My Journey at Brown's Town Community College
Studies and Career Path
My academic journey began at Brown’s Town Community College (BTCC) in September 2009, where I developed the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of learning and service. After completing my studies at BTCC, I earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Government with a specialization in International Relations from the University of the West Indies (UWI), followed by a Master of Science (MSc) in Government, specializing in International Public and Development Management. Most recently, I was accepted to the University of London’s School of Advanced Studies to pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in Drafting Legislation, Regulation and Policy, which I will begin in January 2026.
Professionally, I currently serve as Manager for Policy and Business Reform at the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), where I have worked since 2016. My primary focus has been on policy development, though I have also gained valuable experience as a Consulting Officer in Corporate and Strategic Planning. Before joining JAMPRO, I worked as a Customer Care Representative at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and completed internships at both the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Cabinet. My time at the Office of the Cabinet was especially pivotal; it was my first real-world introduction to policy and governance, and the moment I discovered my passion for public service.
The foundation for this career was laid at Brown’s Town Community College. Mrs. Maxwell’s law classes played a defining role in shaping my professional direction by sparking my interest in identifying gaps within Jamaica’s legal system and inspiring me to contribute meaningfully through policy reform. Similarly, Mrs. Bertram’s Literature in English classes nurtured my ability to think critically and appreciate multiple perspectives, both essential skills in governance and policymaking.
Time at BTCC
My most memorable moments at BTCC include lively discussions with friends and classmates under the gazebo in front of the main office, where we debated ideas from CAPE Law and Literatures in English. Honourable mention must also go to Mrs. Smith’s engaging history classes, which made learning both enjoyable and enlightening.
The biggest takeaway from BTCC was learning time management and independent study. Coming from a structured all-girls Catholic school, adapting to the flexibility of college life took time. However, this experience taught me how to organize my schedule, take initiative and push myself academically. Without realizing it then, BTCC helped me develop a mindset of continuous growth, adaptability and lifelong learning, skills that became invaluable during my studies at UWI and throughout my career.
What BTCC Means to Me
To me, being part of the BTCC family is best captured by its motto, “Committed to Service.” This guiding principle reminds me that education is not only about personal achievement but also about creating positive change in society.
In my current role at JAMPRO, I view my work in policy and business reform as a direct extension of that commitment. By helping to shape policies that strengthen Jamaica’s economy and improve opportunities for its citizens, I continue to live the values instilled in me at Brown’s Town Community College: service, integrity and a passion for national development.
Ivana Ashley
Arts & Social Sciences
Class of 2011
Batch 34
