Natalie Harford, BSc/MD

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Grenadian nationals Natalie Harford, MD ’22, and her older brother Nicholas Harford, MD ’20, have always been inseparable when it came to attending school. So, it came as no surprise when Dr. Natalie Harford made the decision to follow in her brother’s footsteps and attend St. George’s University two years after he enrolled.

“The fact that my brother went to SGU played a big part in my decision at the time,” said Dr. Harford, who graduated this past June. “What can I say—my brother has always been a successful role model throughout my life, and I don’t regret my decision to apply to SGU one bit.”

Indeed, the family had much to celebrate as the younger Dr. Harford walked across the stage to be hooded by her sibling at SGU’s 41st commencement ceremony at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY. Like her brother two years earlier, she and her fellow students from the Class of 2022 join a network of more than 19,000 alumni practicing in the United States and around the world.

“Hooding my sister was a great honor,” said Dr. Nicholas Harford, currently an internal medicine resident in Connecticut and the first doctor in their family.

“It was also extra special to be a part of the experience standing on stage since I wasn’t able to stand there at my own commencement ceremony in 2020 due to the pandemic. We owe that moment to our parents as they supported both of our dreams to become doctors. It would not have been possible without them.”

A Family Celebration

Having two children in medical school at the same time did provide a challenge for the Harford siblings’ parents—with both working full time jobs to make their children’s dream of becoming physicians possible. Their mother, Pratima Harford, also ran a successful international take-out food stall called Flavor House just outside of the True Blue campus. Over the years, she’s fed many SGU students and sometimes acted as a second mother while they were studying far from home.

“It was definitely a lot of sacrifice and a huge life challenge that we took on as a family,” shared Mrs. Harford. “The moment when our son hooded our daughter, we felt like we were witnessing our nine years of hard work come together in that one special moment. We couldn’t have been prouder of how happy and successful they both have become. It was truly a celebratory day for our entire family.”


A Doctor in the Making

Born in Guyana, and living in the Fiji Islands for five years, the Harford family eventually moved to Grenada.

Upon graduating from secondary school in Grenada, Dr. Natalie Harford had the option to attend T. A. Marryshow Community College or apply to SGU’s premedical program. Passionate about science—particularly anatomy—she carefully considered her options before joining her brother at SGU.

“I was drawn to SGU because it offered me a continuous seven-year pathway to earn my medical degree,” stated Dr. Harford. “And who wouldn’t want to enjoy being in the comfort of their home country to complete a degree, especially when it happens to be a paradise island like Grenada.”

 

“The best advice I can give anyone considering applying to medical school is to go after your passions and don’t be afraid to encounter challenges on the journey, it makes the reward that much sweeter.”

 

During her time at SGU, Dr. Harford was a member of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Indian Cultural Student Association (ICSA). She was also a teaching member of the Department of Educational Services (DES) and the Academic Enhancement Program (AEP).

“At SGU I grew both academically and personally,” said Dr. Harford. “In addition to pursing my medical degree, I had the pleasure of expanding my knowledge on the different cultural backgrounds of my peers and newly made friends. This was an invaluable experience, learning how to communicate and understand someone else’s belief system and how it impacts their lives—a skill I foresee utilizing to better the way I communicate in both my practice of medicine and in my everyday life.”

Dr. Harford will be entering the 2023 Match and hopes to secure a residency in pediatrics. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in her clinical rotation timeline causing delays which prevented her from applying to this year’s Match.

“From day one of my pediatrics core rotation, I fell in love with the energy, the people, and the patients,” she said. “Being a part of a pediatric team of healthcare professionals feels like my niche, and I cannot wait to join this amazing specialty.”

For now, Dr. Harford’s current plans include giving back to her alma mater as a teaching fellow, while brushing up on her Spanish and sign language skills, along with completing her USMLE Step 2 examinations and her ERAS application.

“The best advice I can give anyone considering applying to medical school is to go after your passions and don’t be afraid to encounter challenges on the journey, it makes the reward that much sweeter,” she said.

Kerryne James, BSc

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Kerryne James, BSc ’21, grew up in a working-class family in the town of Gouyave in the parish of St. John. Although life was not always easy, she learned from a young age the importance of hard work and the value of education as a tool that can be used to empower yourself and change your circumstances. Now as the Honorable, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, and the youngest female to hold the position, she’s harnessed those early teachings and applies them to everything she does in service of her country.

