Rachel Dolcine: The US-based philanthropist committed to at-risk Jamaican communities

Today, this accomplished Jamaican has achieved her heart’s desire, having made successful forays into numerous and diverse spheres of life, including academia, writing, philanthropy, business and consultancy.

This Jamaican gem attended the Petersfield Primary and Infant School, and as she recalled, asked many questions. “I loved to laugh and play, but I wanted to learn so much more,” Dolcine said.

Her fondest memory of her childhood in Jamaica included the ice-cream man that came once per week on his motorcycle and the bread man as well. “The hard-dough bread was always hot, crusty and soft inside,” she remembered.

However, her time in Jamaica was short-lived as she migrated to the United States where she has been residing for the past 30 years. “When I first came to the United States, it was not good. I had separation anxiety and I came into a country where I had to get accustomed to my parents,” Dolcine said.

“School was terrible. I was teased and it was not a welcoming experience for me. I couldn't go back home to Jamaica because my grandmother was getting old,” she said.

However, her family kept the Jamaican traditions alive in the home, including the food, culture and values. “Everything was similar to Jamaica. We could not forget it even if we were not born there. Our entire upbringing was immersed in Jamaican culture,” Dolcine added.

She received a Bachelor of Art degree (cum laude) from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. This was followed by a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Baltimore.

Dolcine is also a graduate of the Associated Black Charities (ABC) Board Pipeline Leadership Program; the prestigious Maryland Certified Public Manager Program- Non-profit Track at the University of Baltimore; Leadership Essentials Programme at Loyola University; and the Standards for Excellence Institute Licensed Consultant Programme.

“I wanted to do constitutional law because I wanted to help people in some way. I started in the Young Men’s Christian Association at 16 years old, and then decided that I wanted to have a career working in the non-profit sector,” said Dolcine, who also is a member of the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN), arguably the largest non-profit body among West Indians in North America and the United Kingdom.

“Over a span of 20 years being a non-profit has continued to be my life because that is where my passion is.”

Today, Dolcine is an award-winning international motivational speaker, licensed non-profit consultant, author, entrepreneur, and mentor. She is an innovative non-profit strategist with extensive experience in training and development, curriculum development, non-profit start-up, board development and strategic planning.

She is also the owner of Compass Consulting and Training Solutions - a consulting agency specializing in non-profit consulting services, professional development training and facilitation, curriculum development and program management - and RJ Designs, a creative company specializing in custom artisan home décor and gemstone jewellery.

“As the years have gone by, I have become very creative, and this has kept me going. I suffer from anxiety and depression and when I feel it coming on, I go to my room and start creating. Out of chaos I have learnt to be creative, and I have used this space to create peace,” Dolcine said.

She has also authored two books: Conversations with my Son: Fun & Witty Inspiration for Mothers Raising Boys, and Love Behind the Blue Line: Stories of Love, Courage, Hope & Legacy.

“The first book is a collection of conversations I have had with my son until he was about four. Having a child was the last thing on my list. It was difficult for me for the first year or two. I had no family around and my husband, being a police officer, his schedule was heavy all the time. I was so lonely that I spoke to him a lot,” Dolcine said.

“Writing about these conversations shaped me as a mother and taught me how to be the mother he needed. In my imperfections I became the perfect mother for my son,” she added.

Her second book was created as a support to women who are also wives of police officers. “We wanted to create a life outside of being police officers’ wives and coping with the stress and chaos associated with their jobs. We found ways in which we could support each other,” Dolcine said.

She has been recognized for her philanthropic work and business accomplishments. Her awards include Maryland’s Top 100 Women, Leading Women: Maryland's Future, Maryland Very Important Professionals Under 40, Women in Business International Nonprofit Leader and F.A.M.E Programme Leader & Mentor.

She is an avid volunteer and currently serves as the head of the Joseph and Vera Douglas Family Foundation Inc. (JVDFF), a charity organization founded in 2014 by Dolcine to honour the legacy of her grandparents who were lifetime residents of Bastard Cedar Walk, a small community in the Petersfield area of Westmoreland.

The foundation serves at-risk communities in Jamaica and the United States by providing literacy materials, health resources and entrepreneurship training for women, enabling these communities and female entrepreneurs to improve their quality of life and become self-sufficient.

Since 2014, JVDFF has completed six 10-day “mission in action” trips to complete community projects in Petersfield, Whitehouse, and Kingston. It has also sponsored three community events and launched a multi-year classroom library project at Petersfield Primary and Infant School.

“The seeds my grandparents planted we were the beneficiaries. We grew up hearing about them. They were poor and could not read or write, but they contributed greatly to the community. My grandfather, especially, was famous as he gave to the community, the church and homes,” Dolcine said.