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New Organization formed to mentor Caribbean-American Youth in South Florida

FT. LAUDERDALE – At an inaugural meeting on Sunday, November 4, 2007, plans were ratified for the formation of an organization geared at the youths in the South Florida Caribbean American community.

This organization, Transforming America Through Interaction (“TATI”), Inc. was inspired by the memory of Tatiana Renée McIntosh, a University of Florida student and charismatic young lady from the community who passed away in March 2007, in a tragic car accident.


Tatiana McIntosh

The goals of the organization reflect the positive characteristics demonstrated by Tatiana, who showed great promise of leadership and value for community service.

This organization is the brainchild of Caribbean-American Tanya N. Ragbeer, Tatiana’s mother (VP & Senior Financial Center Manager for BankUnited, and Immediate Past President of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce), who was elected President at the inaugural meeting.

The newly elected Board of Directors includes a group of conscious individuals who came together for a common goal. The Executive Officers include: Vice President Mrs. Marti Lindo (Corporate Trainer and Yoga Instructor); Secretary Mrs. Majella Deane (Corporate Trainer); Treasurer Mr. Logan Scott (recent graduate of University of Florida); Sergeant-at-Arms Mr. Armani Fox (Veterinary Technician and student); and Parliamentarian Mr. Kevin Burke-Green (Educator).

Members of the Board-at-Large are Mrs. Wendy Chan (Educator), Mrs. Ann-Marie Cuthbert (Marketing Analyst for Federal Mogul, and Caterer – Splendid Gatherings), Mr. Andy Ansola (Marriage & Family Therapist and President of Broward Caribbean Carnival, Inc.), and Legal Counsel Andrew Greenidge, Attorney for Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C.

Also present at the meeting, and sitting on the Steering/Advisory Committee are Mr. Cary Ragbeer, Tatiana’s step father (Manufacturer, Florida Screen Apparel), Mr. Keith Lindo (Director Financial Planning, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.), Dr. Christopher Deane (Veterinarian, Weston Animal Hospital), Mr. Christopher Cuthbert (Mortgage Broker, South Fl. Mortgage Solutions), Mr. Andrew Cuthbert (Mortgage Broker, South Fl. Mortgage Solutions), Mr. Robert Chan (Flight Captain, American Airlines), Ms. Marisa Ramroop (student), and Mrs. Thelma Williams, Tatiana’s grandmother (Retired Hotel/Tourism Executive).

At the inaugural meeting, the Board of Directors defined the mission statement of the organization:

Mission Statement

“TATI Inc. is committed to uniting, educating and mentoring youth. By merging cultures, we will instill strong moral values, personal identities and healthy communities; by bridging social, cultural and generational gaps, we will develop Caribbean American pride and a solid foundation for a brighter tomorrow.”

Motto

“Awakening Potential, One Child at a Time.”

The organization will provide activities and programs to strengthen family bonds, community relationships, and to foster mentorship.

Upcoming Fundraiser

TATI, Inc. will be hosting a “coming out” Fête titled the “TATI Dream-Fête” on Saturday, January 19, 2008, in Southwest Ranches, proceeds to benefit the formation of the new organization and the Tatiana McIntosh Scholarship Fund. For further information, call 954-802-4291.

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