Explore every episode of the podcast Rooted in the Caribbean - Women in Leadership Series

What happens when a Caribbean-born nurse, church leader, and black woman in the NHS refuses to be boxed in?

Triss Horwood shares the powerful story behind her rise from St. Vincent to leadership in the UK, and the moments of bias, courage, and calling that shaped her.

Born one of 13 siblings, Triss grew up in a home marked by resilience, sacrifice, and a mother who would not wait for anyone to hand her a future. That grounding carried her into nursing, management, and eventually national and international ministry with her husband Chris, where they serve churches, communities, and women in some of the most challenging places.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How Triss's upbringing with a family from St. Vincent shaped her leadership style and expectations
• What it was really like becoming a black woman leader in the NHS outside London
• The blunt, faith-filled way she responds to racism, assumptions, and being underestimated
• How she ended up chairing Genesis Trust Bath after initially saying "no"
• Why her "Coffee with Triss" approach matters to staff, trust, and real leadership
• What she sees happening when women are released into their God-given calling

Triss also opens up about missionary life in Russia, Kenya, and Bulgaria, including the practical realities, cultural shocks, and unforgettable encounters that come with serving in places where she is often the only black person people have ever seen. Through it all, she keeps coming back to one conviction: leadership should be real, relational, and centered on Jesus.

If you need encouragement to lead with substance, stand firm in your identity, and refuse to shrink for other people's comfort, this conversation will stay with you.

Essential listening for women in leadership, someone navigating calling, and anyone who wants to understand what courageous, authentic leadership looks like in practice.

Caribbean women are taught to be brilliant, humble, and invisible - but Shinelle Grant Seely is challenging that script. From Santa Cruz roots and a fiercely disciplined upbringing to leading ESG strategy across Guardian Group and NCB Financial Group, Shinelle shares how she learned to own her space without losing her values.

We unpack the tension between excellence and self-doubt, why so many women downplay their achievements, and how childhood, school culture, and workplace dynamics shape the way Caribbean women lead. Shinelle opens up about the influence of her mother, grandmother, and father, the lessons hidden inside “disappointments,” and why she believes sustainability is not just a business issue but a legacy issue.

You’ll hear Shinelle break down:

• How growing up in a tightly knit Santa Cruz community shaped her leadership style
• Why she sees herself as a gentle leader who builds trust instead of fear
• The path from PwC and public service into ESG and sustainability leadership
• Why Caribbean women often struggle to lean in and claim their accomplishments
• How to lead with conscience, not just ROI
• What it means to raise a son to respect women, stay grounded, and carry forward strong roots

Shinelle also gets candid about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the pressure to be “the best” in a system that often rewards competition over collaboration. If you’ve ever questioned your readiness, hidden your wins, or wondered whether there is room for you at the table, this conversation will feel like a permission slip.

Essential listening for women in leadership, Caribbean professionals, and anyone trying to lead with purpose, confidence, and heart.

This conversation explores Nicole Prince’s journey from an environmental science and quality background into education, and how her Caribbean roots, family legacy, and faith have shaped the way she leads.

It matters because her story shows how unexpected pivots can still become a deeply purposeful path. We discuss how discipline, service, and consistency translated from lab and compliance work into the classroom, and why she sees the journey itself as the destination.

She describes herself as “I am my mother's child”- Bold, resilient and unbreakable. She shares how she watched her mother be resilient by nature, unstoppable by choice and have unknowingly empowered and inspired just by being that Caribbean woman.  Strength she too gleaned from her mother. 

Nicole also shares how raising two sons, serving her community, and staying grounded in Christ inform everything she does.

Dawn Layne is a powerhouse Human Resources and Learning & Development Executive, who brings over 25 years of experience in the field, having served in the Massy Group for 32 years.

Dawn, the last child in a large loving family, brings her passion for service to every engagement and interaction she has. She has served on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council in Barbados in both Customer Service and Management Lead Bodies.

She is also a member of the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the American Society for Training and Development.

Dawn holds a Master of Science in Labour and Employment Relations (UWI-Cave Hill), an Executive Diploma in Management (Postgraduate) from the Cave Hill School of Business, an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management (Barbados Community College), and a Master Trainer Certificate from the Cave Hill School of Business.

Welcome back! Happy to start Season 2 with my amazing guest - Tuwana Aubin Anthony - as she shares a powerful story of identity, service, and growth.

A proudly Trini woman, shaped by strong family roots, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others, Tuwana was born in New York to Trinidadian parents and raised with a rich Caribbean upbringing. She shares how her grandmother and mother modelled resilience, kindness, and leadership.

