Rooted in the Caribbean - Women in Leadership Series

What happens when a Caribbean-born nurse, church leader, and black woman in the NHS refuses to be boxed in?

Triss Horwood shares the powerful story behind her rise from St. Vincent to leadership in the UK, and the moments of bias, courage, and calling that shaped her.

Born one of 13 siblings, Triss grew up in a home marked by resilience, sacrifice, and a mother who would not wait for anyone to hand her a future. That grounding carried her into nursing, management, and eventually national and international ministry with her husband Chris, where they serve churches, communities, and women in some of the most challenging places.

In this episode you'll discover:

• How Triss's upbringing with a family from St. Vincent shaped her leadership style and expectations
• What it was really like becoming a black woman leader in the NHS outside London
• The blunt, faith-filled way she responds to racism, assumptions, and being underestimated
• How she ended up chairing Genesis Trust Bath after initially saying "no"
• Why her "Coffee with Triss" approach matters to staff, trust, and real leadership
• What she sees happening when women are released into their God-given calling

Triss also opens up about missionary life in Russia, Kenya, and Bulgaria, including the practical realities, cultural shocks, and unforgettable encounters that come with serving in places where she is often the only black person people have ever seen. Through it all, she keeps coming back to one conviction: leadership should be real, relational, and centered on Jesus.

If you need encouragement to lead with substance, stand firm in your identity, and refuse to shrink for other people's comfort, this conversation will stay with you.

Essential listening for women in leadership, someone navigating calling, and anyone who wants to understand what courageous, authentic leadership looks like in practice.

Caribbean women are taught to be brilliant, humble, and invisible - but Shinelle Grant Seely is challenging that script. From Santa Cruz roots and a fiercely disciplined upbringing to leading ESG strategy across Guardian Group and NCB Financial Group, Shinelle shares how she learned to own her space without losing her values.

We unpack the tension between excellence and self-doubt, why so many women downplay their achievements, and how childhood, school culture, and workplace dynamics shape the way Caribbean women lead. Shinelle opens up about the influence of her mother, grandmother, and father, the lessons hidden inside “disappointments,” and why she believes sustainability is not just a business issue but a legacy issue.

You’ll hear Shinelle break down:

• How growing up in a tightly knit Santa Cruz community shaped her leadership style
• Why she sees herself as a gentle leader who builds trust instead of fear
• The path from PwC and public service into ESG and sustainability leadership
• Why Caribbean women often struggle to lean in and claim their accomplishments
• How to lead with conscience, not just ROI
• What it means to raise a son to respect women, stay grounded, and carry forward strong roots

Shinelle also gets candid about imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the pressure to be “the best” in a system that often rewards competition over collaboration. If you’ve ever questioned your readiness, hidden your wins, or wondered whether there is room for you at the table, this conversation will feel like a permission slip.

Essential listening for women in leadership, Caribbean professionals, and anyone trying to lead with purpose, confidence, and heart.

This conversation explores Nicole Prince’s journey from an environmental science and quality background into education, and how her Caribbean roots, family legacy, and faith have shaped the way she leads.

It matters because her story shows how unexpected pivots can still become a deeply purposeful path. We discuss how discipline, service, and consistency translated from lab and compliance work into the classroom, and why she sees the journey itself as the destination.

She describes herself as “I am my mother's child”- Bold, resilient and unbreakable. She shares how she watched her mother be resilient by nature, unstoppable by choice and have unknowingly empowered and inspired just by being that Caribbean woman.  Strength she too gleaned from her mother. 

Nicole also shares how raising two sons, serving her community, and staying grounded in Christ inform everything she does.

Dawn Layne is a powerhouse Human Resources and Learning & Development Executive, who brings over 25 years of experience in the field, having served in the Massy Group for 32 years.

Dawn, the last child in a large loving family, brings her passion for service to every engagement and interaction she has. She has served on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council in Barbados in both Customer Service and Management Lead Bodies.

She is also a member of the Human Resource Management Association of Barbados, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the American Society for Training and Development.

Dawn holds a Master of Science in Labour and Employment Relations (UWI-Cave Hill), an Executive Diploma in Management (Postgraduate) from the Cave Hill School of Business, an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management (Barbados Community College), and a Master Trainer Certificate from the Cave Hill School of Business.

Welcome back! Happy to start Season 2 with my amazing guest - Tuwana Aubin Anthony - as she shares a powerful story of identity, service, and growth.

