September 12, 2023

Kaila Squires (WG '20) - Initiative: FutureBARBADOS

 

  • Overview
    • Attention all Founders, Expert Advisors, and Entrepreneurs in the making! I’m currently involved with a project called FutureBARBADOS, a government-backed innovation think tank building social innovation policies, prototypes, and products. Since 2021, they have been enabling new thinking and technologies on the island with particular focus on building for Black communities and Black countries and by extension changing the culture around early adoption of technology for the Caribbean. FutureBARBADOS is looking for people and prototypes to participate in one of their programs this Fall, as well as expert support and mentorship for their project.
  • Why did you decide to pursue this venture? 
    • I am working closely with my home country Barbados to develop meaningful partnerships with Wharton and other top MBA problems. My involvement started when I led an informal CariBiz trek to Barbados in 2020, but has evolved overtime as government officials and business leaders have taken a keen interest in attracting more young talent to the island.
  • What has the journey been like? 
    • This has been one of the most rewarding projects, as it's given me an opportunity to give back to a country that means so much to me whilst also enriching The Wharton School at large. Over the past year, Jalen Gilmore (WG '22) and I have worked with the Wharton administration to launch the FIRST Global Immersion Program based in the Caribbean. This GIP will be hosted in Barbados in March 2024 and we couldn't be more proud to see Wharton expanding its global reach by including topics specific to the Caribbean into the curriculum.
  • How can alumni support? 
    • If you are interested in learning more or participating in FutureBARBADOS, please review the brief deck attached and email me directly at [email protected].
    • If you have interest or ties to the Caribbean and would like to connect regarding the upcoming Barbados GIP, email me directly at [email protected]
  • Links