Her career journey is especially inspiring because it wasn’t a straight line. Through hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from every person and opportunity, she emphasizes that her success came from being consistent, collaborative, and focused on doing her best rather than chasing status.

Tuwana speaks about leading with heart, purpose, joy, and authenticity, while staying grounded in faith. She also shares how her love of service, her family values, and her desire to help others shape both her leadership style and her legacy.

Deanna Berry shares openly and fearlessly about the spaces she has occupied in order to create safe spaces for others while sharing her personal journey of family, faith and cultural identity.

Deanna is a Registered Social Worker from Toronto, Canada, with over 27 years of extensive experience in community and social care. Currently serving as a Health Equity and InclusionWellbeing Team Lead for a healthcare organization in the UK, Deanna’s career reflects her dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity within diverse communities.

Grounded by her strong faith in God, Deanna draws inspiration and guidance in both her professional and personal life. This cornerstone of her being fuels herconfidence and determination, making her an intentional, compassionate leader who seeks to make a meaningful impact through her actions and service.

She is committed to orchestrating her steps in alignment with her values and spiritual beliefs, creating pathways for transformative community care.
Deanna is deeply engaged in numerous committeesand community initiatives that promote multi-agency collaborations and EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) partnerships across Canada, the UK, andglobally.

Her passion lies in addressing health inequalities, particularlywithin culturally diverse communities, where she actively pursues research to drive positive change. Her leadershipextends into various roles, including being an Alumni of Core20PLUS5, a Non-Executive Director, an Ambassador and Mentor for the Stepping Up Leadership Programme, and Chairperson for several organizational committees. Through these platforms, Deanna exemplifies what it means to pay it forward, encouraging those around her to "Know their Worth!"
In her spare time, she indulges her creative side as a musician—playing the drums, singing, songwriting, and expressing herself through poetry. A true foodie at heart, she delights in exploring diverse cuisines, learning languages, history,traveling, exploring her Jamaican heritage and exploring the great outdoors.
Deanna Berry strives to be a catalyst for change in everything she does - driven by compassion, faith, and adeep-seated belief in the value of every individual, illuminating a path toward a more equitable and inclusivefuture for all.

In this episode of 'Rooted in the Caribbean', Natasha Williams shares her journey from Trinidad to Toronto, detailing her career path that transitioned from biology to human resources.

She discusses the role of faith in her career changes, her commitment to community engagement, and her aspirations to help others develop their visions and strategies for the future. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining the human element in a technology-driven world, the evolving dynamics of parenting, and the significance of community and generational wealth.

She shares personal experiences of resilience through adversity, the influence of childhood on adult life, and the journey of healing and self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional processing and personal growth, highlighting the importance of compassionate leadership and service to others.

In this enlightening conversation, Emily Dick-Forde shares her journey from her roots in Tobago to becoming a prominent figure in leadership and politics.

She discusses the importance of education, the influence of her mother, and the role of faith in her life.

Emily reflects on her experiences in academia, her transition into politics, and the challenges and triumphs she faced as a woman in leadership.

She emphasizes the significance of mentorship, self-awareness, and the need for women to embrace their unique perspectives in leadership roles.

Throughout the conversation, Emily inspires listeners to recognize their gifts and the importance of nurturing their roots while reaching for their aspirations.

In this enlightening conversation, Nina Stock shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing the influence of her diverse upbringing on her leadership style, the importance of empowering women in the workplace, and the challenges of balancing career and family life.

She emphasizes the need for inclusivity in work environments and reflects on her experiences overcoming barriers as a woman of colour in a predominantly male field.

Nina also offers valuable advice for future generations, encouraging them to break down barriers and lean into feedback for personal growth.

In this conversation, Natasha shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing the influence of her Jamaican heritage, the sacrifices made by her family, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the workplace.

She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, advocacy for underrepresented communities, and the need for greater understanding of the challenges faced by women and racialized individuals in leadership roles and recognising that understanding lived experiences is key to inclusion.

Natasha encourages young leaders to speak up and seek support while highlighting the significance of uplifting others in their journey.

In this episode of 'Rooted in the Caribbean,' Trisha Laverne shares her journey as a Caribbean woman in leadership, discussing the importance of roots and identity, the challenges of balancing family and career, and the significance of empathy and authenticity in leadership.

