Age: 35

Role: Divisional Co-ordinator of the Chamber of Commerce and Administrator of the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC)

What is your job?: I am the Divisional Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce which represents approximately 700 members. The job involves facilitating meetings and Annual General Meetings; the administration of projects, member surveys and promotions as well as assisting with industry lobbying efforts. In addition because we are such a small team of four full-time staff, assistance is given on Chamber initiatives particularly in regard to fund-raising efforts as we are a not for profit organisation which relies for the most part on membership dues in order to survive. I am also the Administrator for the ABIC, an affiliate member of the Chamber of Commerce which represents 140 international companies domiciled in Bermuda as well as the administrator for their scholarship programme the ABIC Education Awards, which this year raised a record $620,000 and gave out 24 two year scholarships.

What is your favourite part of the job?: There is no one single answer to this question because I deal with so many diverse things. Those that come to mind include: working together with my colleagues on initiatives that help to generate revenue for the Chamber, helping to find workable solutions to issues in the local economy, networking and having contact with everyone from CEOs and Government officials to the entrepreneur plumber and the lady who sells banana dolls at Harbour Nights - one of the two summer long events that the Chamber hosts, and watching the ABICEA recipients go up to accept their awards at the Awards Luncheon, the culmination of four months of hard work with the help of a group of volunteers, as their proud parents look on. Then having them introduce me to their parents as if I were their fairy Godmother.

What is your least favourite part of your job?: Like many jobs, it can be a thankless job. I do not believe members truly appreciate what goes on behind the scenes, as a small office of five works on their behalf. The Chamber is only as strong as its members. Our voice is their voice. The Chamber exists to serve its membership. If we cannot cover our operating expenses, retain our staff and attract new members then we will have to close our doors. Each business will then be left to represent their own interests at a time when businesses need to come together and take steps, as a group, in order to weather the current economic storm.

What is your most interesting experience at work?: Working as the Administrator for the ABIC Education Awards over the last six years has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many talented Bermudian students from both the private and public schools. I am also very passionate about encouraging both local businesses and our Government to provide every young eligible Bermudian with the financial support to obtain a good, post-secondary education. The youth are our future and any investment in education should be seen as an investment in our future.

For the ABIC Education Awards Committee it's not just about having a student that meets the minimum academic requirement. We look for well rounded individuals. I met one young, black, male, Bermudian applicant whose academic performance was not as it should have been however he carried himself well, was extremely articulate and refreshingly humble. He knew what he wanted to do and he knew that without financial support he wasn't going to get there. He left a lasting impression on me. I have no doubt that there are several other young Bermudian students out there that if given a chance to prove themselves, will give it back to the island two-fold by improving our island's social fabric as positive role models for our youths and as leaders in our economy.

What would you be doing otherwise? Likely academic administration with continued involvement, at the committee level, in a financial need-based scholarship programme.

– Interview by Alex Wright