The name Beckford-Kraal, Clarendon, is not that familiar to most people. But one name that is decidedly more familiar is Winsome Wilkins (or Langley, as she was then), president and chief executive officer of the Joint Secretariat of the United Way of Jamaica and the Council for Voluntary Social Services. She traces her interest in volunteering to her beloved community and the camaraderie there.

"There were seniors in the community so it meant nothing to tidy up their place, and sweep their yard," she said. She was an integral member of the Central Youth Club and got heavily involved in community and youth development. She was also one of the founding members of the Clarendon Football Association. This was all voluntary work but she continued giving even in her professional career at the Social Development Commission. While consulting with a United Way workshop for agencies planning to submit proposals for grant funds, she became awed by the organisation and the experience.

"I saw the passion of the people wanting to complete the best proposal. It felt like nothing to be working until 1 or 2 a.m. staying up with them." When a post was available at United Way, she snapped it up.

Best decision

"It was the best decision I ever made. It opened up a new world for me and exposed me to the needs that exist in the various communities," she said. She is responsible for the mobilisation of resources for the private voluntary sector. She has guided the fund-raising and disbursement of nearly $1 billion to over 3,500 agencies, institutions and projects that assist in various fields, including skills training, community development programmes and agriculture. The thousands of volunteers spanning the 108 affiliates inspire her.

She was very humble about the nomination for the First Global Vision Award. "There are so many people to be recognised. It blew me away when I was notified (about being in the top five). It is an honour," she said.

Wilkins was also a CARIFTA champion and record holder in shot putt and discus in the '70s. She is a minister of religion and founded the Good News Open Bible Church with her husband. She is also a board member on the National Council on Drug Abuse, a trained mediator, a justice of the peace for Kingston and also serves on the boards of various non-governmental organisations. She intends to devote more time to the church when she retires.