‘The Distinguished’ is an annual celebration that recognises women who have made tremendous impact in various fields across Jamaica. It was first staged as a luncheon in March 2018 and since then, has become an important calendar event that allows The Gleaner’s lifestyle magazine, FLAIR to showcase female pioneers, innovators and powerhouses from all over Jamaica. The awardees are selected based on their consistently high standard, not only in their respective fields but also, the impact of their activities on wider society.

Despite graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Terri-Karelle unexpectedly pivoted into the field of Media and Communications and never looked back. With over a decade of experience in the field, she has established herself as the consummate professional, a deep researcher and articulate presenter who moderates and navigates some of the most complex discussions. Terri-Karelle has built a track record that makes her a highly respected and influential leader in media and communications. Her innovative strategies both on and offline, and creative approach to problem-solving has helped to redefine and shape the industry and inspire countless others in the field.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Terri-Karelle has also demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back to her community with her spirited discussions around various topics via her ever-growing social media community. She uses her platforms to voice social issues and has been actively involved in numerous charitable organizations such as, Eve for Life serving as an advocate and champion for women and minorities across the island.

The Gleaner’s Flair ‘Distinguished’ Award is a highly prestigious honour, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and leadership in their field. Past recipients include some of the most accomplished and respected female leaders in areas such as business, the arts, education, fashion, law, science and technology, communications, and agriculture. Past winners include Audrey Tugwell Henry, Nicole McLaren Campbell, Keneea Linton-George, Elaine Thompson Herah, Alia Atkinson, Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Leonie Forbes just to name a few.

When asked about receiving the award and what it meant for her, Terri-Karelle expressed her gratitude and stated, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award. Back in 2020 I received The Distinguished 2020 Social Media Personality of the Year award based on a public vote system and that was humbling to see that I had touched so many lives with such purpose. Now, three years later, to be awarded this honour from the panel of adjudicators it is really a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone on my team, as well as the support and guidance of my family members and well-wishers throughout my career. I’m particularly proud to share this moment with fellow awardees who I know personally. I hope my work will continue to inspire and empower others in the industry for many years to come,” she ended. The 2023 Distinguished Ceremony was well attended by industry leaders, colleagues, and friends of the RJR Gleaner Group who all came together to celebrate the achievements and legacy of these ‘Distinguished’ women.

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Inside the magazine, readers are treated to a detailed profile of the media personality and her rise to fame. From her early days as an aspiring vet with 26 pets at her home in Portmore, St. Catherine to her breakout on the world stage back in 2005 when she represented Jamaica at the Miss World finals in Sanya, China.  The former beauty queen, now one of the islands most sought after international hosts, has become a household name and a staple in the homes of people in Jamaica and the Caribbean at large.

The article delves into Reid’s approach to her craft and her dedication to her her family and the people that she serves. As an event host, Terri-Karelle is known for her preparation and research, often immersing herself in every event she participates in, ensuring that the audience members are able to connect the dots. This dedication has paid off in the form of numerous speaking opportunities, the most recent of them being as a TEDx Speaker at the Aston University in Birmingham.

However, it’s not just her talent that makes Terri-Karelle Reid a beloved figure. The article also explores her relatable personality and down-to-earth nature. Reid has always been open about her personal journey growing up as a child in a single parent household with a matriarchal head of the house. “This is certainly a full circle moment for me. My grandmother gave up her job in order to nurture me while my mom began her career as a flight attendant on Air-Jamaica. They have helped to shape me into the woman I am today; curious, open, inclusive, and self-aware.”

She continued, “For many of us as West Indians, the magazine has a reputation for showcasing the best of the Caribbean, from places, lifestyle, food and culture to its people. To be considered, much less chosen for the cover of the Caribbean Beat magazine is an honour.  I endeavour to make my mom and grandma proud. I hope to fly Jamaica’s flag everywhere I can, every chance I get,” she ended.

Reid is also an advocate for the minority or disenfranchised community and uses her platform to bring attention to issues such as gender discrimination, child abuse, rape and gender inequity. She has been vocal in her support of the deaf community and uses her position to amplify marginalized voices. Overall, the ‘Caribbean Beat’ piece paints a picture of a talented and charismatic woman of the world who has earned her place in the spotlight. With several upcoming projects in the works, it’s clear that Terri-Karelle Reid’s star has only just begun to shine.

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 As part of the Announcement of the University of the West Indies’ 75^th anniversary initiatives, the university’s top “75 books you should read during 2023” was announced and making the ranking was Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid’s personal branding self-help book titled My Brand Compass: the 13C’s to building your personal brand. Dr. Reid joins ranks with several other noteworthy authors including Former US First Lady Michelle Obama, Former Jamaican Prime Ministers Michael Manley, Edward Seaga, and PJ Patterson, Jamaican National Hero Marcus Garvey, famed Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett-Coverley and many others.

