IWD 2023: #EmbraceEquity (Pt 3)
We asked women: “How have you been using your own sphere of influence, and are rising to the challenge to create a space for your voice, as well as that of other women and girls, to be heard?”
LANNET WRIGHT, ACTING DIRECTOR – CUSTOMER OPERATIONS AT DIGICEL JAMAICA
With over 19 years in the telecommunication, information technology, and banking sectors, Lannet Wright has a wealth of knowledge in customer experience and relations, business analysis, and business process optimisation. She holds a BSc in Information Technology and is certified as a scrum master (CSM), project management professional (PMP), and is trained in net promoter masterclass and customer journey mapping.
“As a woman of purpose I have been using my sphere of influence to share the word of God and offer a space for other women around the world to do the same through reading and meditation,” she shared.
“My unprecedented journey into empowering women through our common spirituality began over five years ago with a small circle of three friends via Zoom. At first, we would share life experiences until we decided to study the Bible together.
“Today, our group of four has burgeoned into a full-scale Bible e-study group, comprising mainly women of all ages from across Jamaica, the United States, Canada, and St Lucia. The cadre of women include registered nurses, retired teachers, students, software programmers, graphic designers, contact centre agents, analysts, nannies, and human resources professionals — all of whom are focused on moving forward in faith as they make strides in their personal and professional lives. Each woman brings a different perspective to the table, and through their unique experiences the group has become a melting pot of hope, empowerment and inspiration. We agree, disagree, laugh, cry, pray, worship, and listen — but most importantly we each get to have our say, and be heard.
“Little did I expect or imagine that our small Bible study group would have become a cornerstone of empowerment to a growing number of women, and men too! Their husbands and friends pop in occasionally to listen and contribute in their own way, and we welcome them just the same.
“Indeed, I have found my purpose through my passion for Christ, and I’ve used it to enlighten and enrich others through our shared desire to serve Him.”
K’SHA WHITE, PORTFOLIO MANAGER, FIRSTROCK PRIVATE EQUITY LIMITED
K’sha White is an investment professional with a history of working in dynamic and fast-paced environments. She joined the FirstRock Private Equity team in November 2021 as a portfolio analyst after which she quickly climbed the corporate ladder, receiving a promotion in February 2023. White now serves as FirstRock Private Equity’s portfolio manager. She is a strong finance professional with responsibility for pre-acquisiton analysis as well as post-acquisition management of portfolio companies. Prior to joining the FirstRock team, she served as director of finance for Quest Security Systems.
“Working in a male-dominated environment, I believe it is particularly important for women to feel confident and inspired to share their unique views. It is easy to get drowned out in a room full of men so I challenge myself to ensure that my thoughts and contributions to a conversation are heard — especially when I feel most like fading into the background,” she shared.
“I remind myself that by using my voice, not only am I showing up for me but I am also helping to create a space in which other women and girls know that they are not alone and are assured that their input matters. I have always been encouraged by the strong, resourceful and resilient women around me who show up and give 100 per cent every day. Therefore, I think that the creation of such a space is vital for women to share with and empower each other, ensuring our collective voice is heard.”
KAREN MITCHELL, SENIOR VP TREASURY & TRADING, MAYBERRY INVESTMENTS LIMITED
Karen Mitchell joined Mayberry Investments Limited in 2014 and is now the company’s senior vice-president, treasury. She employs a combination of industry knowledge and market and trading expertise to effectively manage the company’s treasury and trading functions. In her extensive career, spanning 30 years, she has honed her craft at various financial institutions, garnering the expertise to develop and implement strategies to grow Mayberry’s investment portfolio successfully. In her downtime Mitchell enjoys reading and spending quality time with family and friends
She strongly believes education is the gateway to achieving life’s goals. Throughout her career she has guided young women in seeking out the best educational opportunities that will allow them to manoeuvre life’s obstacles independently. As a result of her belief that women must be educationally equipped, she has often provided financial assistance for a number of girls’ and young women’s education. Additionally, she provides mentorship to young women wherein she instils the importance of valuing one’s self as a woman, speaking up when necessary, and shining your light — even if it makes others uncomfortable. Mitchell believes that these are key points to ensure that women are comfortable breaking glass ceilings in their professional lives.
