Keynote Interview
The Honorable Curtis L. Dickinson, JP, MP, is a respected leader and accomplished financial executive whose career spans over 25 years across the private sector, government, and international finance. Currently serving as the elected Member of Parliament for Constituency 21 – Pembroke South East, Curtis is recognized for his disciplined approach to fiscal management, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to Bermuda’s long-term prosperity. Appointed Minister of Finance in November 2018, Curtis guided Bermuda through a period of economic uncertainty, implementing prudent debt management strategies, navigating the fiscal challenges of the global pandemic, and championing responsible financial policy. His tenure was marked by a steadfast dedication to transparency, sustainability, and protecting Bermuda’s international reputation as a premier financial jurisdiction. Before entering public service, Curtis built a distinguished career in global banking and finance. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Group Head of Private Banking at the Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited, where he oversaw the bank’s global private banking, wealth management, and treasury operations. His leadership experience also includes senior investment banking roles at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Credit Suisse First Boston, and Wells Fargo Securities, where he specialized in capital raising for major corporations in the media, telecommunications, consumer, and retail sectors across the United States and the United Kingdom. Curtis has made significant contributions to Bermuda’s civic and corporate landscape, having chaired the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Board of Education, and served as a director for the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the Bermuda Land Development Company. In the private sector, he is currently an Independent Director for Somerset Reinsurance Ltd., Somerset Holdings International Ltd., Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited, and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA). A proud alumnus of Morehouse College (B.A. in Finance, cum laude) and Columbia University Graduate School of Business (MBA), Curtis combines strong academic foundations with a proven record of results-driven leadership. His work has consistently demonstrated the ability to bridge complex global finance with practical, community-centered governance. Curtis is married to Lisa Lee Dickinson, and together they are the proud parents of three children. His role as a husband and father grounds his commitment to building a Bermuda where families can thrive, communities can prosper, and opportunities are accessible to all. Curtis remains deeply connected to his Pembroke South East constituency, advocating for economic empowerment, educational opportunity, and community development. He is widely regarded as a principled leader whose career reflects integrity, competence, and service to Bermuda.
Keynote Speaker
19Keys is pioneering the cognitive renaissance in the age of AI, merging ancestral frameworks with cutting-edge innovation to empower communities to not just survive the future—but architect it. Through platforms like Crownz Society and SuperMind Labs, he offers a uniquely sovereign lens on technology, sovereignty, and consciousness—leading international efforts to equip Black and underrepresented communities with both the literacy and spiritual alignment to thrive amidst exponential technological shifts. Keys' mission focus is equipping Black & underrepresented communities with AI literacy and spiritual alignment to thrive in exponential technological shifts.
Founder/Owner, Pocket Change BDA
Shantel DeShield is a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and parent dedicated to transforming how young people understand and manage money. As the visionary founder of Pocket Change BDA ~ Building Dreams & Assets, she empowers kids and teens to become confident, creative, and financially savvy—equipping them with the tools to build wealth and independence from an early age. With a background in teaching and years of classroom experience, Shantel blends educational expertise with real-world financial skills to design dynamic, age-appropriate programs that spark curiosity and inspire action. Her workshops and resources go beyond budgeting basics—instilling a mindset of abundance, purpose, and possibility. But Shantel’s mission goes far beyond teaching kids to save or budget—it's about helping them dream big, own their worth, and unlock their potential. Through dynamic workshops, coaching, and community partnerships, she is breaking generational cycles and opening doors to financial freedom for youth from all walks of life. Driven by heart, purpose, and a clear vision for generational change, Shantel is shaping a future where young people feel empowered not just to survive—but to thrive.
Full-Time Investor
IT Professional/Media Personality
Terri K is a dynamic IT professional and seasoned media personality who knows how to balance brains with passion. Armed with a Master of Science Information Systems from Georgia State University and Bachelor of Science in Economics from Spelman College, Terri has built a robust tech career, currently working as a System Application Analyst at Liberty Bermuda, where she manages and maintains the company’s critical software systems. She’s also sharpened her tech chops at Spelman, where she led a service desk team of student employees, and at ConnecTech Bermuda, where she facilitated coding classes and delivered tech seminars. Outside the world of IT, Terri K shines on the airwaves. She got her start at DaFlavaRadio, later becoming an On-Air Personality at Inter-Island Communications and supporting the station’s digital presence as a Frontend Web Developer. Today, she hosts the Cash Cafe, where she breaks down financial literacy topics with a relatable, engaging voice, and co-hosts Monday Night Hype with DjiBreeze, bringing electric energy to Monday nights on Irie 98. Terri’s career is a true testament to following both your professional path and your creative passions — proving you really can have the best of both worlds.
