“A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman” – Melinda Gates

MORA Case, a solutions-oriented broadband engineer at Flow Jamaica, is one such woman who believes that other women and aspiring young ladies in the technical field must own their space and find their voice using various opportunities now available through technology and innovation.

Case’s journey in telecommunications technology began in 2001 when she was offered a position at Cable & Wireless Jamaica as a network operation centre technician.

She now leads a team that has responsibility for the operations of the islandwide broadband, fibre-to-the-home network. Her team is integral to the support of various technical operations across Cable & Wireless.

Inspired by her father Franklyn Crooks, an automotive electrician who built his own radios, Case developed a passion for innovation.

“As the second of four daughters, there were no boundaries placed by my parents on future aspirations in a male-dominated field. Other external influences — such as my love for the sciences, problem-solving skills which I developed from my high school math teacher, and observing the Cable and Wireless technicians during a massive expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure in Portland during the mid-90s — all contributed to my passion for the technical field,” she shared.

As a woman operating in a traditionally male-dominated environment Case has become accustomed to being the only female in the room, often referred to as “the rose among the thorns”, or “Queen Bee”. That experience, along with continuous training, has served to boost her self-confidence over the years.

“I realised early that I am not intimidated by my male peers, team members, or others I interact with, and have become comfortable in the space which I’ve earned. I’ve learnt to speak up for myself and others. This has also been possible through hard work, consistency, and the support of my colleagues and family,” she explained.

Motivated by her husband Oral and two daughters, Diarra and Diantha, Case continues to use her sphere of influence, in every aspect of her life, to inspire others.

“I try to be a role model for young women who I interact with, encouraging them to work hard and dream big. At church I play the keyboard with the hope of inspiring others through music.”

Case has also served at the Sunrays Educational Center as vice-chairman and is currently enrolled in a mentorship programme at her church.

She enjoys mutual respect and support from her team members as well as others she interacts with inside and outside of her organisation.

“In my professional life I am a team player, motivator, and ardent worker who will get the job done,” Case declared.