PETNA News

Some people leave their mark through grand gestures. Pastor Stan Long left his through something quieter and far more lasting—the simple, steady act of believing in people before they believed in themselves. From the very first days of The PETNA Foundation, Pastor Long served as our Board Chair, but his role extended far beyond governance. He was the kind of leader who saw potential where others saw inexperience, who offered wisdom without condescension, and who understood th

On May 20, 2026, tech leader, innovator, and philanthropist Dr. Nicholas Brathwaite was officially installed as the new Chancellor of McMaster University. During the spring convocation ceremony, he officially stepped into his role as an ambassador for the university, bringing with him a legacy of global leadership in technology and business. Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Brathwaite emphasized the importance of humanizing technology and using their education to close so

Source You may know, Nicholas Brathwaite, the VC of Celesta Capital, but what about Nic the philanthropist? What about Nic the co-founder of the PETNA Foundation, his family foundation, that builds wells, funds education, among many other things? In Episode 029, “Giving with a VC Mindset: How Nic Brathwaite Combines Intellectual Capital and Philanthropy,” on Black Philanthropy: Our Stories – A Simuel + Murray Podcast, Nic shares with host, Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, what

The PETNA Foundation has been proud to sponsor the Caribbean Science Foundation’s SPISE program since its inception in 2012. SPISE – the Student Program for Innovation in Science and Engineering – was founded by Professor Cardinal Warde and Dr. Dinah Sah to nurture “the Caribbean’s next generation of technology entrepreneurs and leaders in science, engineering and business”. The program is geared to outstanding students aged 16-18, offering them an intensive hybrid residentia

Read the full story: https://news.mcmaster.ca/rooted-together-a-celebration-of-black-history-month-at-mcmaster/ (Feb. 27, 2026)

On 13 February 2026, the Brathwaite Scholars gathered for a social evening at The Phoenix on the McMaster campus, joined by Andy Moonsammy of McMaster, hosted by Rod and Lynda Morrison of The PETNA Foundation. Pictured (l-r) are Andy Moonsammy (McMaster University), Pryla Pamphile, Khahill Richards, Timara Bubb, Keziah Gibbs, Rod and Lynda Morrison (The PETNA Foundation), and Corie Bain.

By Nicholas Earle Brathwaite When I moved to Silicon Valley in 1986 to work at Intel, I was the only Black person in my unit. Today, the valley looks very different. Last year, I had the honor of receiving a Culture Shift Labs Award and spoke on my personal journey. As we recognize Black History Month, I’ve been revisiting lessons that still feel urgently relevant today and wanted to share a few reflections. As I mentioned, Silicon Valley was not a flourishing place for Black

February 3, 2026 – The PETNA Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Award is Kaeleigh Lewis. Hailing from Jamaica, where she resides with her mother and grandmother, Kaeleigh studied at Immaculate Conception High School in Kingston and has an impressive record of volunteerism and community service. Passionate about environmental justice and education, Kaeleigh will be studying electrical engineering at McMaster Universi

The PETNA Foundation congratulates Solange Thomas Dowden, a past Brathwaite Scholar at McMaster University, on being granted a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from Manhattan University in December 2025. Congratulations, Solange! More details here: https://manhattan.edu/news/archive/2026/02/solange-thomas-dowden-jasper-engineers-journey.php

Nicholas Brathwaite, who chose McMaster University based on the design of its brochure 43 years ago, is returning as its 20th Chancellor. The PETNA Foundation founder's journey from Applied Chemistry graduate to Silicon Valley tech leader exemplifies innovation, equity, and giving back.

We are proud to celebrate Keziah Gibbs , one of our supported students, whose leadership and passion for inclusive STEM education is already making a remarkable impact in the Hamilton community. Read the full McMaster University feature here: https://news.mcmaster.ca/keziah-gibbs-brings-science-to-life-for-kids-and-teens/

PETNA Foundation scholarship changes student’s life By Lincoln DePradine Keziah Gibbs For more than four decades, technology entrepreneur...

The PETNA Foundation proudly congratulates Brathwaite Scholars Keziah Gibbs and Timara Bubb , who graduated from McMaster University in...

In June 2025, Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite visited Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where they were hosted by Nancy...

In a heartfelt tribute that has touched many in the Grenadian community, Hon Delma Thomas recently took to social media to acknowledge...

1.0 OVERVIEW Science popularization initiatives are one of the most effective methods of engaging parents, students, teachers, and the...

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – May 24, 2024 – McMaster University proudly announces the latest recipient of the Nicholas and Janice...

Pictured (left-right): Khahill Richards, Solange Thomas Dowden, Timara Bubb, Dr. Nicholas Brathwaite, Keziah Gibbs, Corie Bain