CEO, Bermuda Bankers Association
Neville Grant is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Bankers Association, an Independent Non-Executive Director and the former Chief Executive Officer of Bermuda Commercial Bank. Neville’s nearly 30-year business career includes a number of senior roles in banking formally with HSBC, both locally and internationally, as well as the former General Manager of Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. Neville sits on a few boards and committees current and former including Fortitude Re (current), Bermuda Commercial Bank (former), Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (former), Proserve Bermuda (former) and the Centennial Bermuda Foundation – Economic Participation Committee (current). After spending time with his wife and two kids (17 & 15), Neville spends his time boating, fishing and travelling for enjoyment.
Founder, Pillars of Prosperity
Sheena Smith is on a mission to spark a movement of financial empowerment across Bermuda. With a heart for transformation and a deep commitment to legacy-building, she equips individuals and families to lay strong financial foundations rooted in wisdom and faith. As the founder of Pillars of Prosperity, Sheena blends timeless biblical principles with practical, easy-to-apply strategies to help her clients experience real and lasting change—change that reaches beyond today and into future generations. Her engaging workshops, habit-building tools, and compassionate guidance resonate across all ages and walks of life. Whether you're taking your first step toward financial freedom or seeking to deepen your journey, Sheena is here to walk with you—offering hope, clarity, and the belief that prosperity is possible, one step at a time.
CEO, Signature FX
Mandela Fubler is a professional trader, specializing in US indexes and commodities, with a diverse background spanning US equities, foreign exchange, and commodities. Born in Bermuda, and now based in London, he practiced law for 7 years before transitioning into financial markets. His curiosity for trading began in his second year of high school, when he first started trading US equities. Over the years, he expanded his expertise into foreign exchange and later transitioned to US indexes, refining his strategies to capitalize on intraday price movements. Now a full-time trader, he focuses primarily on the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and key commodity markets, applying a systematic approach to identify high-probability trading opportunities. Beyond his trading career, Mandela is committed to giving back to the trading community. In October 2017, he launched a YouTube channel to share his experiences, insights, and lessons with aspiring and fellow traders. Through educational lessons, live trading sessions, and market analysis, he aims to demystify trading and help others develop the skills needed to succeed in financial markets. With a disciplined approach, a deep understanding of market correlations, and a dedication to continuous learning, Mandela remains a respected member of the trading community, both as a professional trader and an educator.
Attorney
Imani Cherry is an attorney at Relman Colfax, PLLC. Her current practice focuses on advising large banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintechs, and other institutions on best practices for complying with civil rights and antidiscrimination laws. Prior to joining Relman Colfax, Imani worked as a corporate attorney, where she represented clients in various public and private debt and equity transactions. Imani also represented one of the largest Black-led U.S. banks in commercial lending transactions. During law school, Imani interned for the U.S. Federal Government at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Office of Fair Lending and Equal Opportunity, and the World Bank Group in the Doing Business Unit. While completing her university studies, Imani also interned for the Government of Bermuda, International Business Unit and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. Imani Cherry is a passionate advocate for economic justice and civil rights, and believes that eliminating unjust and discriminatory financial and economic barriers is the key to building long lasting generational wealth and prosperity for people of color.
Director of the MSME Unit, BEDC
Donte Hunt is driven by three core passions: his family, his faith and personal growth, and the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of hands-on experience across nearly every industry—from retail and finance to tech, hospitality, e-commerce, and even cleaning services—Donte knows what it takes to build ventures from the ground up. It's the grit, grind, and glory of launching and scaling businesses that fuels his fire. But Donte isn’t just about building his own success—he’s deeply committed to helping others do the same. As a mentor and guide to fellow entrepreneurs, he thrives on using his knowledge to help others navigate uncharted territory, avoid pitfalls, and stay inspired along the way. His entrepreneurial foundation was laid at North Carolina State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Associates degree in Business Management, specializing in Computer Information Systems and Programming. Today, Donte wears multiple hats—each aligned with his mission to empower entrepreneurship. He serves as the Director of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Unit at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), where he helps turn bold ideas into viable, scalable, and sustainable businesses. He’s also the CEO and co-founder of MediWaste, Bermuda’s premier medical waste management company, which safely collects and disposes of the island’s medical waste. Whether he’s in the boardroom, mentoring entrepreneurs, or sketching out his next big idea, Donte leads with purpose, authenticity, and a contagious passion for growth.
