Leadership
Donette Francis
Assoc. Professor
Director for the Center for Global Black Studies
Edmund Abaka, Ph.D.
Assoc. Professor
Director of Graduate Studies
Emelia Duarte
Sr. Business Officer 2 - Schools/Colleges (Central Budget)
Office Manager - Business Operations
(305) 284-2493 Suzanne Foster, MBA, is a graduate of the University of the West Indies- Mona and Cave Hill Campuses (Executive MBA and BA Honors in Mass Communication). She is a seasoned communicator, producer, and educator whose career spans more than two decades across the Caribbean’s media, academic, and public sectors. She began her career as Barbados’ first female television sports anchor, producing award-winning programs and pioneering innovative approaches to storytelling in regional broadcasting.
Suzanne Foster
saf214@miami.edu
Her leadership extends well beyond the newsroom. As Coordinator of the Mass Communication Program at the Barbados Community College, she modernized the curriculum, introduced scholarships and internships, and mentored a new generation of media professionals. Her work in public relations and event management — including high-profile campaigns has strengthened brands, built community connections, and showcased Caribbean excellence. Suzanne continues to champion purposeful communication, cultural storytelling, and mentorship. Her professional experiences in communication, leadership and operations is anchored in creativity, integrity, and a belief that every great story has the power to inspire transformation.
Student Assistants
As the 2025-26 UGROW Fellow for the Center for Global Black Studies, Giltrecia Head serves the Program Coordinator for this year's events and activities. She is a PhD student specializing in African and African Diaspora histories and her research focuses on bridging African, African Diaspora, and transnational histories, emphasizing the narratives of historically marginalized communities. She is also a McKnight Dissertation Fellow and recipient of the 2025 Edward Bouchet Honor Society. Her contact email is gxh395@miami.edu. Kelby James is a junior from Baltimore, Maryland, majoring in Psychology and Criminology with minors in Biology and Sociology. Outside of the Center, Kelby serves as a Dean’s Ambassador for the CAS, PR & Marketing Chair for UBS, Distribution Chair for LOV, a member of SG’s DEI Council, and a research assistant for Prof. Nowotny in the sociology department.
Giltrecia Head | CGBS UGROW Fellow | PhD History
CGBS Program Coordinator 
Kelby James | Junior | Psychology & Criminology
CGBS Office Assistant | Digital Media Manager
