AT 23, Dahema Stephenson never imagined she would one day be recognised in a forklift training programme dominated by men. The young entrepreneur recently graduated from the Desnoes & Geddes (D&G) Foundation forklift training programme, earning the Apex Civic Award for her willingness to support and encourage fellow trainees throughout the five-week initiative.

Developed through a partnership with the D&G Foundation, the charitable arm of Red Stripe, and DECS Management & Logistics Services Limited, the Learning for Life programme equips underserved young Jamaicans with technical certification, workplace readiness skills and exposure to employment opportunities within the logistics sector. This year’s cohort graduated 42 participants, including two women.

“I never expected to get an award, honestly,” Stephenson admitted following the graduation ceremony. “When they called my name, I was still trying to process it.”

For Stephenson, the graduation was proof that taking a chance on something unfamiliar could change the direction of her life.

Growing up alongside eight brothers in Tavern, Papine, Stephenson developed resilience early in life. At the time, industrial work was unrelated to the future she pictured for herself. Her passion had always been baking, a love she traces back to childhood moments spent in the kitchen with her father.

“My father loves cooking, so that side of me definitely came from him,” she shared.

Today, Stephenson operates Cozy Crumbs Co, a home-based bakery business through which she sells baked goods via Instagram and made-to-order requests within her community. Though currently operating from home, Stephenson hopes the business will eventually grow into a physical storefront of her own.

Yet it was a completely different opportunity that recently challenged her to step outside her comfort zone.

The chance to pursue forklift training came unexpectedly after a friend introduced both Stephenson and her brother to the programme. With no previous interest in industrial work, she initially viewed the training as a practical option to help support her bakery business.

“I wanted to try something different,” she said. “I never thought I would end up doing something like this, but I’m happy I gave it a chance.”

One of the toughest moments of the training came during a practical assessment that required her to reverse the forklift, stack pallets, and navigate tight spaces. After several unsuccessful attempts, she questioned whether she would be able to complete the exercise.

Rather than walk away frustrated, she chose to reset and try again.

“I told myself I was going to pass before lunchtime,” Stephenson recalled. “I took a break, listened to my trainer, went back around the steering wheel and kept trying until I passed.”

The experience remained one of her proudest moments from the course.

Stephenson believes growing up around her brothers helped make working in a male-dominated environment feel less intimidating. At the same time, she hopes her own journey encourages other young women to stop limiting themselves based on traditional expectations around gender and career paths.

“If you feel like you can do it, just do it,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re female or male. It’s work.”

Her journey also reflects more women entering industries traditionally dominated by men, including logistics, construction and technical trades.

Now certified and already exploring employment opportunities, Stephenson is preparing to enter the workforce while continuing to expand her business, Cozy Crumbs Co. What started as a decision to try something new has now opened the door to opportunities Stephenson once never imagined for herself.