She emphasizes the need for psychological safety in the workplace and her hopes for future generations to face fewer biases. Trisha Laverne's insights provide valuable lessons for women aspiring to leadership roles.

She strongly believes that roots shape identity and leadership style and that independence in career choices fosters growth. Her take on how diversity of thought enhances collaboration is a refreshing one and shares her view that vulnerability builds trust in teams.

In this conversation, Audra Mitchell shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing her roots, her adoption into a family of love, the values instilled in her upbringing, and how they shaped her leadership style.

She emphasizes the importance of feedback, building confidence, and empowering the next generation, particularly her daughters. Audra reflects on the obstacles she faced in her career, the significance of giving back to the community, and her transition to running a consultancy with her husband.

Throughout the discussion, she highlights the role of faith and support systems in her life, encouraging others to believe in themselves and seek help when needed.

In this conversation, Joan Underwood shares her rich Caribbean heritage and the profound influence of her grandmother on her life and leadership style. She discusses the importance of education, humility, and service, emphasizing how her grandmother's legacy shapes her approach to leadership.

Joan also addresses the challenges of time management, advocating for prioritizing what truly matters in life and work.

Her journey reflects resilience, dedication to community service, and a commitment to empowering others, particularly women, in their personal and professional growth.

Joan discusses her journey through various leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of self-care, relationship management, and the need for new managers to be adequately prepared. She shares insights on career transitions, the significance of having a clear sense of purpose, and the unexpected path that led her to become a diplomat.

Joan highlights the value of building effective teams and the impact of mentorship on her professional development. She concludes with reflections on her legacy, focusing on professionalism, confidence, and the belief in possibilities.

In this episode of 'Rooted in the Caribbean', Ambika Mangroo shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing the influence of her upbringing, the sacrifices made for work-life balance, and the importance of mentorship and support networks for women.

She emphasizes the need to develop the next greneration of women leaders, the value of personal time, and the significance of developing future leaders in the Caribbean.

Ambikah believes strongly that courage is a critical yet understated pillar in leadership; and that failure is essential for growth and resilience in leadership.

Summary

In this episode of Rooted in the Caribbean, Michelle Clark shares her journey as a woman in leadership, reflecting on her Caribbean roots, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of balancing motherhood with a successful career.

She emphasizes the significance of soft skills and vulnerability in leadership, the need for women to embrace their unique strengths, and her hopes for future generations to overcome gender biases in the workplace.

Michelle's insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and highlight the importance of authenticity and reflection in leadership roles.

In this episode of 'Rooted in Caribbean', Alicia George shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing her Caribbean roots, the challenges she faced in her legal career, and the importance of hard work and faith.

She reflects on her defining moments, the sacrifices made along the way, and the lessons learned from her past. Alicia emphasizes the values of mercy, justice, and truth as the foundation of her legacy.

In this engaging conversation, Tracy Awai shares her rich Caribbean heritage and how it shapes her identity and leadership style.

She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, advocating for women's empowerment through meaningful questions and mentorship.

Tracy reflects on her journey to becoming an HR professional, the impact of her grandmother's wisdom, and her vision for the next generation. She discusses the joy of helping others realize their potential and the challenges of navigating difficult conversations in HR.

Balancing work and family life is a recurring theme, as Tracy shares her insights on finding equilibrium and the importance of self-care. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and stay true to themselves.

Tracy believes in the power of asking the right questions to empower others. She emphasizes the importance of women supporting women in leadership roles and reflects on the wisdom passed down from her grandmother and its relevance today.

In this enlightening conversation, Juliet Coley shares her journey from her Jamaican roots to becoming a prominent leader and advocate for youth empowerment. She reflects on the influence of her family, the challenges she faced as a black woman in leadership, and her commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

Juliet emphasizes the importance of representation, the need for active parental involvement in education, and her advocacy work addressing systemic issues in society. Her story is one of resilience (despite health challenges), empowerment, and a vision for a more equitable future. Her story is a power one and as always I hope you enjoy this conversation!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGclaykr9Ww&t=238s

Chapters:

00:00 Roots and Heritage: A Journey of Identity

04:05 Influence of Family on Leadership

08:08 Navigating Challenges in Education

12:20 The Power of Representation and Storytelling

16:10 Breaking Barriers in Leadership

20:14 Finding Your Voice in the Workplace

24:35 Leadership Lessons and Reflections

25:58 Transitioning from Education to Advocacy

27:53 Challenging the System: Advocacy in Action

30:06 Empowering Youth Through Active Citizenship

32:17 Creating Opportunities for Young Leaders

36:21 Vision for Women in Leadership

38:50 Changing the Narrative in Literature

40:46 Legacy and the Importance of Reflection

#Caribbean #women in leadership #cancersurvivor #empowerment #education #media #advocacy #black heritage #youth empowerment #community #entrepreneurship #legacy

As an experienced BD professional, Christiane has worked in the pharmaceutical and food industry as a Regulatory Strategic Consultant and in Sales for over 18 year. Prior to that, she spent 14 years as a successful molecular geneticist and cell biologist in the area of mitochondrial and eye disease. 

