Meet The Team

Mtima Solwazi
Mtima Solwazi

Founder and General Manager

ROOTS FoundationTT

Mtima is a Gatekeeper, spoken word poet and oral traditions practitioner. He holds a Certificate in Social Work, BSc in Psychology Major with Sociology and Criminology Minors, and MSc in Sociology.
Hazel "Hadiyah Solwazi" Cyrus
Hazel "Hadiyah Solwazi" Cyrus

Co-Founder

ROOTS FoundationTT

Hazel is a Teacher 1 at the Ministry of Education. Hazel holds a BA in Education and specializes in Emotional Literacy.
Josanne Sylvester
Josanne Sylvester

Project Manager

ROOTS FoundationTT

Josanne has coordinated several school and community-based projects and multitasks as a life-skills and spoken word poetry facilitator. She holds a BSc in International Relations (Special) and is currently completing a MSc in Project Management.
Isaiah John
Isaiah John

Community Intervention Coordinator

ROOTS FoundationTT

Isaiah is a spoken word poet and extempo practitioner and also multitasks as a life-skills and spoken word poetry facilitator and event host.
Michael Logie
Michael Logie

Facilitator

ROOTS FoundationTT

Michael is a spoken word poet and multitasks as a spoken word poetry and visual poetry facilitator. He holds an ADM in Business Management. Michael is the Owner and Media Technician of Horizon Media TT and the Owner and Driving Instructor of My Keys Driving School.
Geron Ruiz
Geron Ruiz

Festival Coordinator

ROOTS FoundationTT

Geron is a spoken word poet and oral tradition practitioner and also multitasks as a life-skills and spoken word poetry facilitator and event host. He holds a Certificate in Digital Marketing and an ABE Diploma in Business Management Levels 4 & 5.
Emmanuel Villafana
Emmanuel Villafana

Media Coordinator

ROOTS FoundationTT

Emmanuel is a spoken word poet and also multitasks as a life-skills, spoken word poetry, and visual poetry facilitator. He holds a BSc in Political Science and Economics. Emmanuel is the Owner and Media Technician of Manny Media Studios.

Our Board of Directors

Ronnie Bickramdass: Chairman

Ronnie is an Instructor 1 at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and multitasks as a Robotics facilitator. He is a professional certified cricket coach, commentator, and series producer. Ronnie achieved the prestigious honor of winning the Prime Minister's Awards for Innovation and Invention in 2004, showcasing his exceptional talent and groundbreaking contributions in his field.

Dr. Dylan Kerrigan: Vice Chairman

Dr. Kerrigan is a United Nations Peace and Development Officer for the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean. Dylan was a former lecturer and researcher at the University of the West Indies and Leicester University. He is an author and consultant. Dylan holds a PhD in Anthropology and is an expert ethnographer and social historian.

Salim "Doc" Razzaq: Director

Salim is a poet and foundation member of ROOTS Foundation. He is a Retired Registered Nurse specializing in Trauma and Emergency Nursing Practical Examiner, Intravenous Trainer Certification, and Mentor in the Ministry of Heath Mentorship Programme mentoring over 250 newly qualified Nurses. He is the Director of Health and Education and foundation member of the Islamic Resource Society. Salim holds a Certificate in Social Work, Trauma and Emergency Nursing and Phlebotomy.

Keisha Ramirez: Secretary

Keisha is a life coach, mentor and advisor. Keisha has been involved in training and development for the past decade. Keisha holds an ADM in Management and is currently completing a BFA in Fashion Design and is the Owner and Fashion Designer at Undine Rose.

Hazel "Hadiyah Solwazi" Cyrus: Treasurer

Mtima Solwazi: Consultant

Emmanuel Villafana: Youth Director

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