Decidedly different from her peers, Minister James became involved in politics from the tender age of 15. In 2016, during her second year at T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) she was hand selected by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to become one of the youth members representing Grenada at the National Sustainable Development Plan 2030. She describes the experience as having opened her eyes to the reality that young people who came from rural parts of the island were being overlooked and underrepresented in that realm of conversation.

Having always loved modeling and fashion, 2016 was also the year she would place second in Grenada’s National Carnival Queen Show. It was while touring on the pageant trail, she saw firsthand so many of the residents from her beloved hometown living in such desolate conditions and felt the overwhelming need to help. She would go on to use the pageant as a platform to showcase that the people of Gouyave were also multi-talented and could represent Grenada well—outside of sports and music. This was also the moment she felt something awaken in her and she decided to officially enter the political arena.

Originally, the Minister thought she would pursue a career in law, even majoring in law, geography, and sociology while at TAMCC. However, she would later apply to St. George’s University (SGU) to study psychology to make sure she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted to achieve for herself—not for her parents or anyone else.

From becoming a senator, while studying at SGU, to being elected the youngest female minister in the region, Minister James shared with SGU News her journey from student to politician.

St. George’s University: As the newly elected Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, describe what stands out or excites you most about your job? 

The Honorable Minister Kerryne James: Getting the opportunity to create policies, programs, and projects that would help elevate and change the status quo of my country, as well as having a positive impact on our young people and especially women, is what excites me about this job. I have a portfolio that requires me to be off-island frequently and attending international negotiating tables, round tables, and conferences where there aren’t many there who look like me.

I’m in a position where I can show others who we are and what we have to contribute to the larger conversation. We all have unique challenges when it comes to the environment, but it is only when we speak up can the more developed countries realize the impact they’re having on these smaller states. Being that storyteller for them is something that is very powerful.

 

“SGU has prepared me for both educational and professional advancement. It has shown me that although life can be difficult to balance at times—consistency is important.”

 

SGU: What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in your new role? 

Minister James: My goal is to fulfill my campaign promises to my constituents, especially the farmers and fisherfolks who are very close to my heart. I’m looking forward to developing our infrastructure in the parish of St. John—helping it to become more climate resilient and climate smart. I also want to help educate and train our young people and create an environment where our women can feel that there is a space for them and support for them to lead the way.

SGU: We’ve noticed you wearing styles from local fashion designers, why is it important to you to support Grenadian entrepreneurs?

Minister James: As a former beauty queen contestant, fashion has always been near and dear to me. I believe that you have to dress how you want to be addressed and that you’re firstly judged by how you look and what you wear before you even speak. Therefore, every opportunity that I get to be different and to stand out, I’ll take it. I have my own sense of style and I always strive to be authentically me. I wear local because it reminds me of where I come from, and it gives me an opportunity to market my country’s talented entrepreneurs. I can show that I am a living example and that, if you apply yourself, you will get noticed and you can make a career path where there wasn’t one before.

SGU: How well do you feel that SGU prepared you for the next step in your journey?

Minister James: SGU taught me how to be serious, how to take initiative, and it taught me time management skills. I had really supportive friends and faculty at SGU, and the resources were numerous. The Psychological Services Center was there to help with your wellness and the Department of Educational Services was there to help you stay on track with your classes.

 

Throwback: Minister James as a student at SGU

 

SGU: Describe how you became a senator? And why you accepted the position?

Minister James: University life was initially tough because there was no more handholding like in high school. I had to adapt to this new fast-paced environment. During my third month at SGU, I got a call from the Governor General’s office stating that my name was selected as one of three to become a senator. My jaw dropped and I thought I was being pranked. However, I accepted even though I thought to myself this wasn’t why I originally got involved in politics. I simply wanted to do my part and be a youth advocate within the party. But, after speaking to a few people in my close circle, I decided to give it a shot. I was called to serve, and I would put my best foot forward. I would figure out how to balance school life and state life as a senator.

SGU: Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities or student clubs while at SGU?

