Three words that Describe You: Innovative, Life-Lover, Global Citizen
- What is your story?
I was born on one of the island jewels of the Caribbean, Jamaica. At an early age I realized that the challenges among the fortunates and less fortunates is significantly different. Impoverished areas were prone to violence and poverty. Hence, education would offer me a better life. I’m the first one out of my family to graduate high school and college. My life story and life experiences propelled me into a catalyst of change. Strangers opened up their hearts to my biological mom and I’m the product of that. I now live my life paying it forward, where I collect pennies and send girls to school in developing countries. To date, 2 million pennies have been collected and 450 girls sent to school in Haiti, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Peru, India, Ethiopia, Egypt, Sierra Leone and now Nigeria.
2) How did you get to where you are?
I got to where I am by following my heart. Our heart speaks but often time we need to shut up and listen to it. We also need to be brave enough to stand for it even if it’s scary standing alone. What’s in my heart is something I can’t ignore and the time to act is always now. Every year I set a goal and even if I don’t meet it, I don’t give up. I’m very persistent.
3.How did you accomplish this?
I accomplished collecting 2 million pennies by asking family, friends and my social media platform, to help me send girls to school in developing countries by donating their pennies. Millions are deprived of an education and we can help to change this. The outpour has been mind-blowing and it was evident that together we could make a difference. I didn’t take “Nos” and when I got one or came across a closed door it was always a challenge to think out of the box in getting that yes or making my own door that I can open.
4.What were your goals when approaching your current career?
My goals when approaching my current career is that I want to spend the rest of my life doing something that I love. Something that will excites me to get out of bed every morning. Something that equates to feeling like I never have to work another day in my life.
5.What obstacles did you overcome to get where you are today?
Obstacles I’ve overcome to get where I am today are
- realizing that any validation I seek is from myself and not others.
- that I can’t expect people to understand or support what they haven’t lived or experienced. Instead, keep doing what I’m doing because I might inspire a few.
- that support I expected didn’t always come from the ones in my life and I had to come to terms with that.
- that in the pursuit of your passion and purpose, the journey isn’t going to be easy but I have to keep pushing. Success takes time.
- while I kept growing and excelling, the ones I started off with won’t always be the ones I end with. This was a hard lesson to grasp but once I embraced it, I was able to accept things for what it is. Being at peace makes life easier.
As far as I see it, obstacles are new perspectives to excel and conquer whatever level you are at before moving to the next.
6.What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment is the fact that I have collected 2 million pennies and have changed the life of 450 girls. All I want to do is help girls become their greatest self. Education offers freedom and living a life where you are trapped in your own mind and life, is truly a life sentence. Who wants to live like that!
7.Who is your role model?
My role model is not just one person because I’m not the product of one person or experience. So, my role models are the amazing women & men in my life (the ones who have raised me) & those who have indirectly inspired me through their actions such as: Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Ava DuVernay, Bill & Melinda Gates and Will Smith to name a few.
8. What is your advice for girls?
Never be afraid of who you are! Never dim your light to fit in or to be accepted. There’s great power being exactly who you are, with flaws and all. If anyone wants you to be less than that, it’s their loss and your gain. Walk away from them. Go where you are celebrated and not where you are tolerated. Once you have embodied who you truly are, you will see how much of justice you are doing for yourself when you start to pursue what sets your soul on fire.
9.Do you have a personal mantra/favorite quote?
Something my biological mom left with me:
“In life, you won’t be able to choose your battles but once they choose you, you never let them define you.”
In addition, do everything with your spin on it. Anything less of not is not embracing the magic and light that you possess. We are not merely a conductor of light. We are also a source!
10. What does it mean “To lead Unstoppable Life” to You?
To lead an Unstoppable life, is embracing who I am, owning my life story and not being afraid to speak up and act on what’s in my heart. Once you’ve accepted that, it’s not only liberating but no one can use who you are or what you represent against you.
