About Us: The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida (JAAOCF) is dedicated to promoting opportunities for advancement to and empowerment for Jamaicans and people of Jamaican American descent through access to financial resources and education with an emphasis on community, history, culture,health, music, and the arts, etc.
Our Mission: To preserve, enhance and promote our cultural heritage by and through our focus on education, our youth, community service and emergency assistance both locally and internationally.
President's Message
Welcome to the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida (JAAOCF). As we stand proudly in 2026, JAAOCF continues to be a beacon of unity, cultural pride, and community empowerment. For over four decades, our organization has remained committed to preserving Jamaican heritage while uplifting generations through education, service, and leadership. Today, JAAOCF is more than an association — it is a movement. A movement that honors our roots, embraces innovation, and invests in the future of our people. Through scholarships, youth development, health and wellness initiatives, hurricane disaster relief, cultural celebrations, and strategic partnerships, we remain steadfast in our mission to build community, celebrate culture, and change lives.
Our vision for 2026 and beyond is rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and impact. We are expanding our programs, strengthening our financial foundation, and leveraging digital platforms to connect Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica locally and globally. Every initiative is guided by transparency, collaboration, and a deep respect for the legacy entrusted to us. None of this would be possible without our dedicated members, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters. Your commitment fuels our progress and ensures that JAAOCF remains a trusted pillar within Central Florida and the wider diaspora. As President, I am honored to serve and lead alongside a passionate Executive Committee and Board who share a unified purpose — to ensure that JAAOCF continues to thrive for generations to come. Together, we move forward with pride, purpose, and progress.
With gratitude and vision,
Ms. Michelle “Mea” Allman, MCC, HNLC-C
President, Jamaican American Association of Central Florida, Inc. (JAAOCF)
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Ms. Mea Allman, MCC
President
Mrs. Marjorie Bown
Founder / Membership
& Health Fair Chair
Mr. Lionel Williams
Treasurer/Building Chair
Ms. Joan Edghill, M.Ed
Immediate Past President / Outreach Chair
Mrs. Margaret Tate
Assistant Treasurer
Ms. Sonia Troupe
Member At Large
Ms. Grace Powell, MHR
Bylaws / Historian
Mr. Michael Whittaker
Vice President
Mrs. Nardine McPherson
Secretary
Dr. Pat Smith
Assistant Secretary
Ms. Kemoy Phillips
Parliamentarian / Public Relations & Marketing Chair
Dr. Barbara Dawkins, Ed. D. Education / Scholarship Chair
Ms. Maisie Thomas
Member At Large
Pastor Rosemarie Roth
Entertainment & Development Chair
Ms. Lydia Telfer
Finance Chair
