Nicola Madden-Greig receives YGB Entrepreneurial Award

JAMAICAN-CARIBBEAN tourism and hospitality personality/businesswoman Nicola Madden-Greig was recently honoured with the ‘Professional Services Businesswoman of the Year Sales & Marketing Award’ at the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards ceremony, which recognises black professionals and entrepreneurs in the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa.

The annual event, known for its prestigious black excellence fundraising gala, attracted a turnout of 200 attendees this year, the 20th anniversary, at Elegant Terrace On The Park, 52-11 111th Street, Queens, New York, where 20 other black professionals were recognised.

Madden-Greig is currently the group director of marketing and sales for The Courtleigh Hospitality Group, and is the immediate past president of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. The award is “in recognition of her impressive track record of over 20 years in the Caribbean travel and hospitality industry”.

In addition to this honour, Madden-Grieg was awarded a State of New York Legislative Resolution from Senator Kevin Parker, signed by Secretary Alejandra N. Paulino, and a ‘Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition’ from Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’.

A part of the resolution reads: “Whereas, it is the custom of this legislative body to honour those individuals and organisations which devote their purposeful energies to improve the dignity and quality of life of those they serve, preserve their heritage, and foster pride among them.

“And whereas, attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its longstanding traditions, this legislative body is justly proud to honour Nicola Madden-Greig upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition.”

The awards were accepted on behalf of Madden-Greig by Shauna Fung Yee, the business development board advisor for YGB Entrepreneurial Awards, and chief executive officer of Down 2 Earth Agency, which nominated Madden-Grieg.

Madden-Greig currently sits on the Jamaica Tourist Board, and the boards of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Tourism Linkages Council where she chairs the Gastronomy Tourism network. She is one of only three women to have served as JHTA president – for two-term.

Additional JHTA positions in which Madden-Greig served include: first vice-president, chairman of the marketing and membership sub-committees; chairman of the fundraising and public relations sub-committee, and area chairman of the JHTA Kingston Chapter. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in the USA.

The YGB Award is the latest in a long string of accolades Madden-Grieg has got over the years. She was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) by the Government of Jamaica in 2021. In 2019, she was also the recipient ofthe President’s Award – Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, in recognition and appreciation of invaluable support to the JHTA.

Other awards includea 2015 Certification of Appreciation – White House Communications Agency; a 2007 Certificate of Appreciation – United States Secret Service;the 2006 President’s Award – JHTA for her significant contribution to The JHTA and to the marketing and promotion of Kingston in particular, and Jamaica in general.

The mission of the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards is to emphasise the importance of highlighting and celebrating distinguished black individuals who are unsung heroes and heroines within their communities, representing various sectors including business management, technology, healthcare, creative arts, sports, philanthropy, etc.

“I am truly honoured to receive the 2025 Businesswoman of the Year Award in Sales & Marketing from the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards … This is an incredible international recognition, and I am truly humbled to have been singled out for this award and the other special commendations,” Madden-Greig told The Gleaner.

“This award and these recognitions are a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of my community … The support of my team, mentors, co-workers, family, and friends has been invaluable. As we just celebrated International Women’s Day, I hope my journey will inspire other young women to continue to break barriers, uplifting and mentoring future generations.”