Public Relations Committee

Sarah Arneaud is currently a member of the management team at a large company in the manufacturing sector. She possesses over twenty (20) years’ experience locally and regionally in Human Resource Management in the insurance, advertising and manufacturing sectors. Through her professional and educational pursuits she possesses vast insight into all aspects of strategic HRM.

A dynamic Human Resource professional, she balances her passion for people development with focusing on strategic corporate objectives through collaboration with stakeholders. As a strong proponent of human capital development she gives freely of her time and expertise towards this through lectures and presentations at conferences and higher learning institutions.

She is also an advocate for volunteerism and altruism and has been a key member of corporate social responsibility initiatives locally, regionally and internationally. She serves as a committee member on the Board of Directors of one of the largest employee training and development institutions in the insurance industry and also sits on the Academic Council of one of the university institutions in the region as an alumnus representative.

Sarah was elected to and served on the board of HRMATT in the role of Secretary on two occasions. In the position she was responsible for ensuring compliance and corporate governance as per regulatory requirements and was responsible for the prompt execution of decisions of the Executive Board at all General meetings. At the end of her tenure in the position, she was invited to join the Public Relations Committee of HRMATT, where her valuable insights and experience are utilized.

Keisha Alexander is a highly accomplished Marketing and Communications professional with an impressive track record of over two decades in the Financial Services sector. Currently serving as the Senior Marketing Officer at the esteemed Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), she is instrumental in devising and implementing impactful social development programs aimed at enhancing financial literacy and well-being within underserved communities.

In her current role, Keisha spearheads Marketing Communications and Events Management for international programs such as Scale Up TT and Upreneur, playing a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of local entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses in Trinidad and Tobago.

Keisha holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge (2005) and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh (2012). With over two decades of Experiential Event Management expertise, she has effectively led teams in executing strategic projects aligned with critical business objectives. She supports Human Resource Management development by designing and implementing engaging team-building programs aimed at fostering and enhancing employee engagement and boosting employee morale.

As a catalyst for positive change, Keisha led the establishment of the UTC Foundation, where she developed and executed policies and programs focused on empowering underserved communities in the areas of Financial Well-being, Education, and Environmental Citizenship. Her passion for service and excellence is reflected in her leadership of over 400 volunteers across 50 nationwide projects, including collaborations with NGOs supporting socially displaced women and children.

With over two decades of experience in human resource management Charlene Pedro wears many hats. Charlene is an Employee Engagement Facilitator, Leadership Trainer, Human Resource Management Consultant, Coach, International Speaker, Mentor, Radio host and author.

Charlene is the founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Conventus Consultinc, a human resource consultancy based in Trinidad and Tobago that tackles organizations’ performance problems through the provision of customized human resource solutions. For over a decade, she has supported CEOs and managers in local, regional and international companies by solving their people and performance problems, through a people-first approach in her customised leadership development and employee training programmes, talent management tools and performance improvement systems. Chalene is intentional about sparking positive change in the lives of people by harnessing their potential and supporting their growth.

Charlene is a former President of the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago and director of Employers’ Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Charlene also presented at local, regional, and international conferences. In 2018, she joined the Trinidad and Tobago delegation as moderator at the 62^nd sitting of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York.  Charlene has been featured on radio, newspapers and television and her series of articles on women in leadership have been published in the local Business Guardian newspapers.

 She currently hosts the Becoming show on L.A.B. Radio focusing leadership and personal development and is also the host of HRMATT Speaks for the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago. In 2023 she received a Woman of Influence Award from the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Desmond Lawrence is an accomplished professional with a background in Media, Education and Communications.

His voice can be heard on the airwaves of Trinidad and Tobago in radio commercials and on Music for Life 107.FM where he currently hosts the evening drive radio program, “The Oasis.”

Previously, Mr. Lawrence worked at WEFM 96.1, another frequency in the Trinidad and Tobago Radio Network (TTRN), popularly known as “OJO”. He is also a former television host and presenter. As a media professional, he has also contributed to and worked on a number of media marketing campaigns for various entertainment events.

His on-air media talents have allowed him to professionally host several corporate and cultural events, while being invited to professionally moderate numerous business seminars and webinars facilitated by local business organizations over the years.

As an Educator he has taught at all levels of the education system; Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary, including lecturing at one of the leading tertiary institutions in the region, in the departments of  Mathematics and Management Science, Marketing, and Management.

Mr. Lawrence has also worked as an independent consultant for various organizations in Trinidad and Tobago in the areas of Marketing Communications and Public Relations, Media Relations, and Corporate Sponsor Engagement, while he has facilitated workshops focused on Public Speaking, Effective Speaking, Business Communications, Broadcasting, and Entrepreneurship. He also advises corporate clients on preparing for media interviews and performs speech writing services for them. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago (HRMATT), chairing the committee responsible for developing Marketing and PR Communications strategy for the association. He has contributed articles for the association’s “HRMATT Says” column in the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian Newspaper on “Innovation and HR,” and “Green Human Resource Management.”

