ST. ELIZABETH, Jamaica, Oct. 12, 2014, CNS – Having begun my life in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, my inspiring journey tells the story of how I went from a country girl to a corporate queen. It is my belief that struggles are only temporary that has allowed me to transform my life, and earned me a successful career in business, motivational speaking, training, and mentoring. Inspired by iconic matriarchs such as Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, I strive to empower women from all backgrounds to embrace their situation and overcome adversity in order to develop into strong, successful mothers, wives, and career women.
Growing up in Jamaica, I was one of nine children and spent much of my time selling mangoes on the suburban streets of St Elizabeth. Despite often missing school in order to earn the money that the family desperately needed, I retained my unquenchable thirst for education. It was this instilled drive and desire to achieve my dreams that empowered me to make my ambition of inspiring others a reality. I qualified as a teacher and went on to earn a business degree before moving to the UK in 2002, to work as a teacher, accompanied by my three year old daughter Chardonae. It was at this point, that I decided to follow my heart and pursue my dreams of becoming a business woman. Completing an MBA, my achievements reflect my can do attitude to life and my determination to achieve my goals. Today, I thrive in my position as Global Business Development Manager in the maritime sector.
1. What do you love most about the Caribbean? I am so in love with the people’s warmth and overall culture and atmosphere. From the time you land at the airport you know it’s a different place; there are hellos and assistance with almost every aspect of your arrival. I love the quality of life and simplicity that can exist.
2. What brings you the greatest joy? The greatest joy for me is simply knowing that my kids are fed, warm and safe, but the smile on their faces or a cuddle melts me every time.
3. What is the best advice you've been given? While in high school at St. Elizabeth Technical I had two teachers Mrs. Mavis Taylor and Mrs. Johnson who always reminded that I could achieve anything I wanted. They drilled it in me that where I was from didn’t have to define who I become and that lesson has helped me tremendously today.
4. What is on your bookshelf? My bookshelf has all sorts from John Grisham, Ebony Magazine, The Secret, my own book Bamboo & Fern to Oprah’s magazine , Social Marketing text, just to name a few.
5. What charity do you support? I support Oxfam currently. I must volunteer more and find other organisations to associate with.
6. What is on your bucket list? They say have kids, plant a tree and write a book then you die right? Well I’ve done all three so hopefully I will live a long life right? I have a few things I would love to do before I die Namely: learn to play the piano, sit on Oprah Winfrey’s show as well as The BBC morning show, visit the wonders of the world and get married and experience what love really feels like.
7. What is on your perennial to-do list? I regret not learning more Spanish in school as living in Europe means languages are always being spoken, so my list has to learn a language French or Spanish; become better at gardening as I find it so cathartic like writing. I have a passion for education and working with young people, so an “Ava Brown’s” academy is near to my heart with the right sponsors and or business partners. I want to volunteer more and possibly adopt my next child, as well as complete my next book which is now being edited as well wrap up a recipe book I am attempting. Wish me luck!
9. Who are your Caribbean heroes? There are so many heroes and heroines in the Caribbean but my favorites are: Ambassador Burchell Whiteman (he gave me wings to fly when he didn’t need to, thankfully he did as he helped me become the woman I am today); Derek Walcott; Ian Boyne TV Host; Dr. Livingstone Thompson Academia; Dr. Garfield Young lecturer UWI & UTECH, he is an admirable human being with a passion for education; and all the strong women and the mothers rich and poor in the Caribbean who fight and struggle daily to fend for their kids.
10. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? My guest list would have ordinary friends who have stuck with me through it all but the people I would invite outside of those would be: Ambassdor Bruchell Whiteman, Oprah Winfrey, Sir Alan Sugar, John Grisham and Richard Branson. I admire these people for different unique qualities. Kenny G to set the atmosphere and if Luther were around oh a must have there.
11. What quote do you live by? I am able to do all things through Christ.
12. What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I wish I was happily married and settled with the same person all my life. Did I say that? Ouch!
13. What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger? I wish I knew how to handle obstacles in marriage.
14. What would you want to say to the Caribbean about any one of these: Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Climate Change, HIV/AIDS, and Tourism? There needs to be a better approach to people living and diagnosed with HIV across the region, in an effort to better tackle the treatment process as a whole. There also needs to be that removal of the taboo about HIV and a better education campaign needs to become a way of life in schools and communities.
15. Any final words? Living in the Caribbean has given me the roots on which the world has become my oyster; it’s an education that has enriched my childhood and adult life even today. I appreciate the simple things in life and thank the Caribbean daily.