Minister James: I was an executive member of the Humanities and Social Sciences Association (HS3A) and I had quite a wonderful experience and felt like I really made a difference in that student organization. Due to COVID-19, all the big events we had planned that term did not materialize, but one of our biggest accomplishments was creating a well-produced video in recognition of World Mental Health Day, which garnered local media attention to help educate our population on how we should treat people with mental illness.

Another major achievement while I was in HS3A was our visit to the Father Mallaghan’s Home for Boys. We felt like those boys could relate to us and they could speak to us. We were able to help them with assignments and give them words of encouragement that, despite their current circumstances, they could change their future. We were able to touch the lives of these young men and to this day they remember us.

SGU: What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering applying to SGU?

Minister James: Attending a university will be challenging, but your primary interest should be to do your best. Obtaining that degree from SGU will be so worth it. And when you get to SGU, stay grounded and commit to what you set out to do. All the resources are there for you to succeed. You just have to show up and take advantage of this opportunity. SGU prepared me for both educational and professional advancement. It has shown me that although life can be difficult to balance at times—consistency is important. And if you fail to prepare yourself for opportunity, it can slip by you very easily.

SGU: What is one of the greatest accomplishments you’ve achieved in your career so far?

Minister James:I would have to say becoming the youngest sitting senator in the House of Parliament in all the Commonwealth nations. I was also the lone female who won a seat in Grenada’s recent elections from the winning party, the National Democratic Congress. I’ve achieved all of this under the age of 25. Politics remains a male-dominated arena, so to be so young and a woman and to achieve so much already, is my greatest accomplishment so far.

Samanta Johnson, BSc

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As a part-time student and full-time employee at St. George’s University, Samanta Johnson, BSc ’22, always knew that if she obtained her bachelor’s degree, more doors would open for her professionally, allowing her to create more purpose in her life.

This month, Ms. Johnson graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in management. The grad is about to embark on the next step in her professional career.

On July 1, she begins her new role at the University, as coordinator of campus life within the Office of the Dean of Students. Ms. Johnson has worked for the past 13 years within the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pharmacology—where she started off as a secretary and was later promoted to executive secretary within the same department.

She shared with SGU News that completing her degree at SGU has been the greatest accomplishment of her career so far and how it has boosted her desire to grow both personally and professionally.

St. George’s University: What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in your new role?

Ms. Johnson: As I transition into my new position, I will have the opportunity to assist within the areas of planning and oversight of new student orientation, Family Weekend, White Coat Ceremonies, student organizations, and SOM College events. Also, with everyone being back on campus next term, I’m looking forward to having more in-person interactions and cultivating an even more collaborative environment as I support with the recruitment, training, and supervision of various student assistance teams.

SGU: Share what your student experience was like at SGU and its impact on your life. 

Ms. Johnson: Being a student at SGU has been one of the defining moments of my life—one that has brought me many opportunities. The University is extremely student centric and there is a breadth of support services that students have at their disposal, for both new and seasoned students. From inception, students can learn all that SGU has to offer in the Introduction to University life presentation, which provides vital information to first-year students to ensure their success.

I believe that regardless of your current position, there is always more to learn and once you invest in your professional growth it creates self-awareness, tenacity, humility, and the like. Being a student at St. George’s has pushed me out of my comfort zone and inspired me to think differently—in a positive way.

SGU: How did it feel to walk across the stage at commencement?

Ms. Johnson: For me, graduation signified that I completed a certain period in my life. Not having to consistently attend classes anymore, I felt as if I was leaving behind an organized set of routines, and it was a bittersweet occasion for me. Yet, on the day itself I felt honored and accomplished. The chance to walk across the stage and become an SGU alumna brought feelings of happiness, excitement, and pride.

Throughout the years, there was always a goal in my mind to earn my bachelor’s degree. Completing that degree and graduating with honors, whilst being a full-time employee has been my greatest accomplishment in my career thus far. My goal in the future is to continue to improve myself, continue reaching for greatness, and becoming an expert in my field.

SGU: How well do you feel that SGU prepared you for the next step in your journey?

Ms. Johnson: SGU has aided me in developing my confidence and assertiveness. I am much surer of myself, and I believe I can accomplish everything I set my mind to. The University also instilled in me a sense of wanting to achieve more and not settling for less.

