Charissa Lawrence

WHO I AM...I am a business development professional, a volunteer consultant, a passionate philanthropist and a neophyte investor. South Florida has been my home for 5 years.

A true child of the 80's,I grew up in NYC with an affinity for Nintendo games,Cabbage Patch Kids, The Cosby Show and cassette tapes. My parents are Jamaican immigrants so I also maintained a liking for beef patties and reggae music.

THE EARLY YEARS...I received undergraduate education at Northwestern University where I attained a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management Science. I then entered the corporate world by being accepted to Eaton Corporation's prestigious Leadership Development Program where I lived across Europe and the USA helping business units create and deploy effective business models.

HARVARD AND BEYOND...After Eaton, I began my enrollment at Harvard Business School, where I was granted the highly competitive Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship. As a Wall Street Investment Banker with Goldman Sachs,I advised clients on financial and strategic issues including acquisition/divestiture options and capital structure reorganization. While investment banking is a rich experience,I ultimately decided the lifestyle was not for me. Hence, I took a similar role with American Express's Strategy Group. Currently,I hold a leadership position with Tyco International managing Global Corporate Strategy and Business Development opportunities.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE...I have a strong desire to cross-fertilize my business skills into the worlds of non-profit and academia. As such,I am a volunteer consultant to local small businesses and an avid college prep coach. I've also worked internationally on this agenda by starting a non-profit education program in Jamaica. As an active member of the Leadership Broward Foundation,I have a keen understanding of what is needed to positively impact local communities. I am also a board member for Broward College's Institute of Economic Development.

INVESTMENTS...I've recently started to make advancements in the world of entrepreneurial investing. I currently hold board positions with two start-up technology and media companies for which I am also an investor.

WHAT'S NEXT...Help South Florida and the Caribbean become epicenters for technology, innovation and philanthropic investment!