PGCon 2025 Speakers

Assistant Director, Projects at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS)

Ms. Bushell serves as the Assistant Director, Projects at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS). In this capacity, she provides executive oversight of the Agency’s portfolio of programmes and projects, encompassing project formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and resource mobilization.

Ms. Bushell recently completed a six-year tenure as a Director on the Procurement Board of Trinidad and Tobago. Her professional career spans the fields of development, project planning, and management, with extensive experience in both the public sector and international development. She has served in the Public Service of Trinidad and Tobago, including at the Ministry of Planning and Development and the Ministry of Community Development, Culture, and Gender Affairs, and has also worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Throughout her career, Ms. Bushell has cultivated substantial expertise in engaging and collaborating with international and regional development agencies, governments, and civil society organizations to mobilize and effectively utilize development resources in support of national and regional priorities.

She holds a Master of Science in Development and Project Planning and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Beyond her professional work, Ms. Bushell is deeply committed to community service across the Caribbean and globally. She is currently an International Director (2025–2027) on the Lions Clubs International Board, following her distinguished service as District Governor for District 60A (Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname) during 2016–2017, and Council Chairperson for the Caribbean Region in 2017–2018. Additionally, she has been actively involved with the Catholic Commission for Social Justice in Trinidad and Tobago.

Biologist and PhD student in Biodiversity at São Paulo State University – UNESP, Brazil

Rodolpho Gonçalves da Silva is a biologist and PhD student in Biodiversity at São Paulo State University – UNESP, Brazil. His research investigates how different livestock management practices influence wildlife in the Pantanal, with a special focus on jaguars and pumas.

By comparing areas managed with cattle and those with water buffalo, his work seeks to understand how land use and production systems affect the structure of mammal communities and the occupancy of top predators, contributing to the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and the promotion of more sustainable agriculture in harmony with nature conservation.

Beyond scientific research, Rodolpho is engaged in youth development and community service through Lions Clubs International. Over the past year, he represented young people around the world as a Leo-Lion Board Liaison to the International Board of Directors, combining science, leadership, and social commitment toward a more balanced and resilient future.

Once again, thank you for your kind invitation. I am looking forward to contributing to the discussions on Building Resilient Futures and engaging with the postgraduate community at UWI.

Ishaan Sudan

Entrepreneur and Sustainability Leader

Ishaan Sudan is an entrepreneur and sustainability leader from India, whose work focuses on environmental action, climate advocacy, and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals. His efforts are centred on translating global development priorities into meaningful, community-driven impact.

Working across the spectrum from grassroots implementation to global platforms, Ishaan undertakes initiatives that promote all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular emphasis on climate action, community resilience, and inclusive development. His work bridges local realities with global sustainability frameworks through on-ground programmes, awareness campaigns, and international advocacy.

Beyond field-based action, Ishaan is deeply engaged in youth leadership and global dialogue through Lions Clubs International, where he has been an active member for over eight years. He has represented young people on international platforms, including serving as a Youth Representative to the United Nations, and has delivered speeches and interventions at United Nations–linked forums on sustainability, youth leadership, and climate action.

In recognition of his contributions to the social and environmental sector, Ishaan has been awarded the Diana Award and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, honouring his leadership, service, and sustained impact.