SGU: What would you say to an aspiring student considering going to SGU? 

Ms. Johnson: I believe prospective students will have a unique opportunity to study and learn in a multicultural setting that will benefit them both academically and personally. They will also be immersed in a professional environment from the very beginning of their journey.

Adrian Joseph, BSc

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As Adrian Joseph, BSc ’10, sees it, every day is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to serve his home country. Today he directs and coordinates the activities as head of the Protocol Division in Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a position he’s held for nearly a decade.

Mr. Joseph shares why he went into public service, as well as how SGU afforded him the opportunity to remain close to home and family while furthering his education.

St. George’s University: What are your responsibilities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Adrian Joseph: As chief of protocol, I oversee the security, logistics, and etiquette in diplomatic and national events or functions. In this role, I am also responsible for all consular matters and for serving the diplomatic corps/regional and international organizations accredited to Grenada in accordance with the Vienna Convention.

SGU: Did you always want to work in public service?

AJ: I’ve always wanted to serve my country in some way or another. However, it was while serving as the vice president of the SGU Model United Nations that in many ways piqued my interest in the field of modern diplomacy. That experience provided a wonderful opportunity to interact and learn from different cultures.

I chose this field because, in my opinion, it is quite extraordinary given that its main objective is to achieve a sense of harmony in the world. I find the work that I do very fulfilling as it allows for facilitation in communication and knowledge exchange and in promoting peace. I am also working on further strengthening my business acumen by earning a doctorate in business administration with a specialization in global business at Keiser University in Florida.

SGU: How have you been affected by the events of this past year?

AJ: This pandemic has been tough on many of us, but despite the adversities, it has also shown us the importance of family and friends and how grateful we should be for our health. For me personally, it has given me a new insight on issues such as food security and self-reliance. As a result, I have been dabbling in farming, which has turned out to be quite interesting and rewarding. I hope to expand on it because, apart from providing an additional source of food, it’s also a great form of exercise and I find it very relaxing.

SGU: What advice would you give to someone pursuing a similar path as you at SGU?

AJ: I will always be grateful to SGU for affording me the opportunity to earn a degree that has helped me in so many ways in becoming a well-rounded individual. The University is fully equipped with all the essential instruments for learning and for preparing its students for the professional environment. I am proud to be an alumnus of an esteemed institution that continues to produce distinguished graduates who are thriving in their respective fields.

– Ray-Donna Peters

Damian Greaves, MPH

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When Dr. Damian Greaves changed course in his career, switching from politics to academic, he had always intended to return. But more than 15 years into his time as an educator at St. George’s University, he has reveled in the opportunity to pass on his knowledge to future leaders in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean. 

“When I teach, I am on top of the world because it is not just a job, it is a vocation—to inspire and mold minds,” said Dr. Greaves, a professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

He came to St. George’s University in 2006 after spending five years as the Minister of Health in St. Lucia, first serving as a part-time lecturer while working on a Master of Public Health (MPH) from SGU, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Walden University.  

“Leveraging on various experiences gives a broader view on what is happening, and therefore translates to a more panoramic and rigorous analysis of matters that may come to my attention,” said Dr. Greaves. “It also gives you a more global prospective.”

Roles Run the Gamut

Even with all of his roles at SGU, he traveled to St. Lucia monthly to attend parliamentary sessions. All told, the former Minister served 15 years in politics, including three as senator, for which he led the opposition in the House. Dr. Greaves was also Minister for Culture and Community Development. His passion for culture led him to write songs, own a Carnival band, and participate in calypso competitions.  

Nevertheless, Dr. Greaves remained at SGU as an instructor, teaching Social Sciences and Medicine to premedical and preveterinary students, as well as sociology courses such as Race, Class and Gender; Caribbean Social Structure; Caribbean Government and Politics; and Introduction to Political Science. 

“When you are teaching, you have to be well read. One of your toolkits is to continue to research and read, particularly in this ever-evolving technical age.” Dr. Greaves said. “If you’re a sociologist and you don’t have a working knowledge of economics, political science, other areas of social sciences and even outside of those, your analysis will be the limited because you must engage other subject matters that impact what you’re interrogating.” 

