Olivia Smikle: A passion for philanthropy
OLIVIA Smikle, the reigning Mrs Universe Jamaica 2022, is more than just a pretty face. With a passion for philanthropy, she aims to improve the lives of others through her foundation.
Having worked with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Smikle shared how that experience helped to shape her into the woman she is today.
“I served in the JCF for nine years. I started at age 19. Growing up I knew I wanted a career in something that required physical ability and also my curiosity and passion for forensic and criminal psychology. I chose the JCF as my first step, I then went further to start my studies in psychology,” Smikle disclosed.
She shared some of the challenges that she faced as a member of the JCF.
“I left the JCF as a corporal of police and while serving it was bittersweet; I loved my job, I loved going out on operations, I loved the community development that I got involved in. But there were a lot of challenges I had to deal with within the institution as a whole. Overall, it was an amazing journey and those challenges helped me to gain mental and physical strength — a part of my drive to motivate others on mental strength and self-confidence is because of these challenges. It was through serving that I found my purpose. My purpose was to serve.”
She explained how the Olivia Smikle Foundation came into being.
“After leaving the JCF I lost touch of my community involvement, not being able to have that sense of fulfilment, and I felt empty. After nine years of emptiness, I decided that I needed to take action.
“We are doing a sanitary pad initiative in collaboration with Mrs Universe Africa and the NGO Heal the World Foundation where we raised funds to purchase and donate reusable pads to schools in rural areas of South Africa, where young girls have limited access to sanitary pads. We also built a perimeter fence, set up a computer lab and an infant department for Cumberland Primary and Infant School in Clarendon. We also implemented a school vitamin programme by supplying early childhood institutions with vitamins and minerals for the children,” said Smikle.
She also shared some future plans, some of which are ongoing.
“We want to set up a skills training centre. Our goal is to raise funds to have this done in Banana Ground, Manchester. This will train and certify members of the community and surrounding communities by providing them with the competencies they need for the workforce. Also, a scholarship programme and an annual road race in Manchester where the proceeds will go towards tertiary tuition fees for the top three winners. This will include participants from schools in Canada and Jamaica.”
Added Smikle: “The Olivia Smikle Foundation’s mission is to use the powerful tool, education, for breaking the cycle of poverty and closing the gap in social inequality. This will be done through different fund-raising programmes to donate to any educational cause nationally and internationally.”
A few months ago, Smikle competed in the pageant, which was held in Bulgaria.
“My journey to Sofia, Bulgaria, and my experience there was a moment to treasure; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I made good use of it. I have built partnerships with other sister queens from countries around the world to work together on initiatives supporting communities, health, and educational programmes,” she said.
Smikle’s reign as Mrs Universe Jamaica 2022 comes to an end this month, when a new titleholder will be crowned.
Mrs Universe is an annual event for “the most honourable married woman”. The event is open to married, divorced, and widowed women from nations around the world, who are between the ages of 18 and 55, have a family and career, and are involved in a “significant cause”. It is based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
