Keleen Kameka: Unbeatable woman

KELEEN Kameka’s love for all things industrial resulted from a broken PlayStation and television in the Westmoreland community of Lambs River, where, from an early age, she showed much dexterity in executing technical tasks.

“I always had an unexplainable desire to learn how things work and I read a lot of material on electronics and machinery. When I was a child, a few appliances in my home were damaged and I was able to pull them apart and fix them. That convinced me that I had much potential in this area,” the 19-year-old, now an apprentice technician at the Montego Bay branch of Appliance Traders Limited (ATL), said proudly.

In her quest to traverse the path to a full-fledged technical career, Kameka said she encountered many a “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”, “Mine yuh strain!”, “You’re a woman, I didn’t know you could…”

Dealing with the occasional cynic while working to stand on par with her male peers in providing top-notch service and delivering on the expectations of the world’s best brands, has only served to bolster, not daunt, this headstrong young woman.

“I love a challenge and I am always motivated to demonstrate that I can excel in any area,” she declared.

For Kameka, excellence is a way of life. She was elected prefect at Cambridge High School in St James and departed with nine Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects. She also earned the distinction of becoming the first female student at the institution to achieve a high of II in her electrical course.

Acting on the encouragement of her family and a burning desire to hone her skills, she pursued advanced studies at the Seaford Town Vocational Training Centre in Westmoreland.

In the summer of 2015, the woman who would later become known as a go-getter, all-rounder, focused, disciplined and flexible professional, was inducted into the ATL family as a temporary employee. Three months later, she was offered a full-time contract to work with junior and senior technicians installing and repairing appliances across western and southern Jamaica.

“I had turned up at a few companies seeking a job, armed with academic qualifications, and was rejected because I did not have the required experience, and no one wanted to take on the responsibility of training me. ATL helped me to become a better version of myself, looking beyond my age and limited in-the-field experience, giving me an opportunity to benefit from extensive on-the-job training, with international agencies as well, while still making a living. That commitment to my development has only pushed me further.”

ATL’s Technical Supervisor (Montego Bay), Winston Simpson, had high praises for the young technician.

“She is an outstanding team player, hardworking, focused, and hands-on. She loves her job and this is evident in the dedication she shows and her desire to always go the extra mile.”

Among her favourite career moments, Kameka recalled a visit to a home to install a solar water heater for a family that wished to reduce their electricity bill.

“I assisted with everything required for set-up, including getting on top of the very high roof. When the job was successfully completed, the customer thanked me, told me she was a bit tense watching me at first, then shared how proud she felt seeing me, another woman, work so efficiently. Being the only female technician on the team and receiving a lot of feedback like that … well, it makes me feel amazing!”

Kameka, one of six children for her parents, chalks up her biggest motivation and challenge in life to not growing up with her mother who was often unwell, and only part-time with her father.

“That situation made me hungry to achieve more than my parents had and to become someone that they could look up to. The absence of my parents also made room for me to grow with my grandparents, who played a big part in grooming me into the person I am today. I am most grateful for every way in which my family has impacted my life,” she said.

A self-described ‘tomboy’, Kameka shared her love for the outdoors and said she relishes the moments when she can engage in a game of football with her colleagues and neighbours.

“I especially like playing with my work colleagues, because no one tells me it’s a man’s game and I can’t keep up. I don’t think I have felt so comfortable anywhere else since leaving high school.”

She also immerses herself in dance at church and on occasion, as a drummer, leads her district’s marching band at a variety of social events aimed at community development.

“I love the direction that my life has taken and I am looking forward to testing the limits. I might be a woman in what some see as a non-traditional field, but I am confident I made the right decision. Businesses are moved by service and I recognise the important role I play in maintaining the standards that will lead to success in this, my chosen field.”