He also leads a very active campus life, serving as president of the School of Arts and Sciences Senate as well as the University Senate. He is also a member of various committees such as the Graduate and Undergraduate Committees, Accreditation Committee, and SGU IRB; a body with a mandate to review the content of research studies. 

Outside of SGU, Dr. Greaves is the director of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, sits on the National Advisory Board for National Health Insurance, and is chair of the Grenada National Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases, a position he has held since 2017. Dr. Greaves is also writing his first book, which focuses on health management in the Caribbean.   

Published February 2021

Adel Hagley Ollivierre, MBA

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When Adel Hagley Ollivierre boiled down her career aspirations, two necessities became clear to her—to be in a position that she enjoys while also making a difference in the lives of others. As the current assistant administrator for the Office of the Dean at St. George’s University’s School of Arts and Sciences, she feels she has accomplished just that. 

A Master of Business Administration helped equip her with all the tools for success in that role. The 2018 SGU alumna explained why pursuing an MBA was one of the best career decisions she made, and why she would recommend it to entrepreneurs. 

St. George’s University: Why did you choose to pursue an MBA at SGU? 

Adel Hagley Ollivierre: I envisioned my decision to pursue an MBA would allow me to enhance my knowledge and hone critical competencies across several managerial disciplines, which I felt would create opportunities for career advancement. It was also ideal because of its online mode of delivery, as I could complete my program while at the same time balancing family life and a full-time job. 

SGU: How has this MBA made a difference in your life? 

Hagley Ollivierre: It has brought immediate value to me as an individual. It has proved useful in giving me the confidence to make a major career change. I often felt that I had greater potential and could be more impactful in my career. Acquiring new knowledge tends to change your perspective and initiate other interests. Additionally, it served as an avenue that fostered enduring friendships with colleagues of my graduating class and the exemplary faculty and staff of our program, who provided the requisite knowledge and guidance. 

SGU: You previously worked in the Grenada Public Service. Why did you make such a major career change? 

Hagley Ollivierre: The decision to transition from the public sector to the private sector was a fairly easy one. My time with the Grenada Public Service allowed me to work with brilliant colleagues and develop the skill set and competencies that today serve as the foundation for future growth and development. Naturally, I felt I was at a stage in my career where I wanted to make a difference and simply enjoy what I did for a living. 

Joining the team in the Office of the Dean was the answer to my prayers. I finally had the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge and years of experience to a real-life situation. Here, my productive capabilities are demonstrated. I feel a sense of accomplishment as I execute my duties and navigate this dynamic and often unpredictable environment. 

I am fortunate to have a terrific manager who appreciates my contributions and provides the necessary support and guidance. I enjoy going to work and collaborating with our competent faculty and staff. It gives me a great sense of pride knowing that our collective efforts contribute to the success of our students and organization. 

SGU: Going back to your time as a student, how would you describe campus life for an MBA student? 

Hagley Ollivierre: My on-campus experiences generally involved attending residencies, or studying at the library or study spaces on weekends. St. George’s University is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Grenada—it’s simply the gold standard in my book. I feel extremely fortunate to have experienced its scenic ocean view, the refreshing environment, and the well equipped and comfortable facilities. 

SGU: Would you recommend SGU’s MBA program to entrepreneurs? 

Hagley Ollivierre: The MBA-IB program is designed with an international perspective and is especially beneficial in terms of providing very practical case analyses. It culminates with the defense of a business-related capstone project. This component I believe is particularly useful for aspiring entrepreneurs, as it helps develop appropriate business acumen and provides practical experience. I would highly recommend it. 

Published January 2021

Livonne Charles, BA

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What do you enjoy most about your current role?

“I’m responsible for doing real estate valuations of commercial properties such as hotels, office and retail buildings, marinas, as well as residential dwellings and land valuations. It’s a very difficult job but I love it. As one of if not the most qualified valuation managers with over 10 years of experience in real estate in Grenada, I have to be completely unbiased in my assessment of the property I’m reviewing. I enjoy both aspects of my job, which first starts with trying to foster a good relationship with my clients, while working with my staff on data collection, property inspections, and creating valuation reports detailing a properties’ worth. The other aspect involves offering other real estate advisory services such as rental reviews, highest and best use, and market studies. I analyze the data, going through various scientific methodologies to provide informed assessments for my clients.”

