Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid, the embodiment of dynamism and brilliance! A name synonymous with excellence, known for igniting our screens with her undeniable charisma. A veterinarian-turned-media maven, an award-winning Media and Communications practitioner, an internationally acclaimed speaker, TV personality, Caribbean Queen, author, and community builder. Her accolades are many, but it’s her infectious warmth and boundless energy that captivate us all. Named among the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Class of 2023 Global Top 100 list, Terri-Karelle epitomizes the essence of empowerment and resilience. But beyond the accolades lies a persona anchored in integrity and humility, a rare blend that defines her journey. A phenomenal woman, whose boldness precedes her, earning her the endearing title of “My Jamaican Girl.” Terri-Karelle is more than just a name; she’s a force to reckon with that leaves an indelible mark wherever she goes. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered as we delve into the essence of the greatness of Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid. If you have ever wondered where all that energy comes from, Terri-Karelle candidly shares “I’m just me (online and offline). But when the world quiets down, it’s my time to reflect, especially once my daughter is asleep. I recharge with things like reading and my gospel playlist.” Finding balance means more than just books and music for Terri-Karelle. “I need my quiet time,” she admits. “I withdraw from interactions to decompress, I sleep, a crucial factor in recharging, especially after a demanding day, that’s how I stay refreshed.” Then she drops a bombshell: “I’m actually an introvert,” she reveals, “which might surprise some…

In the world of Jamaican theater and film, Sherando stands as a multifaceted force, defying the conventional boundaries of the entertainment industry. As we settled into our conversation, it became abundantly clear that Sherando is not only an exceptional actress but also a passionate advocate for change and recognition within her field. Sherando candidly shared her thoughts on the value placed on careers like hers in a society that often fails to comprehend their significance. She expressed her concerns about the underrepresentation of actors and artists in prestigious awards and honors. “Exactly, exactly,” Sherando chimed in when I mentioned the scarce recognition received by individuals within her field. “There have only been a few actors who have been given that kind of recognition.” Throughout our conversation, it became evident that Sherando’s career is not confined to the roles she plays on stage or screen. She wears multiple hats, including that of a producer and businesswoman, and her determination to address industry injustices transcends personal ambition. “I am going to speak out about it,” she affirmed. “It’s not just for me; it’s for the benefit of the industry.” Sherando’s outspoken nature has sometimes cost her opportunities, as she acknowledged. “I get squeezed out of places,” she admitted, “Because I have a mouth on me, and I have stories that I am fine sharing.” However, Sherando’s passion for change and her commitment to her craft are unwavering. She believes that the contributions of people in her field to the Jamaican entertainment industry are not adequately valued, and she refuses to stay silent about it. As our conversation…

Judy McCutcheon’s journey is an awe-inspiring testament to the power of determination and the unwavering pursuit of a better life. Born and raised in the vibrant tropical paradise of Trinidad and Tobago, renowned for its carnival and soca music, Judy emerged from a large family of ten siblings as the eighth child. In their humble settlement in Tobago, where material scarcity was a constant companion, Judy’s upbringing was not defined by abundance but by the unbreakable bonds she forged with her siblings. While Judy’s childhood was marked by moments of hardship, such as days when there was no food on the table or the times she walked to school without shoes, she refused to let her circumstances dictate her future. Instead, she found solace and strength in the camaraderie and love she shared with her brothers and sisters. This unyielding spirit ignited a fire within her—a burning desire to rise above her circumstances and create a life of purpose and fulfillment. A turning point arrived when Judy’s mother, driven by foresight and sacrifice, made the courageous decision to send young Judy to a private school—a privilege that her seven older siblings had never experienced, as they attended government schools. This opportunity opened doors to new possibilities and transformed Judy’s perspective on her own identity and aspirations. At St. Joseph’s Convent, she was exposed to a world that stretched beyond the confines of her humble beginnings, igniting a flame of ambition within her. At the age of 17, Judy caught a glimpse of the life she had dreamed of when she temporarily resided with one of…

Our conversation with Tastey Blackman, mother, now entrepreneur, was a breath of fresh air. Her humility, confidence, and focus on who she is as a woman is outstanding and rare. She is that sister you know will have your back and push you to the highest point of greatness. Her drive and passion for helping people and businesses grow are stand-out qualities. Tastey grew up in with a deep family bond that taught her the values of nurturing, independence, and what she describes as “ultra-confidence”. Tastey grew up in rural Jamaica, St. Catherine to be exact, in a community that she adored, she considers herself an authentic country girl, where growing up she had the firsthand experience of a true Jamaican childhood; one that taught you the basic values in life, of kindness and people caring and sharing with each other. She described those days as the good old days, where her kindness was displayed in her household, her community, and her school.   It was while at school that she decided on a career path in medicine, having discovered a love and a strong desire to care for people. With this strong conviction, she pursued the sciences and was accepted to a University in the USA, but fate would send her life in a different direction. Life has a way of opening opportunities to us or moving our lives in a different way than expected, and it is when we move in rhythm with it, and that puts us on our life’s journey. In her words: I am a mother of two lovely young women.…

The Karlyn Percil you see today is not the same girl who grew up in a tiny village in St Lucia. A young Karlyn would forge ahead, seeing a more ideal future that would allow her the luxuries of running water, electricity, and not having to trek an hour long to get to the spot where the bus would pick her up and transport her to school because “we lived so far up in the bush”. Make no mistake, even though those days are long gone, the values and lessons taught by her mother and grandmother during her childhood remain with her today.  Those lessons were invaluable in allowing her to be grounded as a woman who appreciates her Afro-Caribbean roots. She often reminisces on the long walk, no longer a means to get to school, but a significant symbol today of her journey as a Caribbean woman to where she is today. She lavishes on the fact that she is still here and gets to continue the long purpose walk and evolve in her story. She shares with us that the more she remembers who she is, the more profound her vision becomes, taking on a larger-than-life quality causing her to hold tightly to her values, dreams, and her impact on the world. Karlyn worked at a bank in St Lucia and then relocated to Toronto, Canada at 25 years of age. The foundation of her work was in Finance, specifically Operations. After a successful 20-year career working on Bay Street in Toronto with one of the top 5 banks, she decided to throw…