connecting fellow Caymanian students, helping them prepare for life in the UK and make the most of their university experience abroad.

Krista Samuels
Alumni Ambassador (Cayman)
Krista Samuels is an Associate Attorney in the Investment Funds team at Ogier. She earned her BSc in Criminology and Criminal Psychology from the University of Greenwich in London, where she first connected with Cayman Connections during its early days. Krista later completed her GDL online and LPC in Manchester, UK. She is excited to rejoin Cayman Connections as an Alumni Ambassador and mentor, supporting Caymanian students throughout their university journey and beyond.

Amber Ebanks
Student Ambassador (UK)
I’m a Caymanian student studying International Management in the UK. Since becoming a Cayman Connection Student Ambassador, I am eager to use this opportunity to help other Caymanians abroad feel supported, connected, and proud of their roots. I’m passionate about building community, celebrating our culture and the arts, and creating spaces where Caymanians can confidently share experiences, inspire one another, and pursue their goals.

Jelani Hanson
Student Ambassador (Canada)
Hi, my name is Jelani Hanson and I’m in my third year of my bachelor’s degree in Communications at the University of Toronto Mississauga. I was born and raised in George Town, and I am always looking for a way to give back to, and support, my country and my people. I’m excited to work with Cayman Connection and be a Student Ambassador for Canada!

Aadi Parillon
Student Ambassador (UK)
My name is Aadi Parillon, and I’m a first-year Law student at the University of Sheffield. I’m thrilled to be joining the Cayman Connection team as a UK-based Regional Student Ambassador and look forward to gaining valuable experience, connecting with fellow members, and contributing to the organization’s mission. I hope to make a positive impact by supporting other Caymanian students abroad, just like myself. This opportunity marks an exciting step in my academic and professional journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Marketing and Communications

Brianna Solomon
Marketing Intern
Brianna Solomon is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in BA Marketing located at the University of Leicester. Brianna is a passionate individual from the Cayman Islands.
Apart from academics, she delights in reading books by the tranquil beach and actively engages in community service projects in Leicester. Brianna’s well-rounded nature also extends to her love for scrapbooking, showcasing her creativity alongside her academic and personal commitments.
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, a Cayman Islands-based attorney, is a Senior Partner of ChanceryESG. Mr. Connolly was previously the Director of his own business, prior to which he served as Managing Partner at Lainston and Partner and General Counsel for HighWater. He was also a an independent Member of the Legislative Assembly between 2013 and 2017.
Winston is a professional independent, non-executive director, licensed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority who brings a wealth of experience to alternative investment (including hedge fund and private equity) boards. He brings reliability and integrity as well as professionalism to each board and works within the structure to provide sound advice based on his legal experience in particular.

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.

Ashlea Akinwumi (Webster)
Executive Director (Salaried)
Ashlea Akinwumi is a proud generational Caymanian, born in Grand Cayman and now residing in the UK, who brings a wealth of experience in the charitable sector and international development. With a strong background in volunteering and leading people-focused initiatives, Ashlea is deeply committed to creating positive change through organizations that prioritize equality, diversity, and inclusion. These principles have been at the heart of all her previous roles, where she has championed providing equal opportunities for all.
Ashlea’s passion for her community and its culture shines through her work, as well as her proud representation of the Cayman Islands in the 2020 Miss Caribbean UK pageant, where she won three titles. Guided by the values of Caymankind, Ashlea is dedicated to making a meaningful difference wherever she goes, ensuring her work reflects the warmth and spirit of the Caymanian community.
In her role as Executive Director of Cayman Connection, Ashlea strives to foster valuable connection and community for Caymanians abroad, leveraging her passion and expertise to create impactful programs that uplift and empower others.
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.