Sandra McLeish (Jamaica): champion of climate-smart agrifood transformation

Sandra McLeish is a Jamaican entrepreneur, renewable-energy advocate, and founder of Agro Cold Storage Logistics Limited (ACSL) and Sankhard Company Limited—two women-led enterprises strengthening Jamaica’s food security and climate resilience. A farmer’s daughter from rural Jamaica, Sandra grew up witnessing the vulnerabilities of small-scale farmers, from climate shocks to weak supply chains. These experiences shaped her mission to build a more resilient, inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

As CEO of ACSL, Sandra leads the national rollout of solar-powered cold-chain hubs to reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize farmer incomes, and expand opportunities for rural women. The initiative includes 30 strategically located storage units, six with integrated agro-processing facilities, creating jobs and strengthening logistics across the island. Women are central to the model, comprising 80% of ACSL’s employees and vendors.

Through Sankhard’s award-winning Springvale brand, launched in 2010, Sandra has championed climate-smart agro-processing, producing over 60 value-added fruit and pumpkin-based products while supporting local farmers. Her enterprises emphasize training in digital skills, renewable energy, and cooperative development.

Beyond business, Sandra has over 20 years’ experience in community development, public health, and climate resilience across the Caribbean. She serves as Vice President of the Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association and sits on multiple national boards, advocating for inclusive value chains and equitable climate finance. Her journey exemplifies innovation, impact, and women-centered leadership.

Sandra McLeish was a panellist at the South-South Series: Empowering and Growing Women-led Business n°6, organised by UN Women and COLEAD through the FFM+ programme, and aimed at strengthening women-led businesses by fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, skills development, market access, and networking opportunities.

If you are interested in this topic, join the Climate Resilience conversation on the Agrinnovators Forum and reach out to Sandra at www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-mcleish.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.