Founder & Executive Director, Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative of Bermuda
Joe Mahoney is Founder and Executive Director of the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, a Bermuda based nonprofit organization featuring best practices in youth enterprise education, innovation, and creativity. Begun in 2000, the YEI’s first program in Bermuda continues to feature the award-winning curriculum of The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship in intensive weeklong BizCamps with over 1,200 aspiring young Bermudian entrepreneurs have earned Entrepreneurship Certificates. We are also in the middle-schools where each year 320 students are introduced to the techniques of writing a business plan. This includes our most recent program from NFTE “Career Exploration” which prepares students to make informed decisions on which Senior School Signature into they wish to enroll. He serves as a community partner on the Bermuda Signature Schools Transition Team through an agreement with the Bermuda Department of Education to form a public/private partnership entitled, the Youth Business-education Initiative (YBeI) to provide consultancy on enterprise education curriculum, teacher training, practicum development, and mentoring for teachers and students in the government schools. In 2019 he joined the Board of Directors if Ignite, Bermuda’s business incubator and serves as Chair of the Youth Engagement Committee. Joe was a founding member of the Bermuda Host Committee for Global Entrepreneurship Week which, since 2008, occurs each year in over 160 countries. In partnership with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. he has managed GEW activities which celebrate innovation and creativity through ‘challenges’ in schools, colleges, and community-based organizations. Between 2000 and 2005 Joe founded and managed the Institute for Youth Enterprise as a pilot initiative of Mass Mentoring Partnership. The IYE was a Boston-based resource center featuring proven “best practices” in youth enterprise development. He also served as the Director of the PATHWAYS Initiative a long-term, equity-based mentoring program that provided life skills and economic self-sufficiency training to urban youth through The National Mentoring Partnership. Mr. Mahoney has been involved in institutional advancement, fundraising, consulting, and not-for-profit direct marketing/database management since 1977. Joe’s spent 20 years as an administrator at Babson College in Wellesley Massachusetts from where he also received his BS in business administration. His most recent role was assisting in the development of a teacher-training platform for pre-college entrepreneurship courses. Joe is an active Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher Training Instructor delivering NFTE’s instructional train-the-trainer program “NFTE University” to high school educators globally. He is also a Certified Program Manager of the “Jump Right In” incubator program” from the Center for Entrepreneurship Education and Development of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
COO, Ocean Tree Limited
Jason Lowe serves as the Chief Operations Officer at Ocean Tree Limited, where he brings over a decade of leadership and expertise from the financial services industry. A graduate of Morehouse College with a bachelor’s degree in Business, Jason combines strategic acumen with a commitment to operational excellence. Beyond his professional career, Jason is a dedicated husband and proud father of two daughters. He is deeply involved in his community through his passion for basketball. Jason is the Assistant Head Coach of the Bermuda Men's National Basketball Team and also leads the Wolfpack Basketball Academy, where he mentors and develops young athletes both on and off the court. Jason’s unique blend of corporate leadership and community engagement reflects his dedication to making a lasting impact in both business and youth development.
Qualified Accountant
Executive Director, Ignite Bermuda
Sean Reel is a seasoned investor, accelerator leader, and committed advocate for financial equity in Bermuda. As Executive Director of Ignite Bermuda, he drives innovation and economic engagement by supporting early-stage founders and entrepreneurs across the island. With a strong track record in both private and public sectors, Sean brings clarity, candour, and real-world insight to discussions on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. He’s particularly passionate about addressing systemic issues and creating solutions that matter in everyday lives. A regular contributor to Bermuda’s startup ecosystem, Sean has built programs that not only teach participants how to scale ventures, but also how to think critically about wealth, well‑being, and social purpose.
Life Insurance Professional, CG Insurance
Roxanne is a visionary business development and growth leader with more than three decades of experience steering market expansion, operational efficiency, and policy innovation across financial services, government, and economic development. She is known for building and scaling international operations, she excels at aligning strategic planning, financial acumen, and stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and economic vitality. Roxanne is the Manager of the Life Insurance Division of CG Insurance (formally Colonial Insurance) and leads a team that crosses Bermuda, Cayman, & Bahamas. She is also the current Chairman of Teen Services, Past President of the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Past President of the Jamaican Association of Bermuda, Mentor at the Co-ed women’s facility and Big Sister to a young student at Dellwood Middle School. In all of her roles Roxanne is committed to providing a voice for the voiceless and supporting entrepreneurship within disenfranchised communities in Bermuda. Roxanne holds her Bachelor Degree in Journalism & French from Northeastern University, Boston Mass, and her MBA with a concentration in Public Policy.
