Jamaican Lisa Rutty Honoured by Canadian City with Inspirational Award

Jamaican community leader Lisa Rutty was honoured by the Canadian city of Brampton with an Inspirational Award during the 2026 Brampton Citizen Awards ceremony. The award recognized her work in community service, diaspora engagement, education, and humanitarian support.

Rutty, who lives in Brampton, has spent years supporting projects that connect Jamaicans in Canada while also helping causes in Jamaica. Her involvement has included volunteer work with the Jamaican Canadian Association, disaster relief efforts, educational programs, and community outreach.

“This award means my contributions did not go unnoticed, which makes me feel truly valved,” Rutty shared.

Recognition from the City of Brampton

The Inspirational Award is presented to individuals or groups who help improve the lives of others through humanitarian work and community support. According to the City of Brampton, recipients are selected based on their efforts to inspire goodwill and assist people in need.

Rutty’s recognition came after years of volunteer service across several community groups and programs. Her nomination highlighted her leadership during Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, where she helped organize the collection, sorting, and shipping of supplies to Jamaica.

She also assisted with the planning of a relief concert that brought together community partners to support families affected by the hurricane.

The nomination further noted her work within the New Apostolic Church community and her dedication to helping residents connect with resources and support services during difficult times.

Work in the Jamaican Diaspora

Rutty has also played a major role in Jamaican diaspora affairs in Canada. She was elected to serve on the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representing Canada for the 2023 to 2025 term and was later re elected for the 2026 to 2028 term.

Through the council, she has worked on projects aimed at strengthening ties between Jamaica and members of the diaspora. Her efforts included participating in diaspora conferences, supporting investment discussions, and helping to improve engagement between Jamaicans overseas and organizations in Jamaica.

She also serves on the Realtor Association of Jamaica Advocacy and Lobby Committee, where she contributes to discussions related to real estate matters affecting members of the diaspora.

Career and Community Service

Rutty has more than three decades of experience in management consulting and business development. She is a licensed REALTOR® in both Ontario and Jamaica and works with clients in the Greater Toronto Area and the Caribbean.

Her qualifications include the Certified International Property Specialist designation and an e PRO Certification from the National Association of REALTORS. She also studied business management at Ryerson University and travel and tourism at Seneca College.

Beyond her professional work, Rutty has remained active in volunteer service. She previously served as Chair of the Jamaican Canadian Association Member Services Committee and continues to support community programs connected to the organization.

She has also worked with George Brown College and the Jamaican Canadian Association on community education programs designed to give residents access to learning opportunities and information.

Rutty is also a founding partner of the Jamaican Canadian Business Advisory Group, which supports Jamaican Canadian entrepreneurs through networking and business development programs.

Support for Jamaica

Rutty’s work has also focused on promoting Jamaica and supporting national development efforts. She serves as a Brand Ambassador for the Jamaica Tourism Board and has participated in initiatives that highlight Jamaica’s culture and tourism sector.

Her involvement in disaster relief and diaspora engagement has helped strengthen connections between Jamaica and the Jamaican community in Canada.

Outside of her professional and volunteer activities, Rutty is a mother of three and enjoys travel. She has visited more than 32 countries across six continents.

Another Jamaican Honoured

Another Jamaican, Simone Thomas, was also honoured at the 2026 Brampton Citizen Awards with an Inspirational Award.

Thomas was recognized for her work supporting victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Following the hurricane, she helped establish the One Love Hurricane Melissa Relief Hub in Brampton, which became a collection and coordination center for humanitarian aid.

The award ceremony was attended by several community leaders and Jamaican representatives in Canada.