KINGSTON, Jamaica — Zantaye Thomas, recently crowned valedictorian of the University of the West Indies Mona Campus’ Faculty of Humanities and Education, is channeling her academic excellence into transformative advocacy for Jamaica’s deaf community. The 23-year-old graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing and Communication with a minor in Sign Language, has declared her intention to become a professional sign language interpreter to address critical communication barriers.
Thomas identified a severe shortage of qualified interpreters throughout Jamaica as a primary motivation for her career path. “I want to become one of those qualified interpreters to help bridge that language gap,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for improved accessibility between deaf and hearing communities.
Her commitment extends beyond theoretical studies. Thomas established and currently serves as executive director of Sign Clubs of Jamaica, an organization that mobilizes high school and university students to promote sign language literacy and cultural awareness through community outreach programs.
Securing the valedictorian honor represented the culmination of deliberate effort, having placed this ambitious objective on her 2023 vision board. The announcement triggered an emotional response. “I cried a lot because it was just a sense of relief that the hard work paid off,” Thomas recalled.
Her university journey included significant leadership roles, beginning with a guild position campaign in her first year and evolving into her service as the Faculty of Humanities and Education Guild representative during the 2023–2024 academic year. Thomas openly acknowledged encountering academic challenges, including one semester where she missed the dean’s list, requiring strategic refocusing to regain her trajectory.
Professionally, Thomas is currently developing her expertise as a management trainee at First Global Bank, a GraceKennedy Group subsidiary. She simultaneously nurtures aspirations in media, with long-term ambitions of hosting on Jamaican television. Expressing profound national pride, she aims to enhance Jamaica’s global reputation through her multifaceted work.
“I just really want to build brand Jamaica,” Thomas affirmed.
She offers pragmatic advice to current students, encouraging maximal engagement with university life through involvement in activities, developing resilience, and cultivating strong support networks.