PTE is dedicated to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Suggested items to donate are listed below.
List of Items to Donate
Size Does Not Matter... Any and all donations will be appreciated.
Lighting & Cell Phone Supplies:
Flashlights, AA batteries, Power banks/chargers, USB- A/B/C/lightning cords, solar powered, flashlights
Medical Supplies:
Hand sanitizer, bath wipes, respirator masks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, first aid kits
Food Supplies:
Non-perishable food items: rice, corn meal, oatmeal, sardines, tuna, corn beef, chicken, Vienna sausages, baby food, powdered milk, protein bars,
Join Us on the Path to Excellence
Providing to Communities Across the Island
On October 28, 2025 Hurricane Melissa touched down on the island of Jamaica causing mass destruction with devastation to multiple areas of the island.
Our aim is to facilitate access to resources for communities touched by this natural disaster.
About the Organization
Pathways to Excellence (PTE) is a remarkable 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2022. The mission is to assist and empower underserved communities across Jamaica, from Westmoreland to St Thomas and all the parishes in between. Our core focus lies in educational outreach. PTE was brought to life by the visionary mind of Lisa McKoy MS, BSN, RN who possesses an unwavering commitment to addressing education and health disparities. She had a vision of implementing effective interventions to uplift the people of Jamaica.
The decision to embark on this venture was not taken lightly. Lisa equipped herself with the necessary knowledge and expertise by pursuing graduate school education inspiring them to envision and execute her passion for effective change. With impressive collective experience of over 30 years of healthcare and community service. The insatiable drive to empower individuals towards better health and a love for knowledge is the core of her being. Failure is not an option for Lisa.
PTE is determined to dismantle the fortress of inequity by focusing on the root causes including factors that contribute to the creation and perpetuation of these disparities in the lives of those we will be privileged to serve Jamaica. As the journey continues, PTE stands as a beacon of hope for the underserved communities they serve. Through education outreach, the organization strives to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals, fostering a brighter and healthier future for all Jamaicans – starting with the youth of the nation.
Hurricane Melissa has destroyed the land, homes, businesses and schools of Jamaica - not the spirit and essence of the people of that great nation! Together we will rise above the rubble and destruction with resilience.
Help Our Cause
Your support and generous donations will enable us to improve the living conditions for multiple communities throughout the island.
Pathways to Excellence Foundation
PO Box 1110
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Help Our Cause
Your support will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions to stimulate a love for learning. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
School and/or jewelry making supplies can be mailed to:
Pathways To Excellence
PO Box 1110
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Meet the Founder
Lisa McKoy MS, BSN, RN
Lisa is a trailblazer as the first generation born in the United States from her Jamaican parents. Her roots are firmly tied to her grandparents, Louise Peynado and Allan McKoy. Her grandfather is affectionally known as a kind, compassionate man that shared with his community in various ways including giving money to purchase school supplies at the beginning of the school year. Despite only having 6th grade education, he was acutely aware of the importance and power of a good education. Lisa’s mother and grandmother migrated from the hot springs of Bath and the mountains of Beacon Hill, St Thomas, seeking a better life in the United States of America. However, the reality of the American dream proved different from their initial expectations. They met numerous challenges being in an unfamiliar country without any formal education. The importance of getting an education was instilled in Lisa with the value of humility and the importance of helping others.
Over the span of three decades, Lisa has dedicated herself to volunteer work, collaborating with various churches and other public-facing organizations. Her commitment includes contributing her time and resources to numerous initiatives such as organizing donations of clothing, food, and books both in Jamaica and the United States. With a career in nursing that spans over 30 years, Lisa's dedication to caring for others has matured into a higher purpose. The spirit of Lisa's mother, affectionately known as Auntie Dawn, has instilled a deep sense of empathy, commitment and generosity in Lisa and others.
Lisa remains steadfast in her commitment to the country that helped shape her into a person of integrity and strong values. Her dedication to giving back includes addressing education disparities showcases her as a remarkable role model for those around her. She desires to bring that fundamental spirit of generosity back to the homeland of her ancestors.
Thank you, My Dear Friend
Devon Smith was a dear friend and integral part of bringing the Pathways to Excellence Foundation to life. When I contemplated the name of the nonprofit, the name finally came to me, perfect for the vision for international locations. Multiple pathways would be created. When Devon asked, ‘How are you doing?’ The only acceptable answer was excellent. No matter what the situation or circumstance – We Were Excellent! Often reminding us that life wasn’t perfect, but with God – excellence was always present. He often referenced the word Eagle to remind people of their purpose – to fly high and reach our fullest potential.
Sleep in Peace, my dear friend. Thank you for being instrumental in my life and my vision to help the world – starting in Jamaica.
Lisa, the eagle remembering her purpose.