Deshawn Cooke

Biography

Deshawn D. Cooke is a PhD student and teaching assistant pursuing his PhD in Public Affairs at the Florida International University. His research interests focus on access to quality education, collaborative governance, performance management and corruption, aiming to address systemic challenges in public policy. He holds a BSc in Management Information Systems with First Class Honors and an MSc in International Public and Development Management, both from the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Prior to his PhD studies, Deshawn worked in business strategy and project management, gaining valuable experience in leading initiatives and informing decision-making processes. His passion for youth leadership is reflected in his service as President of the Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students, where he contributed to shaping key national policies. He also served as the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth Youth Parliament and Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica’s 2021 National Youth Parliament.

In recognition of his dedication to community service, Deshawn was awarded the Governor General’s Achievement Award, one of Jamaica’s highest youth honors. Deshawn lives by the philosophy that, "Nothing great, or worth while achieving, is ever achieved, without enthusiasm".