The Connie Joseph Foundation
Uplifting Communities Across Every Generation.
Continuing Connie’s selfless dedication to her beloved Antiguan community and neighbors abroad — so her heartbeat of boundless love blesses generations to come.
Connie Joseph
A gregarious smile, a heart of pure gold, and a lifetime spent looking out for others.
The legacy we carry forward
Her Story
Born in Point Village. Devoted to everyone.
Connie grew up in the area of Point Village affectionately known as “Booby Alley,” on the beautiful island of Antigua. It was there that her deeply rooted passion for community took hold — and she grew into a woman who was always ready, willing and able to lift up anyone in need.
Her warmth knew no boundaries. We created the Connie Joseph Foundation Inc. to pay homage to this truly amazing woman — and, more importantly, to keep her radiant spirit alive.
Rooted in New York
A New York Foundation with an Antiguan Heart
The Connie Joseph Foundation Inc. is rooted in New York — the city where Connie kept serving, far from home. Here she volunteered with the Salvation Army and founded Friends Helping Friends, gathering what sick and shut-in Antiguans needed most.
Today, from New York, we carry her work forward for our neighbors here and for our community in Antigua.
New York City
Daughter ofConnie Joseph
Meet Our Founder & CEO
From a Mother’s Heart to a Daughter’s Hands
Gina Philip is Connie’s daughter, and this foundation is her tribute to the woman who raised her. As Founder and CEO, Gina leads the work of turning her mother’s everyday kindness into lasting programs — music scholarships for young people, safe spaces for mental wellness, and care and support for elders in Antigua and abroad.
“We created the Connie Joseph Foundation to pay homage to this truly amazing woman — but more importantly, to keep her radiant spirit alive.”
Gina PhilipFounder & CEO, Connie Joseph Foundation
Our Mission
Building stronger, healthier communities by providing youth with access to music education, breaking the stigma around mental health, and ensuring dignity and care for disadvantaged families and the elderly.
We partner with existing organizations dedicated to helping those in need, while building impactful initiatives of our own.
What We Do
Three Pillars of Care
Hover over — or tap — each pillar to see how we carry Connie’s work forward.
Youth Development & Music
Learn more ›Youth Development & Music
When children are given instruments, mentorship and creative outlets, they discover confidence, discipline and joy — the heart of our Petrie Stetson Philip Music Scholarship.
Mental Health Advocacy
Learn more ›Mental Health Advocacy
Mental health is at the center of our work. We create safe spaces where children, adults and elders can learn coping skills, access resources and feel seen without judgment.
Intergenerational Uplift
Learn more ›Intergenerational Uplift
Our commitment extends across generations, with supportive services and loving care that ensure our elders feel respected, connected and cared for.
Featured Initiative
The Petrie Stetson Philip Music Scholarship
A FULL music scholarship for underserved youths between the ages of 11 and 17 — because when children are given instruments, mentorship and a creative outlet, they discover confidence, discipline and joy.
Donate to the Scholarship is how you give specifically to the Petrie Stetson Philip Music Scholarship. Your gift goes directly to the scholarship.
Petrie Stetson PhilipSinger · Percussionist ·
Established as a flagship initiative of the Connie Joseph Foundation Inc. (CJF), the Petrie Stetson Philip Music Scholarship directly serves our mission of expanding youth music education in New York and across the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
This full music scholarship is dedicated entirely to disadvantaged and underserved youth who show exceptional promise and passion for their chosen instrument, but face financial barriers to developing their craft.
The Man Behind the MusicFather of our Founder, Gina PhilipEmpowering the Next Generation of Antiguan and Barbudan Musical Excellence
Petrie Stetson Philip was a visionary singer, percussionist, and foundational pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s rich musical heritage. Raised in the vibrant, talent-rich Villa area of St. John’s before moving to Prince Klaas Street in the Ovals community, Petrie possessed a deep love for rhythm and community that profoundly shaped the landscape of local music.
The Foundation of an Iconic Sound
In the early 1960s, Petrie’s creative spark anchored a movement when he brought together a group of passionate local musicians. It was his unique vision that gave the iconic band The Targets their name.
As a performer, Petrie poured his soul into his music, blending standard Caribbean dance rhythms with a distinct percussive heartbeat.
He established the heartbeat of the original lineup alongside his pioneering bandmates:
- Albert MathurineDrums
- Winston BaileyKeyboards
- Jose (Joseph) BenjaminGuitar
- Paddy BenjaminFlute
- Winston GordonBass
A Lasting Legacy
While the band continued on with various other immense talents over the years after Petrie eventually relocated to New York, the group’s foundational roots always trace back to that tight-knit brotherhood of original musicians.
Petrie understood firsthand that musical talent is a gift born in every neighborhood—even if resources are not always equally shared.
Curtain Up · The Next Generation Takes the Stage
Now Accepting Applications
The Petrie Stetson Philip Music Scholarship
Young Musician
The Petrie Stetson Philip Music Scholarship is officially open for applications. This full-tuition music scholarship is dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and funding exceptional young musical talent in New York and across Antigua and Barbuda. By removing financial barriers, we give promising young artists the exact resources they need to thrive.
What Is Covered?
A full scholarship that leaves no gaps for families.
Who Qualifies?
To ensure the awards go to dedicated young cultural ambassadors, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age11 to 17 years old.
- HeritageAt least one parent must be born in Antigua.
- DedicationMust maintain a minimum of 90% practice attendance.
- EndorsementA recommendation letter from a school counselor or official.
- TalentComplete a musical audition.
- ConsentA parent or legal guardian must sign the application permission form.
- TransportationGetting to and from all music practices is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Invest in your passion. Apply today to become a part of the future of Antiguan and Barbudan musical excellence.
Get Involved
Be Part of Her Legacy
Connie gathered friends, family and her church community to serve together. There is a place for you, too.
Give Today
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, your support carries Connie’s legacy forward.
Questions? info@conniejf.org