Exemplary women leaders recognised

Monday, July 05, 2010

As we continue to celebrate the Inter-American Year of Women, the Bureau of Women's Affairs places the spotlight on Pamela Monroe-Ellis and Angela Patterson, exemplary women leaders.

Pamela Monroe-Ellis

Pamela Monroe-Ellis has the distinction of being the first female auditor general. She describes herself as a purpose-driven, resource-oriented individual, who strives to view the positives in life despite its many challenges. She sees adversity as an opportunity to grow and learn as individual. She initially wanted to pursue a career in finance or hotel management, but at the suggestion of her father, she pursued accounts as he believed that this area would offer her a wide range of experience and broaden her marketability.

Before completing her 'A' Levels, she applied to two companies and was offered an opportunity with both. She selected Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) and thus her career as an auditor was launched. After her stint at PWC, Monroe-Ellis became the chief accountant at Home Books and Research Services. She later joined the Auditor General's Department in 1997 and quickly moved up the ranks.

Monroe-Ellis replaced Adrian Strachan who was at the helm for some 28 years. She explains that her climb to the top as the first female auditor general took hard work and dedication.

"I have never attributed any challenge that I face to my gender; it is my view that you have to be prepared for any road you are about to embark on," she said.

It is not her desire for her groundbreaking achievement as the first female auditor general to be her only milestone. She would not yet call herself successful but said she is certainly working hard to achieve it.

Monroe-Ellis values the mentorship of both her parents as she continuously maps out the plan of her life. Her parents are motivating forces who inspire her to live up to her full potential, she said. As a result, her business acumen was influenced by her father, who owns his own business. She learnt to be prepared for all eventualities as she watched her father struggle and eventually persevere to keep his business running during times of financial difficulties. She learnt that to succeed one has to have a good strategy, faith and self-confidence.

She urges budding accountants/auditors to align themselves to their professional body, offer their service and get involved. She said that such involvement will aid in enhancing their soft skills and more importantly, giving them an opportunity to network with other persons who are oftentimes confronted with the same challenges.

Angela Patterson

Angela Patterson describes herself first as a Christian, then an optimist and a reasonably happy individual who likes to be "in the thick of things". She is an enabling leader, the kind who will tell you her expectations and "leave you to it", but she is always willing to help if problems arise. She says she is fortunate to work with a professional, capable and motivated team, and is now enjoying her fourth year as the CEO of the Creative Production and Training Centre Ltd. (CPTC).

Patterson is trained in marketing and worked with the National Cash Registry Corporation for 10 years. Wanting a change, she saw a vacancy for director of marketing at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) and applied and was the successful candidate. Thus began her career and adventure in media and broadcasting. She remained with the JBC for seven years until she was made CEO of the CPTC.

Patterson has never thought of her gender as a hindrance to her work in the media. She recognises that there has been issues, especially at the highest level of business and in boardrooms, where the members are predominantly male. She says that she "is either blessed or cursed with an overabundance of confidence" and chooses to ignore these issues and with the Lord's help, does the best job she can in any given situation.

Her advice to younger persons with an interest in media and broadcasting is an emphatic, "Go for it!", with the reminder that they should be prepared to work hard and do everything to the glory of God.

Patterson has three grown children who she proudly states are busy "making their own way in life", and she is now enjoying and devoting her time to the Lord and her work. She is also an active member of the Lions Club of New Kingston and participates frequently in their numerous community outreach initiatives.

Did you watch American football's Super Bowl on Sunday?
	Yes, but just for the advertisements
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