Patricia Baccas-Bowen
Jamaican-born Patricia Baccas-Bowen, founder, CEO host and producer of Future Movement Radio was recently honored by Governor Nathan Deal and appointed: The Honorable Pat Baccas-Bowen Lieutenant Colonel, Aide De Camp Governor's Staff. Pat was also honored with a state commendation from the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, Casey Cagle.
The Atlanta-based entrepreneur is the first Caribbean national in the state of Georgia to receive these honors.
"I feel a glowing sense of pride to be the first Caribbean national in the state to be recognized by the Lieutenant Governor for outstanding community service," a beaming Baccas-Bowen — who moved to Atlanta nine years ago — said moments after accepting the award.
Since receiving the commendation, she has been conferred with several other special awards and recognition including a 'Georgia State Senate Resolution' which was presented to her by senators Steve Henson, Gloria Butler and Ronald Ramsey; a 'Certificate of Community Service' from the Mayor Creg Zarus of the City of Pine Lake Georgia; a 'Proclamation' from the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners; an invitation to visit the White House in Washington DC, and others.
Among those paying homage to Baccas-Bowen for her work in the community are Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell, who called her "An outstanding business leader, media professional, advocate and friend.
"Pat is an institution in our community. Our community is certainly better informed and served because of her activism... It would be just great, if the rest of the world could be so fortunate to have a Pat Baccas!" he said. Senator Henson's comments were just as glowing. He described her as "an outstanding individual". "I am constantly impressed with her knowledge of issues and deep commitment to keep the community informed," he said.
"I have tremendous respect for Patricia Baccas-Bowen and the work she's doing in our community," said Senator Ronald Ramsey. "It's very fitting that she's been recognized for her leadership."
Baccas-Bowen has been a trailblazer, a motivator and a model of inspiration for Caribbean nationals in Georgia. Weeks after her arrival in the state, she plunged into the profession she loves best, radio, establishing a media platform for the Caribbean Community with Future Movement Radio. The program addresses issues affecting Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora and at home in the islands.
Baccas-Bowen is fully aware of the powerful allure of the Jamaica brand and is building marketing partnerships with a number of US-based Jamaican companies. She has been able to lure huge corporate clients who are looking to promote their products and services to a niche market in Atlanta.
Among her proud accomplishments are creating and implementing a media awareness campaign for the US Census in 2010 and working with the bureau to encourage Caribbean and South American nationals in the state to be counted. She has conducted several voter registration drives in the community; highlights the importance of getting involved in the electoral process and is consistently informing and encouraging permanent residents of the benefits of obtaining citizenship.
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 when the worst earthquake in 200 years struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Baccas-Bowen quickly mobilized support for those most affected. She used her radio program to encourage the community to donate to organizations like the Red Cross, CARE and Food for the Hungry and eventually partnered with the World Chamber of Commerce to fly aid into Haiti.
Believing that one person can be the catalyst to institute meaningful and positive change in the community, she has been working and engaging federal, state, county and city elected officials, congressional members, senators, state representatives, county commissioners, mayors, city council members and judges.
"I have been in dialogue with various state and city officials in Atlanta... I am not yet at liberty to reveal all the details but I can say it will impact many lives in Jamaica and will bring substantial financial remuneration to the country when it comes to fruition" she remarked