A Personal Journey from Jamaica to Ghana and Beyond

Growing up, my frequent visits to Jamaica, particularly to St. Mary Parish, were more than just vacations; they were soul-nourishing experiences that shaped who I am today. I found comfort in belonging and being seen in a world where I wasn’t always sure where I fit. I was surrounded by family in St. Mary, and I could see people who looked like me excelling in every corner of life—doctors, educators, business owners. The power of representation in every industry was immense. These early years have shown me the importance of community and the profound impact of seeing yourself reflected in others who are thriving.

Fast forward to 2013, when I travelled to Ghana for the first time, I had the opportunity to visit Elmina Castle, a place of profound historical significance, and the experience was overwhelming. Walking through those corridors, standing on the soil where my ancestors had once stood—chained, dehumanised—was an incredibly emotional experience. The weight of history bore down on me as I connected to a deeper understanding of the transatlantic journey and what it meant for those who survived and those who didn’t. My spiritual encounter at Elmina Castle awakened something in me, a recognition of my place in this complex, painful, yet resilient narrative of Black identity.

Despite this grounding experience in Ghana, my next chapter in Switzerland felt misaligned. Although I had a great job and lived in one of the most beautiful places in the world, I struggled to feel like myself. The emotional toll from feeling disconnected from my roots became evident, and I knew something had to change.

In 2019, I returned to Ghana after losing my father to cancer, and I cannot overstate how essential that trip was for my mental health and my sense of self. There was a calmness, a spiritual alignment that came from being on Ghanaian soil again. The grief I carried with me felt lighter as I reconnected with the continent that continues to offer me healing. Ghana has since become my refuge, where my heart feels settled and my mind is at peace.

Earlier this year, I returned to Jamaica and visited different ports across the island, but it was driving through Annotto Bay that I found peace. There’s something incredibly significant about reconnecting with the lands that have shaped me, from the Caribbean to Africa. It reminded me how important it is to reclaim our personal and collective narratives.

?As we mark Black History Month with the theme “Reclaiming Narratives,” I’m reminded of the why of storytelling—our storytelling. For too long, our histories have been distorted or omitted altogether. It’s our turn to take control and write our stories with authenticity, strength, and pride. For me, reclaiming the narrative means ensuring that in STEM, AI, Web 3.0, Quantum Computing, and Edge Computing, Black voices are heard, and Black brilliance is recognised.

The future of technology is unfolding rapidly, and Africa, with its rich history and vast potential, will play a leading role in shaping it. My mission is to disrupt the status quo, ensuring that the innovations from Black and African communities are part of the conversation and at the forefront.

I am committed to creating pathways for underrepresented communities to thrive in the tech industry. Whether through mentoring, building bridges between continents, or amplifying the stories of changemakers, my goal is to ensure our contributions are seen, celebrated, and remembered. We are reclaiming the narrative—not just of our past but of our future, and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this movement.

#SheDISRUPTS #ReclaimingNarratives #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #STEMinTech #AfricanInnovation