Meet the DIPS Leadership Team
The Darcol Institute of Professional Studies (DIPS) is guided by a team of dedicated directors and support staff who bring extensive professional expertise to advance our mission of accessible, industry-aligned, and excellence-driven professional education.
These directors contribute on a strategic, advisory, and programme-specific basis, alongside their full-time professional commitments, helping to strengthen learning pathways, expand career opportunities, and enhance the overall learner experience. Meet the DIPS Leadership below.
Colleen Waldron, MSBA, IWEP, IEDP
President, Founder
Colleen Waldron is the Founder and President of the Darcol Institute of Professional Studies (DIPS), bringing a multidisciplinary background in data analytics, business intelligence, marketing strategy, and professional education. She holds a Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) and is completing an MBA in Marketing. She is also internationally certified in Wedding and Event Planning and Event Decoration (IWEP, IEDP), reflecting a strong balance of analytical and creative expertise.
Mrs. Waldron’s professional experience includes serving as a Data Analyst at K-12 Data Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, where she applied analytical methodologies to support performance improvement, compliance initiatives, and strategic decision-making. Her data-driven approach continues to inform her leadership style, emphasizing evidence-based planning, operational efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
In addition, she brings over a decade of administrative and operational experience in higher education, having served at the University of the Southern Caribbean, along with extensive experience delivering professional training across the Caribbean, including Guyana, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. She has collaborated with institutions such as Families in Action, the Ministry of Community Development (Trinidad and Tobago), and the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU), delivering both face-to-face and online training at regional and international levels. This combination of academic administration, professional training, and applied practice enables her to design learning environments that are industry-aligned, practical, and impactful.
Mrs. Waldron is deeply committed to establishing DIPS as a premier institution for accessible, high-quality, skills-based education. Her vision is centered on expanding opportunities for underserved communities while equipping learners with the competencies, confidence, and problem-solving capabilities required to succeed in today’s workforce and entrepreneurial landscape.
Darrel Waldron, BSc, GCM, MCAS
Vice President & Co-Founder
Darrel Waldron is the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Darcol Institute of Professional Studies (DIPS), bringing extensive experience in application support, systems analysis, business intelligence, and technology-enabled education. His professional background spans enterprise IT environments, data reporting, compliance support, and instructional delivery, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving, system optimization, and practical, user-focused solutions.
Mr. Waldron currently works as an Application Support Specialist, where he supports enterprise applications, system configuration, data quality reviews, and reporting across complex operational environments. His work involves analyzing business requirements, supporting audits and compliance processes, and translating technical data into actionable insights using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL-based reporting, and Microsoft reporting platforms.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering and has completed advanced professional training and certifications in Microsoft Office applications, business intelligence tools, data analysis, project management, and systems support. Darrel also brings a strong educational foundation as a former Computer Science and Information Technology teacher, which informs his structured, learner-centered approach to instruction.
At DIPS, Mr. Waldron provides technical leadership, instructional support, and strategic oversight, contributing to the development of skills-based programmes that emphasize analytical thinking, digital competence, and real-world application. His work supports DIPS’ mission to deliver accessible, high-quality professional training aligned with the demands of today’s digital and organizational environments.
Charles Carmichael, M.Sc., B.Sc.
Director of Resource Development & Strategic Partnerships
Mr. Charles Carmichael is an Agricultural and Development Economist with over thirty years of experience in agricultural, rural, and community development across the Caribbean. He holds an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics (Planning for Agricultural Development) and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics. His work has consistently focused on creating sustainable solutions that promote regional growth and community resilience.
Throughout his career, Mr. Carmichael has worked as an international consultant with numerous national, regional, and international organizations, including the CARICOM Secretariat, IICA, FAO, OAS, IFAD, IDB, CDB, and CARDI. He has also served as Director of Industries at the University of the Southern Caribbean (Trinidad Campus), overseeing university-affiliated business enterprises. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering partnerships between academia, government, and industry, and in identifying, mobilizing, and securing resources that support institutional growth, programme sustainability, and long-term development impact.
Deneise Francis, MBA
Director of Finance
Deneise Francis holds an MBA in Finance and Healthcare Management and is a graduate of Grand Canyon University. She brings strong expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, procurement, and organizational management, applying a strategic, detail-oriented approach to financial oversight and decision-making.
Deneise has professional experience working within the Finance and Procurement Department at Emory University in Atlanta, where she supported financial operations, compliance processes, and resource management within a large, complex institutional environment. This experience strengthened her capacity for financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and adherence to best practices in fiscal governance.
She is deeply committed to promoting sound financial management, accountability, and sustainability, and plays a key role in supporting business growth through disciplined financial planning and controls. Deneise’s background positions her as a valuable contributor to the mission and development of the Darcol Institute of Professional Studies (DIPS), reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and long-term institutional success.