How would you describe your SGU experience?

“My experience at SGU was amazing. It was the perfect blend of education and socialization. SGU’s diversity makes it stand out, and the relationships I’ve built with my colleagues while there is one of my biggest achievements and something that I will always cherish. Our professors were an incredible mix of local, regional, and international faculty, so you didn’t just get taught what was on the curriculum. They also shared their global experiences. I also had the added benefit of working while attending the University, which really helped me to put what I learnt at SGU into the practical field much sooner.”

How did you get into your field?

“When I started at SGU, I wasn’t exactly sure where I was headed but I did know that my two interests were computer science and business. However, after speaking with Colin Dowe, Associate Dean of Enrollment Planning, he encouraged me to sign up for the Management and Information Systems (MIS) program—advice I am forever grateful for. MIS is one of the best programs, as it provided just the right combination of my interests and allowed me to diversify myself in both my professional and personal life.”

What’s your next step?

“I’m in the process of attaining full qualification in the area of valuations under the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (RICS). While I already have several certifications under the RICS, obtaining full qualification and membership will allow me to continuously produce the best service to my clients and also allow me to work anywhere in the world that the RICS is accepted. Additionally, during my fourth year at SGU, I started a company called SpiceVibes. It’s a media and technology company that offers services in social media management, photography, videography, web design, database design, and even provides services in other islands. After a successful seven years, I then got the opportunity to start a vacation rentals and concierge company, Summer Direct, along with some other incredible partners. With the success of both companies, and the experience I’ve attained, I’ve decided to start another company with plans to surpass the ones before. My favorite quote is ‘Go Beyond’. It’s similar to the SGU motto ‘Think Beyond’. I chose it because now that I am in the real world I have to ‘Go Beyond’.”

 

Published August 2018

Quasi Williams, BSc

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Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at St. George’s University before applying to the School of Veterinary Medicine turned out to be one of the best decisions Quasi Williams, BSc SGU ’13, ever made. For although he loved working with animals, it was during his time at SGU that he found his passion for apiculture—or as it’s more commonly known, beekeeping.

Mr. Williams has spent more than 10 years working at Grenada’s Veterinary and Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. He now serves as the Livestock Extension Assistant responsible for apiculture.

“My job requires providing technical assistance to all the beekeepers of our tri-island state, including workshops and training for said beekeepers,” stated Mr. Williams. “In addition to overseeing and conducting research in the field of apiculture on behalf of the Ministry, I also provide technical support to senior staff within the Veterinary division.”

While at SGU, Mr. Williams was asked to oversee and work with the School of Veterinary Medicine’s East Caribbean Bee Research Extension Centre (ECBREC), as the Ministry’s technical officer. ECBREC currently carries out internationally recognized research in bee diseases, parasites, pests, husbandry, and pollination, to enhance the knowledge of agriculture and livestock sustainability, ecology, behavior, and conservation, and provides technical training for local and regional beekeepers. It was this invaluable opportunity that Mr. Williams now credits with his entry into the field of apiculture.

“My experiences at SGU were an eye opener that I would enjoy sharing with my kids in the future. My interactions with people from many different cultures, and the friends and professors that helped me throughout my time at the University would all be cherished,” said Mr. Williams. “My decision to attend SGU has impacted my life greatly. I didn’t know what to expect, but by the end of my time there, I had a clear path of my future, career-wise, which was uncertain during the initial stages of my academic journey.”

In addition to academics, during his time at SGU, Mr. Williams also had an active athletic career. An avid footballer, he was a member of the University’s varsity football/soccer team as well as the inter-sector netball team. Currently, he coaches SGU’s female varsity football team under the guidance of Mr. Chris Park, Assistant to the Director of Athletics, SGU, which now has an all-female intramurals competition every semester. As part of SGU’s athletics team, Mr. Williams continues to raise the profile of sports and expand the number of opportunities offered to students in various sporting disciplines, exercise sciences, and physical education.

Aside from beekeeping, Mr. Williams loves working with animals both farm and domestic, presently providing care as an aspiring veterinary technician within the Ministry. In the future, he plans to specialize in veterinary public health and epidemiology, beginning with a master’s degree and then on to a PhD.