Mr. Lawrence holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of the West Indies, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Edinburgh Business School, Herriot Watt University of Scotland.

He earned the professional designation of Senior Certified Professional, Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and is a graduate of the Valsayn Teachers College and an alum of St. Mary’s College. He also has numerous certificates in Teaching Online, Human Resource Management, Social Media and Digital Marketing Analytics and Proficiency in Spanish and French.

He gives his time freely to many community and national projects and initiatives that utilize his diverse skill-set and experience. He previously served on the Supervisory Committee of the Teachers’ Credit Union.

Mr. Jonathan Cumberbatch is the Senior Manager – HRBR at Nutrien, Chairman of the Employee Labour Relations Committee at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce, and Managing Director of his consultancy, ‘Belle Amande’.

He has also served on the executive of the HRMATT for ten years and presently volunteers his services to the Association’s Public Relations Committee.

Having served in both the public and private sectors at the executive level, Mr. Cumberbatch has acquired over twenty-five years’ experience in all aspects of his profession and continues to develop and implement numerous performance assessment, industrial relations, health and safety, project management and leadership-based policies and initiatives.

Jonathan holds inter alia, a BBM (Human Resources) from Ryerson University, an MBA from the University of Oxford-Brookes and is also recognized as an accredited Senior Human Resource Professional by the global Society of Human Resource Professionals.

Jonathan, a father of two, has written several policy-themed media articles has now had two collections of poetry published internationally.  His other interests include community development, travel, sport, and the arts.

Michele Dunn is a versatile business professional with over twenty years of working experience. Her 26+ year career extends across advertising and graphic design, administration, marketing, product innovation and renovation, sales and commercial development, leadership and development, training and development, human resource management and project management.

Michele is a driven, strategic thinker recognized for her creativity, diligence and numerous successes in process improvement in the general operations of organizations. She is an excellent team builder who deploys a participative style management in diverse and fast-paced work environment. Her talent is limitless and she activity seeks continuous growth, learning and development.

She is a self-motivated, detail-oriented professional who works well as an individual and a team player.  She is committed to achieving results, motivating and encouraging others to meet their goal and objectives. Over the years, Michele has developed and implemented projects which improved the efficiency and effectively of the departments and organizations. Her skills and expertise include inventory management, planning and coordinating, change management, coaching and development and process improvement and implementation.

She is the holder of a Degree in Management and a Masters in Human Resource Management.

Natalia Joseph is a dynamic Human Resource Practitioner and a Certified Industrial Relations Management Professional, who serves in the region’s largest conglomerate. She plays a pivotal role in the execution of strategic initiatives across multiple sectors and territories that link the employee’s experience with the organization’s mission and core values.

Leveraging her wealth of experience, social awareness, and creative approach, Natalia champions various aspects of HR, including Employee Engagement, Talent Development, Diversity and Inclusion, and Employee Mediation and Dispute Resolution. Her efforts extend beyond her organization, positively impacting the wider HR Community.

As a member of the Public Relations Committee, Natalia supports HRMATT’s mission in being the leading voice and advocate for Human Resource Professionals in Trinidad and Tobago.

Elizabeth Gowasack is a vibrant Marketing and Communications professional with over 10 years of experience, characterized by creativity, strategic vision, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. She orchestrated innovative campaigns that seamlessly integrated both traditional and digital channels, propelling brand awareness and engagement to new heights. Her ability to navigate complex market landscapes and adapt to evolving consumer trends earned her recognition as a visionary in her field.

Elizabeth, having established herself as a leader skilled in fostering connections between brands and their audiences, utilizes a range of strategies as a writer to expand her platform and engage with peers. During her free time, she finds pleasure in graphic design, modeling, reading, traveling, writing articles, voice overs, and attending diverse corporate events. Additionally, she indulges in sports activities like swimming, water polo, and tennis. She dedicates her time to volunteering with an organization that strives to be the foremost advocate for the HR profession and champions national development through its focus on people. Serving as a member of HRMATT’s Public Relations committee since 2020, Elizabeth demonstrates her commitment to making a difference in her community.

Educationally, Ms. Gowasack holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in brand management, digital marketing, market analysis, and strategic management, from a renowned institution in the United Kingdom. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management with a focus on Accounts and Marketing from the University of New Brunswick, Canada. Her academic journey also includes an Associate of Science Degree in Management and a Diploma in Project Management from UWI Roytec, Trinidad. Throughout her studies, she received recognition for her achievements, including awards for Highest Performer in Digital Marketing and Most Engaged Student. Her dedication to continuous learning and skill enhancement is fueled by her passion for personal and professional development, with her son serving as a constant source of inspiration and motivation.