I can best be described as passionate and driven. Coming from a family of six, as the youngest of five girls, with a brother following soon after, much of my upbringing was influenced by my older siblings. They, along with my single, divorced mother, taught me the importance of having a purpose, a plan, and the drive to make things happen.
Born and raised on the island of Nassau in the Bahamas, I always felt there were no limits to my potential. Fast forward to my graduation at the early age of 15, just months shy of turning 16, and I found myself with no plans for college, as there were no institutions of higher learning in the Bahamas in 1977. Upon moving to the U.S. shortly after graduation, I quickly realized I needed to do two things: find a job and determine how to pursue a college education. Initially, I faced challenges, as I was denied acceptance to college since I was considered underage and had not received a high school diploma in the U.S. To overcome this, I studied for my GED, passed the exams, and was ready for college. I earned an associate degree in Aviation, a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Management.
In the meantime, I began my career in hospitality in 1982 with Hilton Hotels and joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 1984. My plan was to complete my master’s degree and transition to a more lucrative position after graduation. However, somehow over 30 years later, I found myself still working with Carnival. Fifteen years into my tenure at Carnival, I earned a doctorate degree. The opportunities, fulfillment, and ability to share my knowledge with others have been incredibly rewarding. I consider myself fortunate to have been on this journey that continues to unfold.
Professional Activities
A member of the Society of Human Resource Management(SHRM), the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals (SOCAP), and a member of the National Association of the Bahamas (NAB).
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