Jada Wright – a prodigy committed to positive change

AT NINE years old, Jada Wright astonished her parents by declaring, “I’m going to be one of the best motivational speakers in the world.” In the succeeding years, that astonishment has become a common occurrence, as young Wright has not only racked up academic accolades, but has progressed rapidly towards making good on her bold intention.

At 10, she completed her prep school education as top academic performer, and had initiated a book club at her school. She began her secondary education at Hampton School where, still only 11 years old, she achieved CSEC passes in English, Principles of Business, Science, and Social Studies – with distinctions. Two years later, at 13, her ‘high school blitz’ would be complete, with Wright securing nine grade ones, covering mathematics and the sciences among others, showcasing her versatile intellectual capabilities.

TRAIL OF EXCELLENCE

But she was only beginning to make history. At 14, Wright enrolled at the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica as the youngest student in the history of that institution. Now, as a second-year tertiary student, she is continuing to blaze a trail of excellence.

Wright’s influence extends beyond academics into the tech world. In 2022, she made a notable appearance at Tech Beach, one of the biggest tech conferences in the Caribbean, underscoring her status as an emerging voice in technology.

Yet another opportunity to showcase that greatness arrives Tuesday, April 15, with the fifth annual Organizational Development Conference, organised by CARI-CODE as part of the observances for Organizational Development Transformation (ODT) Week 2025, will examine the pathways to fusing artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence through the lens of organisational development. Wright will take her place along with Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr, and leading organisational developments experts from the academic and corporate spheres in Jamaica as well as internationally.

According to Ilsa duVerney, CARI-CODE/CODN founder/chairman and CEO, “Our transformation efforts for sustainability have been including the youth in our planning and activity. Last year we invited two Gen Zs to speak at our conference. We are delighted to have Jada representing the Gen Alpha group.”

FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND INSIGHTS

Speaking specifically to the opportunity, Wright said, “as a Gen Alpha member, I feel a tremendous responsibility and excitement to share the fresh perspectives and insights that shape our vision for the future. The opportunity provided by this conference to engage with leading experts and innovative thinkers is both inspiring and humbling, and I eagerly look forward to contributing to discussions that will spark transformative change.”

Wright’s parents Donovan and Judian Wright, note her maturity with grace. “Our daughter inspires us every single day to live boldly and pursue our dreams fearlessly,” Judian said. “Even though we get to witness her journey close up, we’re still in awe. Watching her walk confidently toward her vision – already speaking on major stages to global audiences – has been nothing short of incredible, and as parents, we couldn’t be more proud.”

Beyond her personal achievements, Wright is deeply committed to educational reform and, as one might expect given her track record, she is tackling the issue head-on. She is the founder of the Caribbean Online Academy Homeschool Programme, a pioneering initiative that embodies her belief that teaching and learning must be tailored to individual needs, echoing her conviction that “one size does not fit all”.

She actively engages in teaching coding to younger students enrolled in the Homeschool Academy, further demonstrating her commitment to empowering the next generation.

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Wright continues to deepen her knowledge and expertise in the field she is passionate about. Despite her busy schedule, she embodies the maxim, ‘Readers are leaders’, having consumed over 50 books in the last year alone.

With her combination of humility, resilience and passionate dedication to her chosen field, the world truly awaits the next steps of Jada Wright as she pushes boundaries and sparks transformation. With the level of interactions and information available to her at this ODT Conference, who knows what milestone(s) she will lay down for herself – and confidently attain.