According to Reid, “It’s truly an honour. Many of these books on this list are some of my favourites growing up and others have made it on my yearly reading list. To be given this recognition as a first-time author is certainly humbling and I don’t take the recognition for granted at all,” the former TEDx speaker shared.

The University of the West Indies opened its first campus in Mona, Jamaica 75 years ago when the decision was taken on January 7, 1947, when the governing body of the University College of the West Indies—a branch of the University of London intended to serve British colonies—assembled for its first meeting in the House of the British Council in Jamaica. It was at this first meeting that a decision was taken for lands at Mona, Jamaica to be used for establishing the first campus of The University of the West Indies. One year later, on October 3, 1948, the Campus welcomed its first class of 33 medical students.

The UWI’s 75th anniversary initiatives are purposely designed and aligned to reflect on its past, confront the present, and articulate plans for its future across all five campuses as well as internationally, through partner associations and affiliates.

The UWI 75th anniversary is celebrated under the theme: UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.

Here’s a link to the full listing of the Top 75 books: https://libguides.uwi.edu/c.php?g=1284227

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With a series of book tours and signings in Jamaica, Reid has finally made her debut in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago this past week.  The launch event took place at the Jamaican High Commission with little over 50 specially invited members of her TK Tribe. Reid, overwhelmed by the support in Trinidad welcomed her guests and admitted hastily that she didn’t not in a million years envision a book launch in another country. “This started out as a little cheat sheet which then morphed into a full-fledged book that I launched in Jamaica. Now here I am, 7 months later with my book being launched in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s surreal but I am thankful and blessed. Thank you all for being a part of my community and for contributing to my life in some way shape or form.”

The book is dedicated to Reid’s grandmother Millicent Audrey Scott who the author admitted “planted the seeds of knowledge and wisdom that made me a great brand long before I even knew that I would be one.”

The book is available in paperback and kindle formats at Amazon or via Reid’s website www.terrikarelle.com. Here are some highlights from the “My Brand Compass” launch in Trinidad and Tobago:

Event Host, TEDx Speaker and now Author Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid was all too happy to gift Jamaican High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Arthur Williams an autographed copy of her first book “My Brand Compass” at her launch event in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week.

Out to celebrate another Jamaican female phenom in TT is Jamaican born Managing Director of the Guardian Media Group Dr. Karrian Hepburn-Malcolm and her son Zylan. Both spared a few moments with the nights leading lady, Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid at the Trinidad and Tobago launch of her debut book “My Brand Compass.

Jarrod Best-Mitchell, in addition to purchasing three copies of ‘My Brand Compass’ also managed to sneak a selfie with the author Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid.

Jane Wight (right) was overcome with joy after finally meeting the “My Brand Compass Author. Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid (left) after the proceedings of the book launch held at the Jamaica High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Host of the “My Brand Compass” book launch Leisel Douglas (left) joins the author and TEDx speaker Dr.  Terri-Karelle Reid for a candid photo op.

The Trinidad and Tobago Launch of Reid’s (second left) recently authored “My Brand Compass” would not have been a success without her TT based organisers who joined her for a photo op. They are (from left) Leisel Douglas, Tisha Jack and Tynisa Scantlebury. Reid’s Executive Liaison Alex V. Sterling (right) joined the ladies for a final photo op.

Then gents were not to be left out from the book launch proceedings. Alex V. Sterling (right), the Executive Liaison to Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid is joined by Communications specialist Dike Noel (left) and Banker Andre Muir (centre).

Digital Strategist Keron Rose (left) joined the host of specially invited guests at the launch event. Here, he is pictured with Dr.Terri-Karelle Reid at the Trinidad and Tobago launch of her recently published book, ‘My Brand Compass.’

The effervescent host extraordinaire and Author of ‘My Brand Compass,’ Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid.

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Terri-Karelle will be set to make history as the first Jamaican female to deliver a TEDx Talk at Aston University.

On January 6, 2022, I received a Google alert that indicated that a Gleaner article written about my upcoming TEDx talk in Birmingham, UK made the Top 10 Lifestyle stories in 2021. On a bright morning, I was interviewed by journalist Debra Edwards whose warmth oozed through my laptop screen. We sat and spoke about my family life, parenting, and my preparation for my TEDx Talk at Aston University.

The Gleaner

Saturday, September 18, 2021

By Debra Edwards
Assistant Online & Lifestyle Editor

(excerpt)

She’s your Jamaican girl. Dr Terri-Karelle Reid has won us over without even trying. Being your authentic self allows for that, and one thing is for certain, Reid gives off genuine vibes.

The TV presenter, host, social media guru, human Ethernet, and connector of dots has designed a life that works for her. On how she’s done this, Reid says with humility, “You have to control your narrative. You simply cannot accept definitions or the narrative that people put on you, and therefore it is absolutely imperative that we design who we are.” Making it clear that curating your life does not equate to falsifying anything about your livity, she continues, “We are making a conscious, intentional effort to say this is who I am, and this is what I stand for.”

