INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Wall Street Experience Shaped Consul General of Jamaica
By Diane Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Jamaica ’ s Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson seems to have a charmed life , catapulting from an entry level job at an investment banking firm to helping close multi-million bond deals on Wall Street . But the Caribbean diplomat has an amazing back story that includes a time as a homeless student in New York and a fierce determination to get ahead .
In 2019 Wilson was appointed consul general and her responsibilities stretch across 33 states , including New Jersey and New York , where her office is located . Her focus is to build international relations and promote the interests of Jamaica ’ s – a lush Caribbean island , where reggae was born and tourists flock , especially to the premiere resorts along Montego Bay .
She is impressed by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey ’ s outreach to the international community . The consul general has participated in several events hosted by CIANJ and want to pursue a relationship that will be beneficial for her diaspora and the business group ’ s members .
Over the past few years CIANJ has signed agreements with Hungary and other nations to pursue business opportunities . CIANJ President Anthony Russo said he eager to discuss the possibilities with Jamaica .
Wilson said she makes business and finance a priority because of her Wall Street background . As a teenager she decided on a business career , despite her mother ’ s disapproval . Her mother moved the family from Jamaica to Brooklyn when Wilson was in her teens . She was enrolled in the prestigious Erasmus High School in Brooklyn , where Barbara Streisand , Bobby Fischer and Clive Davis are counted among its famous graduates .
Wilson ’ s mother wanted her to become a nurse as most of her family had . But the young student felt no allure for it . Instead , she loved fashion and wanted a job where people dressed smartly in the workplace . Her counselors encouraged her to consider the business world , especially since she loved math . But Wilson said her mother was appalled and kicked her out of the house .
For more than a year Wilson lived in Covenant House in midtown Manhattan , a facility run by the Catholic Charities to help homeless youth . “ I think it was the worst year of my entire life ,” she said . She felt so alone without her family . But Wilson was very appreciative of Covenant House ’ s help . “ What I got was very important from them – the support . The support that if you want to a businesswoman , you can actually do it .”
Her first job was in the mail room at Morgan Stanley . In every situation she persevered , learning skills and showing her abilities . In 1996 she was hired by Bear Stearns , the investment bank , securities trading and investment firm . There , she had the opportunity to work with traders as a public analyst .
One of her most cherished memories was when she met Alan “ Ace ” Greenberg , the chairman of the executive committee at Bear Sterns .
The relationships Alsion Roach Wilson built on Wall Street served her well and continue to help in her new role as consul general to Jamaica .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / AndreyKrav
Alsion Roach Wilson defied her mother ' s wishes and entered the business world .
“ He told me ‘ you ’ re going to be a superstar one day ’.” Wilson recalled .
When Bear Stearns was vying to become the underwriter for a $ 500 million bond sale by Jamaica , Wilson was assigned to assist in it . The Jamaican trade minister was impressed that a native was on the Bear Stearns team . The relationships she developed in that first successful bond deal served Wilson well , opening doors for her and giving her expertise in Caribbean business and finance .
As her career advanced , her network grew to include leading figures from the islands , including Michele Rollins , the former lieutenant governor of Delaware , who owns huge swaths of property in Jamaica , especially in Montego Bay , and the former U . S . ambassador to Jamaica , Brenda LaGrange Johnson . Wilson said both women have been great mentors to her .
Their effect on her life and career lead the consul general to work with 40 young women today , many of whom are in Jamaica . She meets with many of these “ mentees ” virtually to provide guidance and assist them in their careers .
Giving back is very much a part of Wilson ’ s nature . During the pandemic she raised funds to buy 6,000 tablets and laptop computers for Jamaican students to make certain they could continue their education during the lockdown . “ If it ’ s within our power to assist , we try to figure it out ” she said .
March , 2024 COMMERCE 21