Trinidad & Tobago Independence “Diaspora’s Next Gen” Spotlight: Koren Bedeau

Meet distinguished dean, Koren Bedeau.

Age: 37

Hometown: Miami, FL

Profession: Graduate School Associate Dean, Affiliated Faculty School of Communication, University of Miami

A commitment to university administration, research, mass communication and empowering students is what defines Graduate School Associate Dean and Affiliated Professor in the School of Communication at the University of Miami, Dr. Koren Bedeau.

For this Howard University and University of Central Florida graduate, athough based in Miami, Trinidad is the heart and soul of who she is today.

- Advertisement -

“I’ve always felt a connection to Trinidad, and my initial curiosity and questions were related to the sustainability of cultural tourism development, and connections between tourism and environmental health,” she says. She continues, “I wanted to understand how promoting Trinidad Carnival as a cultural tourism experience had implications for environmental health, and influence on the development of Carnival Arts.”

The importance of diversity in graduate study has also piqued Koren’s interest in more ways than one.

“For more than 12 years, I’ve developed programs that encourage students who are underrepresented in higher education to pursue doctoral education, and led efforts to support the academic success of diverse student populations. We require diverse perspectives in order to respond to the sophisticated challenges and opportunities that are before us in the 21st century.”

As current Associate Dean, Koren says her most memorable moments are those when she can help others.

“The most memorable moments are times that I play a role in assisting someone to think differently about an idea or seeing someone grow into leadership roles or new careers. These things happen in other environments but a university is a community of people who come together with these goals in mind.”

For Trinidadians back home or here in South Florida thinking of venturing into the graduate studies field, she says, “No matter what social or economic status, Trinidadians (and Caribbean people) have a unique experience that you will bring to graduate education. If you want to go to graduate school, take the time to determine which program and which university has the program of study that fits for your academic interests and life goals.”

More Stories

Melly Mel Guyana

Guyanese social media activist ‘Melly Mel’ detained by ICE in the US

Guyanese social media activist Melissa ‘Melly Mel’ Atwell has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is currently being held at...
Audrey marks and andrew holness

Ambassador Audrey Marks appointed to Jamaican Senate

Ambassador Audrey Marks has been appointed to the Jamaican Senate, the Office of the Prime Minister announced in a media release on Thursday. In a...
Jamaica's Ambassador to the U.S. Confident of Positive Travel Advisory Update

Ambassador Audrey Marks to step down as Jamaica’s envoy to the United States

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, will step down from her post at the end of this month, several highly placed government...
David “Wagga” Hunt Foundation

Two Jamaican philanthropists honoured by the David “Wagga” Hunt Foundation

Two distinguished Jamaican philanthropists from the Washington, DC area were honored by the David "Wagga" Hunt Foundation for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican...
Jamaican-American Michael Blake

Jamaican-American Michael Blake announces run for New York City Mayor

Michael Alexander Blake, a proud Jamaican-American politician, has officially entered the race for Mayor of New York City in the upcoming 2025 election. The 2025...
Jamaican Women of Florida president

Jamaican Women of Florida announces new leadership for 2025-2026

The Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) has announced its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term, ushering in a dynamic leadership team...
AFUWI

AFUWI announces honorees for 2025 “The Legacy Continues” scholarship gala

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) has announced the distinguished honorees for its 28th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Scholarship...
Byron Donalds

Jamaican-American Rep. Byron Donalds announces bid for Florida governor

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Brooklyn-born politician of Jamaican and Panamanian heritage, announced his intention to run for governor of Florida in 2026, backed...

Golden Krust launches new Island Select patty line exclusively At Walmart 

Golden Krust, a beloved family-owned Caribbean brand in the U.S., is expanding its reach with the launch of Golden Krust Island Select, an exclusive...
Congress members make another plea for the exoneration of Jamaica’s National Hero Marcus Garvey

Marcus Garvey to be honored with plaque at Big Bethel Church in Atlanta

A plaque commemorating Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero, will be unveiled in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 25, 2025. The ceremony will take place...

Latest Articles

Skip to content