By: Nelson A. King
The prestigious New York Times has named Vincentian Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle, the wife of international Soca star Kevin Lyttle, among the top 20 women entrepreneurs worldwide to look out for in 2025.
The Times’ NY Weekly Magazine describes Miami-based Dr. James-Lyttle as “the embodiment of unrelenting power, a visionary force redefining excellence across academics, athletics, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and global leadership.
“Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, she defied the odds to become the first Black female engineering graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering,” the publication says.
“Not content with rewriting history in academia, she became a two-time All-American scholar-athlete, cementing her dominance on and off the field,” it adds.
The publication says that Dr. James-Lyttle’s ascent continued at the University of Miami, where she secured a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Civil and Architectural Engineering, “while driving groundbreaking research in energy efficiency and sustainability.”
As an academic, the magazine says Dr. James-Lyttle shattered glass ceilings, “paving the way for future innovators.”
At the United States Coast Guard Academy and the University of Miami, it says Dr. James-Lyttle excelled as “a transformative educator, mentoring countless students and advancing the frontiers of sustainable engineering.”
The NY Weekly Magazine says her “trailblazing research, coupled with her leadership in fostering diversity, positioned her as a thought leader and role model in a domain historically resistant to inclusion.”
From academia to entrepreneurship
But it says academia was “merely the launchpad for her unparalleled entrepreneurial reign”, stating that Dr. James-Lyttle built an empire, “founding IMARA Engineering Consulting, which evolved into GFD Group Miami, a powerhouse delivering premier architecture, engineering, design, and construction management services across the US and the Caribbean.”
The publication says Dr. James-Lyttle’s entrepreneurial genius “knows no bounds”, adding that she co-founded a music conglomerate with her husband, “leveraging their combined power to elevate Soca music.”
The magazine says the couple also launched VONZUU, “a revolutionary technology poised to surpass Uber as the go-to transportation and delivery platform in the Caribbean.”
It says her ventures span industries and continents, leading Global 27, Inc., specializing in sustainable luxury developments, and creating KidsVille, “an innovative facility transforming childcare and entertainment.”
NY Weekly Magazine says Dr. James-Lyttle has “reshaped industries with a ferocity few can match through strategic real estate investments, luxury property development, music business development, Architectural Engineering design-build and restaurant ownership.
The publication says Dr. James-Lyttle’s “influence extends beyond business into the heart of global philanthropy”, co-founding the Janice Lyttle Foundation in “orchestrating multimillion-dollar initiatives to combat heart disease, provide disaster relief, and elevate community health.”
The magazine notes what when St. Vincent and the Grenadines was severely impacted by the 2021 volcanic eruptions and the devastation of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Dr. James-Lyttle “mobilized resources and partnerships, delivering aid on an unprecedented scale.”
A formidable force
NY Weekly Magazine says Esther’s Promise, Dr. James-Lyttle’s initiative for empowering at-risk women, and her US board service with Recapturing the Vision “underscore her relentless commitment to creating a better world.”
It says her achievements have earned her “elite recognition, from induction into the Coast Guard Academy Hall of Fame to accolades as a humanitarian and trailblazer.”
Named one of Miami’s most influential Black women, NY Weekly Magazine says Dr. James-Lyttle is “revered by institutions and global networks alike, commanding respect as a titan in business, engineering and philanthropy.”
It says “Dr. Jacqueline Patricia James-Lyttle is not just an entrepreneur; she is a global force of nature.
“Her indomitable spirit and unparalleled vision place her at the pinnacle of power,” the magazine says.
“As a military veteran, academic pioneer, business leader, and philanthropist, she has broken barriers, built legacies, and inspired countless individuals, proving the boundless potential of resilience and leadership,” it adds.
Honour still sinking in
Dr. Jacqueline Patricia James-Lyttle – a member of the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), The Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) – told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that “the weight and true honor of being named one of the top 20 women entrepreneurs to watch in 2025 is still sinking in.
“To have this recognition come from The New York Times makes it even more profound,” she said. “My dreams are big, and I often keep my head down, focused on achieving them. But in moments like this, when I’m encouraged to pause and take in the results, the feeling is nothing short of surreal.
“I am deeply grateful; there is no greatness without gratitude,” she added. “I’m thankful for my village, my circle, and all those who have cheered me on.
“I’m also appreciative of those who have struggled to support me, as they unknowingly fuel my inspiration,” Dr. James-Lyttle continued. “The beautiful journey continues.”