Actress, dancer, writer and producer Sundra Oakley will be main speaker when the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport hosts its annual Creative Career Expo at the Jamaica Conference Centre on February 21.

“It is a distinct honour and privilege to be able to share my experience, insight, and guidance with the participants of the expo and hope to offer any inspiration for those on their journey,” she said.

Though born in Queens, New York, Oakley is deeply connected to her Jamaican roots and states that she is a fierce and proud Jamaican.

The calendar event, spearheaded by the Creative Unit within the ministry, will host senior high school and tertiary students who have an interest in pursuing studies and/or businesses in the creative industries, as well as creative practitioners and entrepreneurs.

“We specifically want the students to leave the expo feeling confident about the future of the creative industry, and to be more knowledgeable about the various creative career possibilities’, said Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport.

This year the expo will include a Creative Business Village that will showcase creative businesses, agencies, and industry associations. The students are encouraged to see the village as an opportunity to earn an internship position from the various entities on show or seek more information regarding their own career paths.

Oakley is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in French and theatre. She has appeared as an actor and dancer in numerous award-winning productions on stage, film, and television, such as
Code Black, All American, Being Mary Jane, Legends, Sex in the City, and most recently
Bob Marley: One Love movie.