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Dr. Terrence Simon, PhD
Director of Institutional Integrity and Compliance
Dr. Simon is an Associate Professor of Business and Finance at Livingstone College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Salisbury, North Carolina. He brings nearly three decades of academic leadership and senior-level industry experience across finance, accounting, management, telecommunications, insurance, and taxation. Prior to joining Livingstone College, Dr. Simon served as Department Chair of Business Administration at Post University and held faculty appointments at Goodwin University and the University of the Southern Caribbean. His industry career includes senior roles with Guyana Airways 2000, Guyana Oil Company, CLICO Insurance, H&R Block, Sprint, and Voicestream. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Management (Capella University), an M.S. in Education (Walden University), and a B.S. in Management (University of Guyana).
At DIPS, Dr. Simon will provide strategic oversight in institutional integrity, governance, and compliance, supporting the development of policies and ethical standards that ensure accountability, transparency, and regulatory alignment.
Claudine Allert, MBA
Director of Community Outreach & Partnerships
Ms. Claudine Allert is an accomplished professional with over thirty years of experience in the financial services sector, bringing extensive expertise in customer service leadership, operations management, compliance, training, and stakeholder engagement. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Andrews University, along with certifications in Project Management, General Management, and Life Office Management (FLMI), supported by continuous professional development in compliance and service standards.
Throughout her career, Ms. Allert has held senior leadership roles at TATIL Life Assurance Limited, where she worked closely with diverse internal and external stakeholders, led service improvement and process enhancement initiatives, and supported organizational effectiveness within regulated environments.
At DIPS, Ms. Allert will lead community outreach and partnership initiatives, fostering meaningful collaborations with community organizations, educational institutions, and industry partners to expand access to programmes, strengthen engagement, and support the Institute’s mission of inclusive, skills-based education. She will also support relationship-building initiatives that connect learners with opportunities, resources, and pathways for personal and professional advancement.
Dr. Drason Browne, PhD
Director of Instructor Support & Professional Development
Dr. Drason Browne is a results-driven educational leader with over 20 years of experience in educational administration, organizational development, and strategic leadership. He currently serves as Director of University Services at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), where he oversees the Culinary, Events, and Hospitality departments. His leadership approach blends transformational vision with operational excellence, fostering innovation, accountability, and effective team performance.
In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Browne serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Education, contributing to instructional development through teaching in curriculum design, instructional leadership, and educational research methods.
Dr. Browne holds a Doctor of Education (EdD), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Leadership. These qualifications equip him to make a meaningful contribution in Instructor Support and Professional Development at DIPS. In this role, he supports curriculum alignment, strengthens instructional quality, provides mentoring and coaching for instructors, and promotes continuous professional development to ensure excellence across all DIPS programmes.
Caroline English, MBA
Director of Programmes
Ms. Caroline Ann English is a seasoned Business Consultant with over two decades of experience supporting micro-businesses, start-ups, and development initiatives across the Caribbean. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Liberty University and a BSc. in Public Management from the University of Guyana. Her professional background spans programme design and management, project planning, policy and strategy, organizational development, and strategic marketing.
Throughout her career, Ms. English has worked with regional and international organizations on entrepreneurship development, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and social impact initiatives. Her experience includes managing entrepreneurship programmes, supporting start-ups from concept to market, coordinating multi-stakeholder projects, overseeing training and capacity development initiatives, and contributing to evaluation and reform projects across sectors such as education, justice, health, and economic development.
At DIPS, Ms. English will lead programme development and coordination, ensuring offerings are relevant, well-structured, and aligned with industry and community needs, while supporting quality delivery and learner success.
Janel Blake, MBA
Director of Institutional Review
Janel Blake serves as Director of Institutional Review on the Board of Directors of the Darcol Institute of Professional Studies (DIPS), where she brings strong expertise in governance, policy oversight, and institutional quality assurance. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance from Andrews University, Michigan, USA, and has a solid academic foundation in accounts, finance, human resources, and business management.
With over a decade of experience in the corporate sector, Mrs. Blake has worked across finance, administrative leadership, and organizational operations, developing a keen understanding of compliance, internal controls, performance standards, and strategic decision-making.
In her role at DIPS, Mrs. Blake provides independent oversight and advisory input, ensuring that the Institute’s policies and institutional documentation reflect consistency, professionalism, quality, and alignment with established standards. Through her contributions to review processes and board deliberations, she supports leadership and strengthens DIPS’ commitment to integrity, accountability, and long-term institutional excellence.
Business Operations Specialist
Lisa-Kay Blackman serves as Business Operations Specialist at the Darcol Institute of Professional Studies (DIPS), supporting the institute’s administrative, operational, and coordination functions to ensure efficient day-to-day operations. She brings a strong background in administration, financial coordination, customer relations, and organizational management within public-sector and community-based environments.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Business Education, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Management with Accounting, and a Certificate in Facility Management. Her professional experience includes roles with the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, the National Association of Athletics Administrators, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, where she supported budgeting, reporting, database management, and office operations.
At DIPS, Lisa strengthens internal systems, supports programme coordination, manages documentation and records, and assists with financial and reporting processes. Her detail-oriented approach, strong organizational skills, and commitment to service excellence contribute to the smooth delivery of DIPS’ professional training and community-focused.