Now her focus is on selling Allucent's unique and worldclass expertise in regulatory strategy, clinical pharmacology, drug modeling and simulation, as well as biostatistics.

Christiane is also the proud mother of two beautiful young ladies.

In this conversation, Domini Harewood interviews Christiane Alexander, exploring her journey as a woman in leadershipand her deep connection to the Caribbean. Christiane shares her experiences from her early academic pursuits in Germany to her impactful career in the biotech industry. She emphasizes the importance of identity, networking, andmentorship for women in science, while also reflecting on the unique cultural influences that have shaped her professional life. The discussion highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating a male-dominated field and thesignificance of finding one's niche and purpose in life. #Caribbean #womeninleadership #mentorship #academia#womeninscience #biotech ‘research #clinicaltrials #creativity #careerjourney #identity#networking #personalgrowth #liming – Trini word which means chilling orrelaxing with friends

Abrilli Phillip is a trail blazer in the field of Education as an educator, administrator and advocate. She is also a serial entrepreneur and most recently launched PHIL419 Ltd where she serves as Director and Lead Consultant.Previously she was the Director of Educationand Learning for the London Borough of Lambeth and is now an educational leadership consultant suppprting public sector education institutions.

She has two decades of educational leadership at middle, senior and executive level. She has held a range of leadership roles including Headship and CEO of a 0 – 19-year-old academy Trust in Wiltshire. Before moving into local government, Abrilli worked for the Ministry of Defence Schools as the Chief Education Officer leading 21 schools and early years setting across 10 countries.

Abrilli is a proud ‘Trini’, born in Trinidad and Tobagowhere she lived for 22 years and holds a BSc Degree in Sociology with Psychology from the University of the West Indies and a MA in Global, Sustainable Education from the University of Reading.

She is passionate about inclusive practices in education and mentoring future leaders.

Anjen McLean is an Executive Leader with over 25 years of experience in risk management and business transformation.

Anjen is a proud mother of two teenagers, whose roots stem from Trinidad but has lived and worked internationally in the Caribbean, UK and Canada.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management studies from the University of the West Indies (Trinidad) and a Master’s degree in Financial Management from Middlesex University (London UK). She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Change Management Advanced Instructor and RIMS certified risk management practitioner.Currently residing in Winnipeg, Anjen serves on the Board of Directors of Green Action Centre, Canada, an organisation which “promotes greener and better living by sharing practical solutions and advocating for change”.

Welcome Anjen!

Hopefully you are enjoying the series thus far!

Having worked in the field of Human Resource Management for over 25 years, I've finally been able to merge two of my passions - people and media.

Many may not be aware that my very first job was as a journalist from 2004-2008 as an A'Level student and during my undergraduate studies at The University of the West Indies. I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing for man in the street and features pieces.

Throughout my career, I've had the pleasure of meeting some inspiring people. My first mentor and boss was an inspirational woman—Pat Ganase—who really pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to dream big. I have also had the pleasure of meeting other equally inspiring women whose journeys I'd love for you to explore with me!

Aka Ali-Kerr is presently the HR Director at Andaz Miami Beach, Hyatt Hotels. Aka has a passion and love for people which has been demonstrated for more than 23 years in developing and implementing best-practice strategies in Compensation, Recruitment &Selection, Training & Development, Job Analysis, Industrial Relations, Organizational Design, Performance Management and Employee Relations.

She is also the author of the book titled "The Master Guide to Leadership Through the Lens of Care" which is available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Guide-Leadership-Through-Lens/dp/9768308052

https://publishizer.com/the-master-guide-to-leadership-through-the-lens-of-care/

https://amzn.eu/d/4XzMIbx

Aka is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. Working together, she has moved leaders and their teams in the desired direction to reach their organizational goals.

Aka also serves as a Board Member for both the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT) in Miami, Florida and the South Florida Hospitality Human Resource Association (SFlaHHRA).

Welcome Aka!