A proudly Trini woman, shaped by strong family roots, faith, and a deep commitment to serving others, Tuwana was born in New York to Trinidadian parents and raised with a rich Caribbean upbringing. She shares how her grandmother and mother modelled resilience, kindness, and leadership.

Her career journey is especially inspiring because it wasn’t a straight line. Through hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from every person and opportunity, she emphasizes that her success came from being consistent, collaborative, and focused on doing her best rather than chasing status.

Tuwana speaks about leading with heart, purpose, joy, and authenticity, while staying grounded in faith. She also shares how her love of service, her family values, and her desire to help others shape both her leadership style and her legacy.

Deanna Berry shares openly and fearlessly about the spaces she has occupied in order to create safe spaces for others while sharing her personal journey of family, faith and cultural identity.

Deanna is a Registered Social Worker from Toronto, Canada, with over 27 years of extensive experience in community and social care. Currently serving as a Health Equity and InclusionWellbeing Team Lead for a healthcare organization in the UK, Deanna’s career reflects her dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity within diverse communities.

Grounded by her strong faith in God, Deanna draws inspiration and guidance in both her professional and personal life. This cornerstone of her being fuels herconfidence and determination, making her an intentional, compassionate leader who seeks to make a meaningful impact through her actions and service.

She is committed to orchestrating her steps in alignment with her values and spiritual beliefs, creating pathways for transformative community care.
Deanna is deeply engaged in numerous committeesand community initiatives that promote multi-agency collaborations and EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) partnerships across Canada, the UK, andglobally.

Her passion lies in addressing health inequalities, particularlywithin culturally diverse communities, where she actively pursues research to drive positive change. Her leadershipextends into various roles, including being an Alumni of Core20PLUS5, a Non-Executive Director, an Ambassador and Mentor for the Stepping Up Leadership Programme, and Chairperson for several organizational committees. Through these platforms, Deanna exemplifies what it means to pay it forward, encouraging those around her to "Know their Worth!"
In her spare time, she indulges her creative side as a musician—playing the drums, singing, songwriting, and expressing herself through poetry. A true foodie at heart, she delights in exploring diverse cuisines, learning languages, history,traveling, exploring her Jamaican heritage and exploring the great outdoors.
Deanna Berry strives to be a catalyst for change in everything she does - driven by compassion, faith, and adeep-seated belief in the value of every individual, illuminating a path toward a more equitable and inclusivefuture for all.

In this episode of 'Rooted in the Caribbean', Natasha Williams shares her journey from Trinidad to Toronto, detailing her career path that transitioned from biology to human resources.

She discusses the role of faith in her career changes, her commitment to community engagement, and her aspirations to help others develop their visions and strategies for the future. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining the human element in a technology-driven world, the evolving dynamics of parenting, and the significance of community and generational wealth.

She shares personal experiences of resilience through adversity, the influence of childhood on adult life, and the journey of healing and self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional processing and personal growth, highlighting the importance of compassionate leadership and service to others.

In this enlightening conversation, Emily Dick-Forde shares her journey from her roots in Tobago to becoming a prominent figure in leadership and politics.

She discusses the importance of education, the influence of her mother, and the role of faith in her life.

Emily reflects on her experiences in academia, her transition into politics, and the challenges and triumphs she faced as a woman in leadership.

She emphasizes the significance of mentorship, self-awareness, and the need for women to embrace their unique perspectives in leadership roles.

Throughout the conversation, Emily inspires listeners to recognize their gifts and the importance of nurturing their roots while reaching for their aspirations.

In this enlightening conversation, Nina Stock shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing the influence of her diverse upbringing on her leadership style, the importance of empowering women in the workplace, and the challenges of balancing career and family life.

She emphasizes the need for inclusivity in work environments and reflects on her experiences overcoming barriers as a woman of colour in a predominantly male field.

Nina also offers valuable advice for future generations, encouraging them to break down barriers and lean into feedback for personal growth.

In this conversation, Natasha shares her journey as a woman in leadership, discussing the influence of her Jamaican heritage, the sacrifices made by her family, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the workplace.

She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, advocacy for underrepresented communities, and the need for greater understanding of the challenges faced by women and racialized individuals in leadership roles and recognising that understanding lived experiences is key to inclusion.

Natasha encourages young leaders to speak up and seek support while highlighting the significance of uplifting others in their journey.