Terri-Karelle's story:
rejection is redirection

Terri-Karelle Reid Miss Jamaica World 2005
Miss Jamaica World Terri-Karelle Reid

Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid is  an island girl – born, bred and rooted in her beautiful home country of Jamaica. She earned the moniker, “Your Jamaican Girl”, when she won Miss Jamaica World 2005 as an unlikely candidate, donning natural afro curls unapologetically all throughout the competition, even after being advised to straighten her hair.

In an effort to challenge the representation and perception of black women, and inspire others who looked like her, she maintained her look for the international pageant in China, where she walked away as a Top 15 finalist, winning the People’s Choice vote for the Caribbean – all while being authentically herself.

Terri-Karelle shows that there is Power In Pivoting

After completing a Doctor of (Veterinary) Medicine in Cuba on a government scholarship in 2007, Terri-Karelle faced cross-cultural accreditation challenges when she returned home, which resulted in her being unable to practice veterinary medicine in Jamaica. Her dreams were crushed. Thus began her journey in marketing and management. Terri-Karelle worked as a Public Relations Executive with RISARC Consulting in Los Angeles; General Manager of the popular Spartan Health Club; and the Online Brand Manager of The Gleaner Company Ltd, where she successfully implemented innovative digital marketing strategies for the oldest and largest newspaper in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Terri-Karelle Reid

"Honour The Small roles, they lead to the bigger ones"

Taking the suggestions of people around me who thought she had the right personality and natural talent for the job, Terri-Karelle  transitioned into the world of media. After getting her start as a radio personality, she eventually landed on television in 2012, hosting the most-watched live television show in Jamaica – Digicel Rising Stars, a job I still love and do to this day. This turning point led to many more opportunities over the years. She has had the joy of bringing energy and zest to television shows; entertaining international crowds at cultural and music events; and interviewing some of the world’s most powerful and influential personalities

OWN YOUR AWESOMENESS

She has been fortunate to become one of the most well-loved media personalities in her country, and she gives back by using her platform to inspire, challenge, motivate and advocate for positive change for individuals and the world at large.  She lives everyday knowing for certain that there is more to each of us. We are not defined by what we study or what our professions are. We are defined by our ability to embrace failure, adapt, learn, grow and evolve.  Her story is a reminder to others who are fighting crushed dreams, that they can create new opportunities, hone new skills and define their own lives on their terms.

Terri-Karelle delivering her TEDx Talk at Aston University

YOU ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU KNOW!