IWD 2026: Roshane Reid-Koomson – Embodying the power of #GivetoGain

AS Jamaica observes International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme Give to Gain, I find myself reflecting not only on what I have poured into others, but on the many hands and hearts that have poured into me.

As executive director of the Jamaica Cancer Society, my daily work centres on advocacy, early detection, and expanding access to lifesaving cancer screening. The theme resonates deeply with me because in public health, partnership is essential. We give healthcare, we give education, we give support, and in return we gain stronger families and healthier communities. In addition, I have guided hundreds of students through my previous adjunct lecturer positions at The Mico University College and the Caribbean Maritime Institute, and I continue in this regard at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and the University of the West Indies, Mona.

While this theme highlights giving, I must acknowledge that I did not get here alone. God is at the centre of everything that I do. My faith anchors my leadership and reminds me that service is a calling, not simply a career.

I am profoundly grateful to the exceptional women who have intentionally shaped my professional journey. Leaders such as Dr Lovette Byfield, former principal director of the National Family Planning Board, and Laurette Adams-Thomas, chief executive officer of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, have significantly influenced and strengthened my approach to leadership. I firmly believe that female leadership should foster a culture of accountability, care, sustainability and transformation.

At the foundation of my resilience is my grandmother, a consummate entrepreneur in the truest sense. She was a homemaker, shopkeeper, informal banker, agriculturist, and church leader in the community of Arcadia District, St Thomas. Observing her steward limited resources with wisdom and grace, while seamlessly managing multiple responsibilities, profoundly shaped my work ethic and continues to fuel my determination to strive for meaningful and lasting impact.

Service must extend beyond the office. Recently, through the Taste of Home by Yash Live Kitchen in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, I supported families in need through the provision of meals, care packages, clothing and toiletries. Also, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, I launched a relief fund which mobilised assistance for cancer patients and survivors in St Elizabeth and St Ann, through kind support from Apex Radiology. Vulnerability does not pause for disaster and leadership must respond with compassion.

Additionally, I have spearheaded Christmas book and toy drives for Strathmore Gardens Children’s Home and launched a back-to-school grant at the Arcadia Primary and Infant School. My passion for youth development also led me to join the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals, Kingston. My hope is that my work ethic, passion to serve and desire to help other women climb the corporate ladder will inspire women on this International Women’s Day. When we give selflessly, we all gain.

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