Kamau Hutchinson, President
Kamau Hutchinson currently serves as an Associate Retirement Benefit Examiner with the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS), a role he has held since July 2017. In this capacity, he supports New York City employees by helping them navigate and secure their retirement benefits with accuracy and care.
Kamau’s commitment to community and culture spans nearly three decades through his deep involvement in the steel pan movement. He became a member of Despers USA Steel Orchestra in 1996, where he later served on committees responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations.
His leadership extended beyond the band when he became the Despers USA representative to the United States Steel Band Association (USSA). In 2010, Kamau was elected to the USSA Board of Directors and subsequently to the Executive Board, serving as Treasurer for three years. After completing his term, he stepped down from the Board but continued to serve as a representative for Despers USA.
Following the dissolution of Despers USA Steel Orchestra Inc., Kamau, alongside two fellow members, reimagined the organization’s future. In 2015, they founded Despers USA Youth and Culture Association Inc., which later achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Kamau initially served as Vice President and, in 2023, assumed the role of President, where he now leads efforts to preserve Caribbean culture, empower youth, and expand access to steel pan education and community programming.
Through public service and cultural leadership, Kamau Hutchinson continues to make a lasting impact in both his professional field and the steel pan community.
Alex Smart, Vice President
Alex is a passionate and dedicated musician whose journey began in a high school marching band as a percussionist. In college, he performed around the world and became a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc., further strengthening his commitment to musical excellence and leadership.
Since 2016, Alex has been a proud member of Despers USA, where he primarily plays 6-bass and also performs on quadrophonics, bringing energy and precision to every performance.
For Alex, music is more than sound—it’s a universal language that speaks directly to the soul. Whether on the field or the stage, he is driven by the joy of performance and the connection it creates between performers and audiences alike.
Stephanie Peters, Treasurer
Stephaney Peters is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration, strengthening her skills in financial management and nonprofit leadership. She applies what she learns directly to her work at Despers USA, helping to build systems that support long term growth and sustainability.
With over a decade in the steel pan community and several years of experience on the nonprofit side, Stephaney understands both the cultural heartbeat of the panyard and the structure required to keep it thriving. Her work is rooted in service, community, and a deep commitment to preserving and growing the legacy of steelpan in New York City.
Sakina Badi, Funding Director
Sakinah, known throughout the pan world as Suki, has been playing steel pan for over 20 years, developing a deep love and respect for the instrument and its culture. Originally a bass player, she has expanded her musicianship and currently plays guitar with Despers USA, where she has been a dedicated member since 2019. Her passion shines through in every performance, blending experience, rhythm, and heart while honoring the rich legacy of the art form.
Outside of music, she works in the legal field, where her discipline and attention to detail mirror the precision she brings to her craft. For Sakinah, steel pan isn’t just a skill — it’s a lifelong passion and an essential part of who she is.
Kiara Celina, Administrative Director
My name is Kiara, and I’ve proudly been a member of Despers USA for over a decade. If you don’t see me behind a four pan, trust me, I’m behind my double seconds. Music runs deep in my family. My uncle, Bumpy, was a former captain of the band and a true inspiration to me. Though he has passed on, his impact will never be forgotten. I am currently the last living pannist in my entire family, and I plan to carry our culture forward and keep passing it down through generations to come.
RIP, Bumpy
Jenica Henry, Secretary
Jenica Henry serves as Secretary of Despers USA, providing strategic oversight, governance leadership, and operational structure to support the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability. A Technical Project Manager by profession, she brings extensive experience in program management, stakeholder alignment, and execution excellence to the board.
A proud daughter of Jamaican heritage with strong ties to Trinidad & Tobago’s steel pan tradition, Jenica has been an active member of the New York steelband community for nearly 30 years. Her lifelong connection to the steel pan fuels her passion for cultural preservation, youth development, and building sustainable systems that ensure the art form thrives across generations and throughout the diaspora.
Preserving the legacy of steel pan. Expanding its impact for future generations.