From Talent to Infrastructure: Caribbean Social Studies Launches Series to Activate the Diaspora as Creative Ecosystem Builders

Caribbean Social Studies (CSS), in partnership with Driven Society, is launching a groundbreaking series, Diaspora Conversations, designed to transform the Caribbean diaspora from a source of talent into a thriving creative ecosystem. Kicking off in one of the world’s most vibrant diasporic hubs, New York, the inaugural event will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM EST at The Se7en, 677 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. The series aims to harness the collective power of the diaspora to unlock economic potential through creativity and strategic collaboration.

Coinciding with the West Indian Day Parade, a celebration that transforms Brooklyn into a tapestry of music, color, and movement, the city becomes a stage where the Caribbean diaspora enlivens and enriches urban life. It is a living performance of the creativity, community, and cultural value the Caribbean brings to the world. Diaspora Conversations leverages this festive weekend to explore how the diaspora can move beyond individual success stories to build scalable systems that shape the future of the Caribbean’s creative industry and generate lasting impact for the region and its global networks.

Shaping Systems, Not Just Success

The dialogue emphasizes that the diaspora is more than talent, it is infrastructure, creating platforms, institutions, and investment pipelines that power long-term creative growth. Leaders will discuss the imperative of collective strategy, showing that siloed success cannot scale systems.

Meet the Visionary Panelists

The panel features a distinguished lineup of thought leaders:

• Sanika "Nikki" Gentles [Jamaica, Cuba]: A media personality, strategist, and founder whose work bridges culture, commerce, and connection. Born in the Caribbean and raised in New York, she brings a global lens and authentic voice to every stage, mic, and boardroom. As the creator and host of How Do You Divine?, Nikki amplifies underrepresented voices and explores emotional evolution through honest, unfiltered conversation. With over a decade in enterprise sales, marketing, and tech, she now channels her expertise into consultancy, helping organizations craft impactful strategies while designing experiences that center wellness, purpose, and cultural relevance.
• Naadiya Mills [St.Kitts & Nevis] – Founder of Caribbean Social Studies, cultural strategist, and advocate for creative equity, leading CSS’s mission to amplify Caribbean voices globally.
• Jonathan Jackson [Trinidad & Tobago]: is a narrative architect and strategic storyteller who builds ecosystems that transform ideas, brands, and industries. He co-founded Blavity Inc., growing it into one of the largest independent media companies with a reach of 100M consumers monthly, and served as Editor-in-Chief of Red Table Talk. As a 2024 Ford Foundation Global Fellow, he studies how institutions, the creator economy, and economic sovereignty intersect to empower borderless businesses.
• Travis Weekes [Barbados]: Founder of Driven Society, Travis is dedicated to building success for multicultural Millennials and Gen Z through educational entertainment, professional resources, mentorship, and specialized live events. Driven Society partners with brands like HBO and Moët Hennessy to create cultural marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Shelley Worrell [Trinidad & Tobago]: Founder of I am caribBEING, Shelley is a cultural entrepreneur who spearheaded the official designation of Little Caribbean in Brooklyn. She has produced over 500 immersive experiences in partnership with top cultural institutions and has been featured in The New York Times and Good Morning America.

Thank You to Our Partners

Driven Society, a platform connecting multicultural Millennials and Gen Z to mentorship, experiences, and global opportunities, supports this series by helping diaspora talent scale their impact.

The Se7en, a vibrant social lounge in the heart of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, serves as the perfect backdrop for this series. Founded by Kojo Mensah, The Se7en is more than just a venue; it's a community space that champions discussions that deepen connections. Kojo's vision has transformed the space into a hub for creative curation, corporate programming, and festive events, fostering an environment where culture and community thrive.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EST (Panel 6:15 – 7:30 PM)
• Location: The Se7en, 677 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
• RSVP: https://lu.ma/e9ugmf8u

RSVP for the event here:

Diaspora Conversations is more than a panel, it’s a platform for thought leadership, connection, and action. By convening visionary leaders during one of the most iconic Caribbean celebrations in the diaspora, CSS highlights how collective creativity, narrative ownership, and aligned strategies can unlock enduring economic and cultural impact for the Caribbean and its global networks.