Founder and President Edgar “Pete” Peters, President of the Foundation, was honored as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Caribbean Heritage Month by Congressman Darren Soto—recognition that reflects his unwavering commitment to empowering Caribbean communities and promoting cultural heritage.
Jaida Williams, our Chief Operations Officer and Director of Philanthropy, was the featured alumni profile in her high school's 1794 Juxtaposition Catalog. She was recognized for her impactful work in improving communities across Jamaica and for sharing her vision for the future direction of The Ann Hewan Foundation.
These honors reflect not only personal achievements, but also the mission of our foundation.
Edgar “Pete” Peters was officially recognized and awarded in the Congressional Record as Caribbean Heritage Month’s Most Distinguished Leader by Congressman Darren Soto, honoring his remarkable impact in Central Florida and beyond. Pete has long been a force for good both in his professional life and in the communities he serves.
With over 27 years at Southwest Airlines, Pete has built a reputation for leadership, service, and integrity. Throughout his career, he has taken on diverse roles and earned numerous honors, reflecting his unwavering commitment to excellence. But it is his work beyond the runway that truly sets him apart.
As founder of The Ann Hewan Foundation, Pete has dedicated himself to uplifting underserved communities in his native Jamaica and throughout Central Florida. Inspired by the legacy of his late aunt, who played a pivotal role in his life, Pete’s efforts focus on creating meaningful opportunities for those often overlooked. From organizing school supply drives and funding school breakfast programs to helping build a recreational field for students in rural Jamaica, his impact is far-reaching and deeply personal.
Pete leads with strength and vision, driven by a deep belief in the dignity and potential of every individual. His work is fueled by a commitment to opportunity and hope, aiming to build a better future for every child regardless of their circumstances. Through his ongoing efforts, Pete continues to build bridges between communities, foster growth, and inspire others to join in creating lasting change.
As Chief Operations Officer and Director of Philanthropy, Jaida Williams is the driving force behind the vision, strategy, and storytelling of The Ann Hewan Foundation. She leads the organization’s marketing and public engagement efforts while working side by side with President Edgar “Pete” Peters to shape the future of both the Goodwill community and Jamaica at large.
Jaida’s work is grounded in a bold and personal mission: to help reshape Jamaica into a place of opportunity where families thrive and no one feels forced to leave in search of a better life. Inspired by the legacy of her late Aunt Ann, a devoted caregiver and pillar of the Goodwill community, Jaida is building a future where Jamaican children have access to education, stability, and hope right at home.
Her vision goes beyond short-term relief. She is leading long-term initiatives such as building a new playing field for her family’s alma mater and laying the foundation for a community center and an orphanage. Each project is designed to create jobs, provide educational resources, and offer safe spaces for children left behind by migration. For Jaida, this work is deeply personal. She dreams of a Jamaica where people stay not because they have to, but because they want to — where opportunity, joy, and belonging are already present.
Jaida’s leadership journey began early. A three-season varsity athlete and student leader at a renowned international boarding school, she went on to graduate with honors from the University of Connecticut, where she was active in cultural, academic, and community organizations.
Her dedication and impact were recently recognized in an alumni profile featured in the prestigious 2025 spring edition of Cheshire Academy's '1794 Juxtaposition' catalog, celebrating her achievements and vision for the Foundation’s future. Today, she channels that same drive into expanding the Foundation’s reach and deepening its impact. Together with President Peters, Jaida is helping transform a family legacy into a lasting movement for change.
Link To Article (pages: 26-27) : https://cheshireacademy.org/1794-magazine/
The Ann Hewan Foundation is making quite the splash.
Both President Edgar “Pete” Peters and Chief Operations Officer and Director of Philanthropy Jaida Williams have recently been honored for their outstanding contributions in their respective communities. From President Peters being recognized with a national award in the Congressional Record to COO Jaida Williams being featured in a distinguished alumni publication, these recognitions reflect the heart, vision, and leadership driving the Foundation forward.
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