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 people and may be a bit contrary given my public image, but it doesn’t stop me from thriving in what I do. Another thing you might not know is that I didn’t receive formal training in media. It’s something I stumbled into, but I’ve been navigating it with faith every step of the way”.
When asked if there’s anything she’d do differently at this stage of her life, she responds with a resounding no, explaining that every choice, action, and experience has woven together the fabric of who she is today. “While hindsight may offer clarity” she shares, “the assumption that altering the past would unequivocally improve my present would be presumptuous. I am grateful for every aspect of my journey— the good, the bad, the highs, the lows, the trials, tribulations, and triumphs. They have all contributed to moulding me into the woman I am today, and I have no regrets about who I’ve become.”
She asserts that she is continually evolving. This is a testament to her acceptance of life’s ebbs and flows.
Transitioning to family, Terri-Karelle paints a vivid picture of the women who shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. Growing up under the nurturing wings of her grandmother and mother, she cherishes the lessons of love, sacrifice, and support that define her journey.
Her grandmother’s decision to forego her career to raise her became a cornerstone of Terri-Karelle’s character. It was through this sacrifice that she learned the profound value of self-advocacy, a trait that transformed her into a compelling public speaker. “My grandmother taught me to speak my truth boldly, to stand tall against injustice, and to never apologize for being authentic,” she shares.
“These lessons echo in every aspect of my life, from my career to my role as a mother and partner.”
Beyond self-advocacy, Terri-Karelle’s grandmother instilled in her a sense of community responsibility. “Advocacy,” she explains, “is not just about speaking up for oneself. It’s about using one’s voice to uplift others who may lack the means or courage to do so. I see it as a civic duty.” This belief drives her to advocate for marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
Reflecting on her mother’s influence, Terr-Karelle fondly remembers her mother’s tireless work ethic and unwavering support. “My mom was a true hustler,” she declares. “Despite her demanding job as a flight attendant, she never missed a beat in supporting my dreams.” Her mother’s willingness to listen to her grandmother’s
advice, especially in areas outside her expertise, left a lasting impression.
“I owe much of my success to my mom’s encouragement to explore diverse interests like swimming, dance, and drama,” Terri-Karelle shares. “Her involvement in my life, from attending every event to nurturing my leadership skills and being my number one cheerleader, taught me the value of carving out the time and being present for my daughter. Even when I’m traveling, I make sure to stay connected with her through video calls, and I always prioritize dropping off/picking her up from school. My mom set the bar high for involved parenting, and I strive to follow in her footsteps, no matter how demanding life gets. My mom’s example showed me that being there for your child, in every sense, is the greatest gift you can give.”
Through the intertwined stories of her grandmother and mother, Terri-Karelle’s journey emerges as a tribute to resilience, advocacy, and the enduring power of familial love.
Power Resides in Empowering Others
As we continue the discussion on parenting, motherhood, and nurturing, Terri-Karelle reflects on the societal dynamics shaping our children’s behaviour. Acknowledging the complexities, she notes the burdens faced by Caribbean women, often raising families single-handedly amidst personal traumas. Terri-Karelle highlights the unrealistic expectation for women to be whole individuals while navigating their own traumas and nurturing their children.
“It’s important for women not to bear the sole responsibility for solving societal issues. Complex problems should be addressed collaboratively, with men, women, young, and old, to create lasting positive change.” Identifying a breakdown in societal structures, Terri-Karelle observes a concerning trend of younger pregnancies and deteriorating relationships. She emphasizes the diminishing community support and the shifting roles of men, posing a threat to the fabric of society. Terri-Karelle stresses the importance of collective efforts in empowering women and addressing these challenges.
Drawing from her own experiences, Terri-Karelle shares insights into women’s empowerment, citing the role of supportive networks and female mentors in facilitating opportunities. She recalls one particular instance, “When I first ventured into media and event hosting, I was clueless about the pricing involved and how to charge for my services. Thankfully, a female brand manager saw my potential and encouraged me to put more value on my worth (as in more zeros). Her words were empowering, and they opened doors for me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Now, I’m witnessing a positive shift where more women are stepping up to support each other. They act as mentors and advocates, ensuring that we have a seat at the table. It’s truly heartening to see this camaraderie among women. Despite encountering a few insecure individuals along the way, the prevalence of supportive women outweighs the negativity. I’m grateful for those who extend a helping hand and say, “Let me guide you, let me uplift you.” It’s a testament to the strength and solidarity within our community, and it’s something I deeply cherish.
Highlighting entrepreneurship as a catalyst for change, Terri-Karelle applauds women breaking barriers and creating generational wealth. She champions women embracing opportunities beyond traditional roles, owning land, homes, and businesses, thus reshaping societal expectations.
Reflecting on areas for improvement, Terri-Karelle highlights the need to minimize unnecessary competition and embrace collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing everyone’s unique contribution and fostering an environment where individuals can learn from each other to achieve collective success.
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