The life-changing, impactful work of the Pocket Rocket Foundation springs from personal revelations throughout the life journey of our founder, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the powerful intersection of opportunity in academics and athletics.
The Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce Pocket Rocket Foundation
The impact Jeanne's support had on my life made me want to pay it forward. I was determined to do the same thing for other student-athletes who are coming from similar situations. There's so much young talent here in Jamaica and all children need is the opportunity and belief that they can be something and someone great. This is why our organization exists - to help fuel the next generation so they can soar to new heights.
When I started high school in 1999 at Wolmer's Girls, I was privileged and blessed to have met a woman by the name of Jeanne Coke, of The Wolmer's Old Girls' Association. She saw something in me that I didn't see in myself, which compelled her to fully fund my education- my books, my uniform, my lunch, my everything. She showed me compassion and love in so many ways. And from that kindness I gained the fuel to shoot for the stars. She planted a seed of hope inside of me that helped me grow far beyond my imagination.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
The Pocket Rocket Foundation (PRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fueling the futures of student athletes and their community members so they can soar to new heights. Our mission is to enrich the lives of student athletes by supporting their educational development and basic needs. We utilize unique pathways to higher education, sports, recreational play, and community development to enhance the lives of students and their families across the island of Jamaica.
Raphael Walker
Director
Kaydean Webley
Secretary
Colleen Monatague
Deputy Director
Dr. Jermaine McCalpin
executive director
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Olympic Champion and Founder
Serika Sterling
Treasurer
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It’s impossible to discuss track and field without mentioning her name. From her first appearance on the international stage at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, to her most recent athletic performances at the Tokyo Olympics, 2022 World Athletics Championships, and Diamond League Circuit, Fraser-Pryce has proven that age is just a number and women truly can do anything as she gets closer to her goal of breaking the 10.60s barrier.
Never losing sight of her roots, in 2013 Fraser-Pryce launched her non-profit, the Pocket Rocket Foundation to plant seeds of hope for Jamaican youth by supporting student-athletes with academic funding and guidance on navigating their futures. Through countless community initiatives and developmental programs the foundation has been able to impact the island for the past ten years.
Hon. Dr. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce OJ, CD
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Dr. Jermaine McCalpin is Executive Director of The Pocket Rocket Foundation. He is an academic thought leader, author, internationally recognized expert and consultant on transitional justice, genocides, reparations, and truth commissions. He has travelled to South Africa, Cambodia, and Armenia and across the US and Canada presenting on the Armenian genocide, reparations for slavery and Native American genocides. He is currently Associate Professor and Chair of the African and African American Studies Program at New Jersey City University. Dr. McCalpin was previously Associate Director of the Centre for Caribbean Thought and Lecturer of Transitional Justice in the Department of Government, University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona (2007-2016).
Dr. Jermaine McCalpin
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Colleen Montague is a results-oriented, professional, focused on the holistic development of girls who are learners. As principal of Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, she maintains a positive school environment and focuses on enriching students with a diverse curriculum. As Vice President and Chairperson for the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association, she is skilled in budget management and has a reputation for being a disciplinarian with active listening and problem-solving skills.
Colleen Montague
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Serika Sterling is a celebrated entrepreneur and philanthropist who embodies a blend of professionalism and heartfelt philanthropy. Rising from very humble beginnings, she has been recognized for her academic, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic pursuits with awards such as the Jamaica Business Development Corporation’s Boss Lady of the Year (2020) and the 2021 Governor General’s Achievement Award of Excellence for the Parish of Kingston.
Driven by a deeply personal connection with prematurity, following the loss of her twin sons, Serika founded the Preemie Foundation of Jamaica. This foundation has significantly influenced healthcare for premature babies and their families island-wide. Serika's journey beautifully intertwines professional & academic accolades with a tender commitment to philanthropy, truly embodying her determination to play her part in advancing the welfare of the citizens of Jamaica.
Serika Sterling
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With over seven years of experience in developing and executing successful marketing strategies and tactics that deliver winning results, Kaydean specializes in disruptive marketing that exceeds traditional ways of reaching, exciting, and converting customers. Skilled at coordinating, organizing, and directing consumer marketing activities across various budgets, Kaydean’s keen negotiating style, and deep industry insights have also enabled her to skillfully manage stakeholder relationships and expectations. She received her Master's Degree in Marketing from the London School of Business and Finance.
Wanting to pay it forward, Kayden dedicates much of her personal time toward sports, the community she is from, and the Pocket Rocket Foundation.
Kaydean Webley
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Presently employed to the National Education Trust as Finance Manager, Raphael is an experienced Finance Manager and Administrator who has over 35 years working at a number of different organizations. He previously worked at the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Accountant General’s Department, Early Childhood Commission and Jamaica Public Service Company Limited. Raphael is the Treasurer of the Churches of Christ Jamaica Incorporation Limited as well as Chairman of the Credit Union League’s Supervisory and the Accreditation Committees. He is the Elder of the Penwood Church of Christ and also chairs the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Early Childhood Institution.
Raphael Walker
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Penwood Community Church renamed their school the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Early Childhood Institution.
2022
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Twelve copies of Shelly-Ann's book 'I am a Promise' were donated to The Kiddies Crossover Book Club in Trench Town.
2020
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The foundation hosted two Covid-19 Back-to-School Initiatives catering to 350 primary students and
secondary students
2019
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Digicel invested $5.7M in the PRF community center that serves as a resource center for at-risk youth & offers a culinary certificate program.
2018
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40 student-athletes and their coaches gathered for a "4 Minute Mile" movie night at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in partnership with NIKE
2017
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The Pocket Rocket Foundation was officially registered as a non-profit organization
2013
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The first-ever Christmas Treat was held on Ashoka Road in the Kingston, Jamaica community of Waterhouse, Shelly-Ann's hometown.
2008
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THROUGH THE YEARS
Latest news
Inside Look: our Communities..
June 02, 2023
our children : our culture
May. 15, 2023
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