I HAD a great start to the month, even with a very challenging incident. Some of the highlights were: interacting with the amazing students from Norwood Elementary School (Florida) at a Virtual Career Fair. My passion for adding value to lives is reignited every time I see the faces of young people in Guyana or anywhere in the world.

The enthusiasm was contagious and I could not help thinking about all the dreams (big and small) going through their minds. I had five minutes between presentations, so only time for some water.  It was a pleasure answering their questions and an honour to have imparted and shared my story and I appreciate the invite from Mrs. Angella Michell, who sent the invitation. The next day was another empowering event. I was invited by Dr Paloma Mohamed to join an esteemed panel of women for Women in Leadership at  the 45th Caribbean Studies Association (CSA)

Annual Conference
The other panellists were Her  Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana;
Dr Carla Barnett,  Secretary-General (Designate) CARICOM, Belize; Lady Averil Joseph, Women and Girls Leadership Advocate, Grenada.

This topic also provides interesting discussions. My mentor Dr. John Maxwell always reminds me that everything rises and falls on leadership. He also said leadership is influence. We influence people by adding value through inspiration and not manipulation. I do believe women possess a unique leadership style and we connect and relate better than men, hence forging great relationships.

Relationships are a great foundation for leadership.  Many may be asking, so why aren’t they more women in leadership positions? Sometimes society does not permit us, but the more important question: do we permit ourselves? I will dive more into this in another column.

I enjoyed the discussion immensely. Minutes after signing off from this amazing session, I saw two policemen at my gate and they quickly notified me that they were tracking down some bandits and had reason to believe that they were in my neighbourhood. I permitted them to enter and they started looking around and proceeded to the back. Gunshots started ringing out and my poor dog was more scared than me, that he ran under my bed. Everything happened so fast.

One was shot and apprehended and the other escaped.  I learnt they committed a crime a few blocks away and the police were chasing them and hence ended up too close to where I live. I thank God for always protecting me. The memories from 17 years ago surfaced and it seems as if it just happened. I can never forget what it feels like to have a gun to my temple. To think in a second your brain could be scattered across the living room is terrifying. Bandits invaded our home and it was not what they took, but the trauma that was created.

I got nightmares and panic attacks for years and was so afraid to be in a house without grills.
God had his angels protecting me many times and I cannot stop giving him thanks for not just protecting me and my family, but for also helping me to make a difference every day. When I spoke about the challenging incident, I was referring to the recent shooting. I had a photoshoot planned for book promotions and I was thinking about cancelling.

I am happy I decided to persevere, because just stepping onto the set my energy started to replenish. Cleveland is not just a fantastic photographer, he has positive energies and it shows because he loves making magic behind those lenses. One moment just the shoot I looked at the 10 covers and said to myself, “You actually have 10 books on Amazon, WOW.” Then I reminded myself that with God all things are possible. I am sharing one of the gorgeous photos with you. Meleesa Payne did a terrific job with my makeup. I had a fantastic interview with Bahamian Host Kaiwan Gibson and people from as far as Belgium sent messages to express how my journey inspired them.

The evening I reflected on the process of our journey and the reality is that in a twinkle of an eye, others can be looking at our tombstones. I also take as a reminder that my expiration date was not that day and I need to continue to do the things to make a difference at a time that makes a difference with people who make a difference and have a strong conviction for their DASH to matter.

I must mentioned that phase two of my new philanthropic project (Bread Basket)  was implemented and the testimonials deposited the energy that was withdrawn a few days prior. I also got additional energy from the monthly soup day at the Palm Elderly Care Facility. My foundation collaborates with Tower Suites on this project and Chef Paul put some extra love in the chicken soup and rolls.

The things I enjoyed most about this were simple things like a meal with mom and auntie. A movie while relaxing on the couch with my girlfriend Raquel, or simply stirring the soup in the tower kitchen.
I have every intention to create more invaluable life experiences in this blessed month of June.

Try to identify the special moments in this month and try to journal as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.