Carl Oneil Gray was born on January 29, 1969, in Morant Bay, in the Parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. In 1973, at the age of four, he moved to the United States with his parents, Kensley and Cynthia, to join his older siblings.

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As the youngest of six boys, Carl was raised in a home grounded in discipline, humility, spirituality, and a spirit of sharing. His parents instilled in him a vision-driven approach to life—where respect was earned, privileges were not taken for granted, and hard work was a non-negotiable value.

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Carl attended Martin L. King Jr. High School in New York City, graduating in 1986 as class Salutatorian with a Regents Diploma. He later enrolled at The City College of New York (CUNY), earning a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Electrical Engineering in 1993. His college years taught him the importance of proper planning and execution—principles he later summarized as the “6 P’s”: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance with Prayer. Early in his college career, Carl’s ambition to achieve too much too quickly caused setbacks; however, once he regained his focus, his determination set the stage for a successful professional journey.

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Carl began working in high school as a Wall Street messenger and data processor for the Depository Trust Company (DTC), a brokerage and clearinghouse. He quickly proved himself to be a high performer, eventually joining Irving Trust Company (now Bank of New York) as a Proof Clerk, where he advanced to team lead. His experience in finance motivated him to change his major from Electrical Engineering to Finance, a decision that aligned his education with his growing career in the financial sector.

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He later joined Chase Manhattan Bank (now JPMorgan Chase), where he worked for eight years as a team leader. He received consistent recommendations from management to apply for the company’s Management Development fast-track programs, though his applications were not accepted. Rather than be discouraged, Carl pivoted his career into Project Management and Business Systems Analysis within the Information Technology sector, completing specialized training in project management, software development, database management, and business methodologies.

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Despite success in corporate roles, Carl grew frustrated with bureaucracy, downsizing, and limited upward mobility. These challenges prompted him to embrace entrepreneurship.

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In 1998, he founded The NetLinkz Group, Inc., a premier marketing and special events company in New York. Initially created to manage revenue from the First Fridays After Work Mixer—a national networking event for professionals and social attendees—the company helped grow the New York/Tri-State gatherings from 250 attendees to more than 3,000 between 1999 and 2002. The event also created opportunities for additional ventures, inspiring Carl to build a professional network that delivered value-added services to his audience.

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Determined to expand beyond event promotions, Carl positioned The NetLinkz Group as a multifaceted platform bridging ideas, professions, lifestyles, and passions through both professional and entertainment forums. In 2002, he launched a management consulting division providing B2B and B2C services, leveraging his expertise in project management and business analysis to work with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and private clients.

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Carl also founded The Unified Network of Business Professionals on LinkedIn in 2007 (originally the United Caribbean Professional Network), a resource hub for career development, business growth, professional services, and networking opportunities. In addition, he launched the WE ARE ONE JAMAICA and WE ARE ONE CARIBBEAN social networks to support Caribbean athletes participating in the Penn Relays, with proceeds benefiting Team Jamaica Bickle.

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In 2006, Carl introduced one of his most recognized initiatives—the YOUNG, GIFTED & BLACK™ (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards—to honor “Unsung Heroes and Heroines” during Black History Month. The program celebrates individuals for their talent, ambition, and achievements in the “Continued Pursuit of Success.” With no rigid criteria other than dedication to excellence, the awards highlight inspiring personal and professional journeys. Carl emphasizes that many impactful contributors never receive media attention or formal accolades, yet they transform their industries in meaningful ways. Since its inception, the program has honored more than 300+ recipients.

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In 2012, the YGB program adopted the mission acronym P.O.W.E.R. – N – M.O.T.I.O.N (Providing Opportunity With Effective Resources through Networking will Motivate, Optimize, Transcend, Inspire, Organize, and Nurture). Carl is also developing the T.O.O.L.B.O.X. initiative (Taking Ownership Of Life By Offering Experience) as a scholarship program to further empower the next generation.

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Carl’s professional and personal philosophy is rooted in resilience. He believes that challenges may alter one’s path, but with diligence, positivity, and persistence, it is always possible to reignite one’s passion and pursue success. He refuses to fear failure, instead embracing the rewards of taking risks and defying the odds. Above all, Carl aspires to be remembered as someone who made a positive difference and as an exceptional connector of people and opportunities.

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Awards, Recognitions & Honors

• 2017 – MWBE Recognition Award for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards – Office of the Mayor, NYC, Bill de Blasio

• 2017 – Proclamation Award for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards Program – NYS Senator Kevin Parker

• 2017 – Citation Award for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards Program – Hon. Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President

• 2016 – Proclamation Award for Caribbean-American Heritage Month – Hon. Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President

• 2008 – State of New York Executive Chamber Proclamation for YGB Entrepreneurial Awards – Gov. Eliot Spitzer

• 2008 – Outstanding Leadership in Business Development – The Professionals Network Organization

• 2007 – Merit Award in Marketing – Reggae in Symphony Program featuring John Holt & Freddie McGregor

• 2006 – Founder, YOUNG, GIFTED & BLACK™ Entrepreneurial Awards Program

• 2003 – Black Men of Distinction Award – Sen. Marty Markowitz (NY)

• 2002 – Founder, Unified Network of Business Professionals