Hi dear readers,

Welcome to another edition of our Bermuda Living Series, where we are paying homage to women in the workplace.

As our advertising team was putting this feature together, one thing stood out in my mind more than anything else<\m>we all have to start our careers somewhere. Let’s go back to 1992 with me. I was 18-years-old and looking for a job to subsidise my Bermuda College education.

Desperate to have a regular income, I vowed I would try anything that paid more than minimum wage.

Someone in my family told me that Elbow Beach Hotel was looking for housekeepers, so I thought, “Why not?” and dashed up there to fill out an application.

As I entered their administrative offices, Karen Dill was the first person I encountered.

I told her what my intentions were and she gave me an application form.

Upon completion, she looked over it and what she said to me will remain with me forever.

“Are you sure you want to be a housekeeper here? How about a cashier because I don’t think that you will like that job.”

I agreed but then wondered if I would regret my decision when she informed me that I would have to take a Math test, there and then.

After telling Mrs. Dill that I failed my Maths GCE a year earlier, I wanted to turn and bolt, but she just smiled gently and assured me that all would end well.

Well, what do you know? I passed the test and the rest is history.

I remained at Elbow for close to seven years and they always afforded me the opportunity to work there every holiday I came home from college.

I even began working there full-time upon my graduation, although I was armed with a degree in another field.

When the opportunity arose for me to move into my field of study, I was apprehensive to leave an establishment where managers always pushed me to do my very best, although they were well aware that I was studying to become a journalist.

When I reflect on my professional journey, I think of, with great gratitude, the professionals who helped me in my formative years and also encouraged me to aim high; Karen Dill, Albert VanLowe and Richard Calderon. THANK YOU for always keeping me inspired, especially when I wanted to give up when I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although I may not see you often, you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Dear readers, please remember that no matter where you are in life, you can be instrumental in helping someone who aspires to follow in your footsteps, no matter what industry you are in. Whether it be encouraging words or a professional opportunity, always remember none of us would be where we are today if someone ahead of us had not looked back!

In our special feature, The Business Woman, <$> women who play an instrumental role in their companies’ operations are being honoured by their employers. In our editorial pages, we have also highlighted the achievements of women who are breaking the barriers in male-dominated workplaces. “The proof is in the pudding for sous-chef Kim” and “It’s no longer just a man’s world” previously appeared in The Royal Gazette.

Ciao for now!