Our Mission

About US

Capital Region West Indian Association

The Capital Region West Indian Association (CRWIA) was created in 2018 by Jinelle Thompson and Francene Gordon.

CRWIA aims to:

Aid in the health and well being of individuals in the Capital Region
Provide a platform for sharing stories about Caribbean culture and heritage
Support and contribute to the growth of the region’s West Indian businesses and owners

The organization collaborates with local businesses and organizations in its initiatives and empowers individuals to support their community locally and abroad.

The CRWIA carries out its mission through educational programming, cultural events and experiences, civic engagement, and volunteerism.

Founders

Jinelle Thompson, Co-Founder

Ethnic Background: Jamaican 🇯🇲

Why did you start this organization? The Capital Region West Indian Association was born out of a need for a community I was having difficulty finding. After graduating from SUNY Albany, I decided to begin building my life and career in the Capital Region. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, it was always easy to find a sense of home. But in the Capital Region, although I met many people of Caribbean descent, there weren’t many opportunities to engage around Caribbean culture. We hosted our first event—a game night in 2018, and since then have held film screenings and other programs, that highlight Caribbean culture. In 2019, we expanded the focus of our programs and events to address health, wellness, and access to these resources in our community.

Biography: Jinelle Thompson is an arts administrator, strategist, and community builder committed to establishing equitable partnerships and programming with cultural institutions and their communities, through research, anti-oppressive facilitation, and educational programming. Jinelle has a BA in Sociology & Political Science with a concentration in Public Law and is an MA in Museum Studies candidate. She was born in St. Andrew, Kingston, Jamaica, immigrated to the United States as a toddler, and raised in Brooklyn, NY.

Francene Gordon, Co-Founder

Ethnic Background: Jamaican 🇯🇲

Why did you start this organization? In July 2018, I co-founded the Capital Region West Indian Association (CRWIA), as I felt something was missing from the Capital Region. I aspired to unite individuals of West Indian descent and learn about each other's culture and heritage. I aspired to have everyone come together and learn about each other's culture and heritage. I aspired to highlight various businesses within the community and have a more vibrant presence of the West Indian culture. I hoped to do so by bringing a variety of West Indian-themed events to the Capital District that would enable us to learn about each other's culture and heritage while enjoying our roots and building a sense of cohesiveness and identity."

Biography: Francene Gordon was born in Danvers Pen, located in the St. Thomas Parish. Francene moved to Albany, NY, where she continued her education and lastly obtained her Associate Degree at Hudson Valley Community College. There she studied Human Services and Broadcast Journalism. Francene also served on the Human Services Club Board. Francene continued her education and received her Bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York College at Old Westbury, where she studied Media & Communications. Francene worked in the media industry. She then moved on to work in Human Services and the Healthcare industry. She continues to pursue the & bring the warmth & happiness of the Caribbean Sun to the Capital Region.

Board Members

Allison Joseph, President

Ethnic Background: Guyanese 🇬🇾

Why did you join CRWIA? Being Guyanese, relocating to the Capital Region from Brooklyn over 20 years ago, I craved the beautiful cultures from the Caribbean. I felt something was missing here in the Capital Region. I wanted to share our rich culture with the people of the Capital Region. The Caribbean Community is rapidly growing, and I wanted to reflect on how we show up in the community.

Biography: Allison Is the Director/Owner at Kidz R US Childcare LLC in Troy, NY, and the founder of Black Girls Do Bike Capital Region NY. She joined the board shortly after it was founded and has held several positions, including Treasurer. Allison has served on other community boards and is very active in the Capital Region community. She is the Co-Founder and organizer of Caribbean Day In The Park in Troy, NY.

Our Mission

The Capital Region West Indian Association (CRWIA) was founded to unify the West Indian community and foster a permanent Caribbean presence in the Capital Region.