 

Published February 2018

Nicole Cambridge, BSc, MBA

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The road to academic success for Nicole Cambridge, MBA SGU ’15, BSc SGU ’11, has been a winding one, complete with pit stops, twists, and turns throughout. Nevertheless, she persevered, and went on to a Bachelor of Science in economics and finance and a Master of Business Administration, specializing in international business, at St. George’s University.

She earned them both—and maintained a high GPA—all while juggling jobs and taking care of her family. Ms. Cambridge now serves as the Business Development and Research Officer at Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

“Although it took me 10 years and I faced many obstacles, I also had many triumphs, including having my three beautiful daughters along the way,” Ms. Cambridge said.

At the GCIC, Ms. Cambridge supports the organization’s work across a range of areas, including research, policy advice, revenue generation, engagement, and capacity building. She is responsible for collecting and analyzing socioeconomic data and trade statistics, and developing the necessary policy papers to meet the changing needs of the members and stakeholders of the Chamber.

“I wear two caps while working at the GCIC. Some days I work on the business development side of things, drafting contracts, and helping to organize training sessions for local businesses,” stated Ms. Cambridge. “Other days I’m doing research. All of my research skills I acquired through my MBA at SGU, including collecting and analyzing data and reporting, in laymen’s terms, to the average reader. I love what I do. These skills in research methodology and accounting are utilized daily and push me to strive even further in developing my career in finance.”

Ms. Cambridge began as a business studies major at SGU, but altered her course to focus on economics and finance. She was so successful academically that she went on to teach a course in microeconomics in the Department of Educational Services (DES).

Ms. Cambridge hopes to bolster her credentials by achieving certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1, a professional designation given by the CFA Institute that measures the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Additionally, she plans on taking an online Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate course that introduces market concepts such as economic indicators, currencies (foreign exchange), fixed income (bonds) and equity markets. Her hope is to one day have a career as a portfolio manager, research analyst, or corporate financial analyst.

“To other students thinking about embarking on their own academic journey, although the road may be rough at times, what really matters in the end is getting there successfully,” encouraged Ms. Cambridge. “I would tell them ‘Never give up, and if I can do it, you can do it too.’”

 

Published January 2018 

Afia Joseph, BSc, MBA

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For Afia Joseph and many other young Grenadians, St. George’s University provided an opportunity for personal and professional growth and development, while also allowing them to study close to home.

Just over a decade since she started her journey, Ms. Joseph is equipped with both a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from SGU. She is now the Managing Director at Glenelg Spring Water Inc., a position that unites her two passions.

“What attracted me to SGU were the opportunities it offered to us, the young people of Grenada—those of us who could not afford to travel to attend a university abroad or didn’t possess the necessary qualifications to enter our already limited job market,” said Ms. Joseph. “For Grenadians, SGU allows us to follow our dreams by presenting a chance to afford an excellent university education and obtain a college degree or higher, which opens doors that would’ve remained closed had you not had a degree. SGU makes dreams possible.”

As a visionary leader and innovative executive, Ms. Joseph has been with Glenelg for more than 10 years, working her way up from Financial Manager/Accountant to Marketing and Development Manager to finally serving as Managing Director for the past two years.

“While at Glenelg, I have spearheaded strategic change and structural adjustments, which have led to the sustainability and survival of the business within a very competitive industry,” said Ms. Joseph. “With my proven track record in the management of financial resources, especially cash flow management, I have been able to steer our team in the direction of the vision for the company while keeping on task to meet all goals within the next five years.”

Exhibiting leadership skills from an early age, Ms. Joseph credits the Grenada Junior Achievers, a youth leadership program for high school students, with kindling the flame of her leadership instincts, and St. George’s University with fueling the fire. During the seven years she spent at SGU, Ms. Joseph was also the President of the Business Students Association, a role she feels undoubtedly assisted in the development of her leadership skills.

“Through SGU, I started my growth path to leadership. When you have learned organizational skills and how to respect deadlines at school, this carries over into the workplace,” added Ms. Joseph. “Also, while my primary interest is in business development and management, I am a firm believer in entrepreneurship. One of my goals is to help our young entrepreneurs navigate the challenges in achieving successful businesses in Grenada.”

 

Published October 2017