Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan

Honorary Consul Jamaica In Atlanta, Receives USA President’s Lifetime Achievement & Volunteer Service Gold Awards

Interview by: Cynthia L. Blandford, iF Magazine Publisher and CFO (ATL)

Tell us about yourself and how you became Honorary Consul Jamaica in Atlanta.

I was appointed as Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta in 2018 after Judge Jewel Scott resigned. I have started my fifth year in this role. I am the owner of Elaine Bryan Realty, a Real Estate Brokerage, and have excelled in real estate amassing a clientele database of over 30,000 people. I was selected as a real estate broker expert to commentate on HGTV and Fine Living Channel’s “What You Get for the Money.” Frequently requested to supply content as a columnist, I am the author of many “Financial Freedom Columns.” I am a Northwestern University, The University of West Georgia, and Leadership Sandy Springs Alumna. I have also been acknowledged locally for the global impact I have made. A partial list of awards include:

• 2005: Jamaica’s Honorary Consul Community Service Award

• 2005: Judge Glenda Hatchett Mentorship Award

• 2006: Mayor of Atlanta Phoenix Award. Outstanding Service in Georgia.

• 2006: Barbados Association Trident Awards

• 2019: Picture of Health Foundation Noble Leadership Award

• 2019: African Art and Cultural Festival Outstanding Leadership Award

• 2022: Lifetime Achievement President’s Gold Volunteer Service Awards (May 20)

As a Registered Microsoft Education Partner, I developed and established Microsoft-EBF STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Mentorship Programs in collaboration with The Elaine Bryan Foundation, a 501c3 organization, which I chair. Through virtual and face to face sessions held in collaboration with the Microsoft Corporation, my consistent unwavering commitment and dedication to uplift the youth of Georgia and throughout the Caribbean region, has resulted in collaborations with hundreds of students in the University System of Georgia. These students have been the recipient of laptops, internships, and job placement at Microsoft Corporation. 

One of my strategic goals, as Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Atlanta, has been to nourish and further establish symbiotic relationships between the State of Georgia and Jamaica. Expanding trade and investment opportunities is one of my highest priorities that I engage daily to support my beloved Jamaica. Since becoming the Honorary Consul for Jamaica, I participated in the first (PICA) Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency outreach where over two thousand (2,000) Jamaicans came from southern states for consular services. I have organized and implemented the inaugural “Jamaican Pioneers of Georgia” event viewed by 80,000 people to showcase Jamaicans and their US born children. I am forever guided by my trademark, “The What What What Approach – What you do with what you have determines what you become. ™” I am married to the love of my life, IT director, Gregory Scott Bryan.  

Congratulations on receiving President Joe Biden’s Lifetime Achievement & Volunteer Gold Award.  Please share how this recognition came about?

I am the first Caribbean American in Georgia to receive the USA President’s Lifetime Achievement & Volunteer Service Gold Awards. Reverend Dr. April Ripley nominated me for the award. She noticed my work in the community and submitted my information and I was chosen for both the Lifetime Achievement and Gold Awards from President Joseph Biden.

What are some past, present, and future goals of the Jamaican Consulate?

During my childhood, I have always had a desire to serve others. I was head girl and president of my high school in Jamaica. I decided to start the Elaine Bryan Foundation to accomplish my mission to serve our youth since 2010. Presently, I have partnered with Microsoft Corporation and the Atlanta Hawks to accomplish this mission. One of my future goals is to establish trading agreements between Jamaica and Georgia. I also enjoy working with our global communities. I recently visited Limon, Costa Rica and meeting the corporate and civic leaders was an uplifting experience.

Tell us about your perspective regarding international trade and development. Please also describe US and Jamaica relations and what you are presently focused on. 

International trade is vital regarding the economic development of countries. Jamaica and the United States have a great relationship that enables positive and mutually beneficial trading agreements. Currently, I have a plan to send medical supplies next year via Ms. Nell Dialo, Mr. Reed, and MAP International.

You held The Elaine Bryan Foundation night basketball game on November 27th. Tell us about this event and how it all came about to support your Foundation. 

It has been ten years since I have been hosting an awards event for our youth at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. During those years I have developed some lasting relationships with some basketball players like NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo and Patrick Ewing.  The Atlanta Hawks management gave me a call and invited me to do the partnership with the foundation. Our next game will be the Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat at the State Farm Arena.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of my significant experiences in Georgia that helped my real estate business, Elaine Bryan Realty is being a real estate expert on the HGTV show “What you get for the Money.”

The show was very popular, and I was the real estate expert on some of the episodes.

Many thanks Consul Elaine Grant-Bryan for your outstanding service to the community and congratulations again on receiving President Joe Biden’s Lifetime Achievement & Volunteer Gold Award. All the best in 2023!