Dalise Lockhart, Trinidadian philanthropist on change-making mission in Texas

PASSIONATE about creating opportunities for Caribbean people, Dalise Lockhart, second runner-up in the Miss Universe TT 2003 pageant has been, for years, advocating for and supporting Texas-based Caribbean people through her foundations.

She is the founder of TX Caribbean Students Organisation (TXCSO), Global Caribbean Students Connect, and the Nuu Generation of Caribbean Music: making a meaningful difference – all aimed at catering to the development and support of Caribbean people living in Texas, US.

In five years Lockhart’s foundations have benefited over 300 students and families through cultural engagement and expression, professional development, networking opportunities, mentorship, leadership forums, workshops, and community service.

“I aspire to utilise this platform to be a force for good and lead by example in advocating for the continued development and support of Caribbean people in the US and Caribbean region. Through my role and influence, I aim to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and work towards creating opportunities for the advancement and empowerment of Caribbean individuals,” she told Newsday.

And her philanthropy and advocacy has not gone unnoticed. On June 21, she was one of the recipients of the 30 under 30 Changemaker award in Washington DC for her dedication to the development of Caribbean people. The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools' 30 Under 30 Changemaker awards spotlights individuals from across the US who are making a meaningful impact in their community and the country through arts, writing, and sports; education and politics; leadership; science; and social justice.

Lockhart, who moved from TT to Brooklyn, New York at a young age, ensured she remained immersed and deeply connected to her Caribbean culture.

When she and her mother subsequently moved to Katy, Texas, Lockhart noticed a lack of Caribbean representation in the community. This became the catalyst for her mission to bring the Caribbean to Texas. She said her motivation stems from her pride in her Caribbean heritage and her belief in the great potential of Caribbean people.

In 2017, she was crowned Miss Houston Caribbean and began serving her community. She was inspired to establish the TXCSO app service in 2018, focused on creating social and networking opportunities for Caribbean students across the US. One of TXCSO's most notable initiative is the Sylvester Lockhart Music and Arts Scholarship, which provides financial support to students pursuing studies in the industry. The TXCSO app serves as a platform for effective communication among Caribbean students, offering features such as a study hall, community announcements, access to mental health resources, mentorship connections, and an event calendar.

Lockhart told Newsday she explores a range of strategies to ensure her organisations remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the Caribbean community. She stays updated on social media trends, engages with the community both online and in-person, collaborates with local organisations, and prioritises meeting students where they are at by actively listening to their needs and seeking feedback.

She said creating and running these organisations has not been without challenges for her. One major obstacle has been striking a balance between her personal and professional life. But, she said, she has learned how to effectively manage her time.

She believes the impact of her organisations on the lives of Caribbean people in the US has been significant. Through scholarships, job placements, community support, networking opportunities, and skill development, they have been provided with real opportunities for education, personal growth, and a sense of community. Success stories and testimonials, such as Caribbean residents securing jobs and internships through the network and connections from the organisations, highlight the positive outcomes and transformative experiences each foundation has facilitated.

She said measuring the effectiveness and success of her organisations' programmes and services is an ongoing process, but she thinks while quantitative metrics may be challenging to obtain, recognition and feedback from students who utilise the app and programmes serve as indicators of their effectiveness.

“By collecting testimonials and gathering data on students' academic performance, we aim to assess the impact of our initiatives on their educational outcomes. We also focus on monitoring student retention rates to ensure that our assistance helps them stay in school and avoid dropping out due to financial or other challenges.”

She said the impact of the foundation is based on students' academic performance and retention rates, and by using this method of evaluation, the organisation knows how to meet the needs of Caribbean students.

She said she maximises her organisations' impact and reach by collaborating with other Caribbean organisations and community groups. These partnerships allow them to provide financial support, mental health resources, vision board workshops, fundraising events, and educational initiatives on Carnival.

Her foundations are also heavily focused on its relationship with local government agencies, community leaders, and businesses that are major sponsors to Lockhart's initiatives. She said she engages with government agencies to stay informed about policies, she establish partnerships with local businesses to provide discounted services and products to students, and builds relationships with community leaders to collectively address the needs of the community.

“This allows us to stay informed about relevant information that directly relates to the needs of our students. This ensures that our initiatives align with local policies and priorities.”

Lockhart said the aim is to use her platform to advocate for the continued development and support of Caribbean people in the US and Caribbean region, promoting inclusivity and creating opportunities for advancement within the community.

“I have plans to expand the reach of my organisation beyond Texas and extend our services to other states in the US as well as the Caribbean region. Currently, we focus on serving students in Texas, but by next year, I aim to broaden our impact and support Caribbean individuals in every state and across the Caribbean.”