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Security Associates Limited
Few leaders embody resilience and vision quite like Dr. Carlton C. Crockwell Sr., Chairman and CEO of Security Associates Limited. With nearly four decades of experience in Bermuda's security industry, he now oversees an organization of more than 200 professionals while shaping the future of safety, governance, and risk management across the island. Dr. Crockwell's journey has been anything but ordinary. Though originally aspiring to a career in law enforcement, his epilepsy redirected his path and what could have been a limitation became the foundation of a lifelong purpose. At just 17 years old, earning $5 an hour as a security guard, he began climbing step by step through the ranks of the industry. From front-line guard to qualified professional investigator, through to senior management and ultimately major shareholder, his story is one of determination and an unwavering drive for excellence. Academically accomplished, Dr. Crockwell holds a Diploma in Business Administration, an MBA from the University of Liverpool, and advanced theological degrees, including a Doctor of Theology. His leadership philosophy is rooted in ethics, service, and people development, a blend of professional expertise and values-based guidance. Beyond the boardroom, Dr. Crockwell has served as Chairman of Bermuda's Road Safety Council, contributed to the Human Rights Commission, and led as Chairman of the Security Division of the Chamber of Commerce. In all roles, his focus remains clear: building safer communities and empowering people. While proud of his professional achievements, Dr. Crockwell treasures time with his family most, especially his grandchildren, and enjoys cycling and walking. His story reminds us that greatness is not defined by where you start, but by the vision, perseverance, and integrity you bring to every step along the way.
CEO, Celeste Ventures & Two Point O Collective
Polina Branco is a Bermuda-based business leader, storyteller, and speaker who takes organizations from strategy through to sustainable execution. As CEO of Celeste Ventures, where technology and creativity meet, and Two Point O Collective, a leading creative agency, she has driven transformative growth, rebrands, and market integrations. Polina also serves on several boards, currently as Chair of the Board for YPO North East One, working alongside a global network of CEOs. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, she coaches executives on strategy, innovation, and personal brand positioning, helping leaders create impact through authenticity and vision. Polina holds an MBA from Ivey Business School. Beyond her professional life, she is deeply committed to sustainability, the arts, and family, and draws inspiration from travel and cultural exploration.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Lookie Lookie
Kimwana Eve stands as the visionary Founder and Creative Director behind Lookie Lookie, Bermuda’s pioneering retail hub designed to spotlight local talent, distinctive brands, and culturally inspired products. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Kimwana has honed her expertise in design, branding, and management, establishing a formidable reputation. She is widely recognized for her meticulous attention to detail, a bold and innovative creative spirit, and an unparalleled ability to translate nascent ideas into flourishing commercial enterprises.
A fervent entrepreneur and dedicated community advocate, Kimwana is deeply committed to cultivating environments that not only uplift local businesses but also foster dynamic collaboration across Bermuda’s vibrant creative economy. Under her astute leadership, Lookie Lookie has orchestrated influential campaigns that masterfully intertwine commerce with culture. This strategic approach has culminated in the development of a robust platform, which actively empowers local vendors and seamlessly connects them with broader audiences, thereby amplifying their reach and impact within the marketplace and beyond.
Financial Literacy Advocate
Nyla Maharaj is a proud Bermudian-Canadian making her way in the finance industry. After completing her academic and professional development in Toronto, she recently returned home to contribute to Bermuda’s economy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Finance to FinTech certification, and is currently preparing for the CFA Level I exam. As a member of the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP), Nyla has engaged with a dynamic network that has positively shaped her career path. She brings that same energy and support from the CAUFP to her work in Bermuda. Nyla’s passion for financial literacy is rooted in her own experience. Growing up, she often heard “save your pennies,” but discussions around investing, debt management, and wealth- building were rare. She believes this lack of access to practical financial knowledge is systemic issue, especially for minorities. Nyla urges that we address this disparity and recognise that financial literacy is not an exclusive skill—it’s a necessity for everyone. She also advocates for it to be an academic requirement because the future is now. Nyla hopes this summit will help shift the narrative from “the rich get richer” to “the aware acquire more,” believing that learning empowers and everyone deserves the tools to build a secure and prosperous life.
Lawyer, Strategist & Community Leader
Ryan is a lawyer, strategist, and public policy advisor with diverse experience in cooperative finance and community development. He previously served as Policy Advisor at Bermuda’s Ministry of Finance, and later as CEO of the Bermuda Credit Union. Ryan now leads his own practice while also serving as Founder of Future Leaders Bermuda, a charity preparing the next generation through study, service, and mentorship. He is passionate about building resilient institutions and empowering communities through financial literacy and inclusive growth.