Renowned South African cleric and activist Desmond Tutu once said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you as you are to them.” If you follow Reid on social media, you quickly realise that her family means the world to her and are the roots of who she is. Considering herself extremely lucky to be part of a female four-generation family, she is simultaneously inspired and kept grounded by her grandmother ‘Jeanie baby’, mother Donna, and daughter Naima-Kourtnae.

Read the rest of the article here

See related article here

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I am more aware of gender discrimination, mysogyny, gender pay gap and many other ills against women. However, female activists and advocates are rewriting history and inspiring many of us. More of us will break the glass ceiling, blaze our trail and empower those around us.

I was surprised and honoured to be selected with other amazing Jamaican women to be featured in celebration of International Women’s Day 2020. The Gleaner Online in partnership with NCB Jamaica, Curves and Benjamins featured prominent Jamaican women whom they believe have inspirational stories worth highlighting.

The objective is to help motivate girls and women in our country. We all come from different backgrounds and are on our own journeys. We are carving out our space, sharing ideas and being the change we want to see. It’s those differences that we celebrate and share as women.

As a result of my grandma’s hard work and dedication, I have grown into a women who strongly believes in herself, capabilities and rights. I am so honoured to be selected to give a glimpse into who I am and what I believe in.

I will continue to be authentically me and speak my truth.

Below I’ve shared my video interview. Read the full profile on Go-Jamaica’s website, as well as the profiles of all the other awesomely inspirational Jamaican women selected as well.

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“DON’T USE social media to impress people, use it to impact people.”
– Dave Willis

Social media has the power to inspire

“Posting with Purpose” is the strategy used by The Flair’s 2020 “Distinguished Social Media Personality of the Year” winner, Dr Terri-Karelle Reid. She has managed to cultivate on online community comprised of 200,000 followers on Instagram, in excess of 30,000 followers on Twitter, and 30,000 followers on LinkedIn. She is known for impacting and positively influencing her members in almost all areas of their lives.

Posting With Purpose

The Flair Magazine selected 16 of the most prominent, positive and purposeful women across social media in Jamaica. The diversity ranged from technology and business to entertainment, marketing and politics. Each time these women post, they are intentional about educating, informing and uplifting their communities.

One mustn’t take a massive and captive audience for granted. Amassing and cultivating a community that trusts her comes with the responsibility. Posting with purpose and using the influential platform to make a positive change has allowed her to impact many lives. She is unapologetic about using her platforms and wide reach to to motivate, inspire, teach and and showcase her community members’ small businesses. Terri-Karelle encourages the support of local artisans, creatives and entrepreneurs and believes wholeheartedly in the power of “buying Jamaica, building Jamaica.”

A large social media platform comes with responsibility

Over the years, Reid has broached uncomfortable social issues like sexual and domestic abuse. Topics like injustices against children and women are not off bounds. Terri-Karelle believes that is important to use her voice to amplify the voices of others who are considered vulnerable.

Affectionately called “My Jamaican Girl,” she represented the country as Miss Jamaica World in 2005 showcasing authenticity and passion. Terri-Karelle then became the host of the most popular television show in Jamaica, ‘Digicel Rising Stars’.

Since then she has grown along with her community. Readily built a brand known for its authenticity, credibility and empathy.

Terri-Karelle has used her online presence to build a credible personal brand. She has become one of the most sought-after media personalities and event hosts locally and internationally. The aspect of her life that she cherishes the most, is inspiring all those who cross her path.

Check out the full article on Flair’s website!

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I will admit that the older I get, I have developed a bias for memoirs and non-fictional content. Thought provoking authors such as Malcolm Gladwell and Chimamanda Ngozi enlighten my mind. Jim Kwik has stated that the best thing to do is forget the information and knowledge we have and open our minds to new material. I am less interested in fiction and fantasy and more intrigued by facts, data and research.

After sharing the 45 books I read/listened to in 2019 on LinkedIn, Buzz reached out, wanting me to share my top ten favourites from the list. It was extremely hard to narrow down my favourites across various topics and genres, but I managed to do it. Check out their article to find out what they were!

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Photos by Danik Frazer, Gleaner Company (Media) Ltd.

It’s hard to miss the incoming of one of Jamaica’s sweethearts, Terri-Karelle Reid, as she entered the Toyota Jamaica Coffee Shop. Modelesque and black-swan chic in her monochrome outfit, a ruffled-sleeve blouse and black elongating ripped jeans, even the other patrons stopped their clacking to pay attention. It’s no wonder the people there lost focus, it was the indomitable Terri-Karelle, equipped with her bright, friendly smile and sure gait, even in pumps. “Hi!” she greeted and leaned in for a quick hug before sitting.

Terri-Karelle chose the space and, given the large windows letting in lots of natural light, along with the comfortable and stylish seating, it made complete sense.

“I’m kind of a neat freak,” she warned before she opened the flap of her Jamaican-made Bresheh backpack revealing the neatly organised contents inside and kicking off this week’s ‘What’s in your bag?’.

Thanks to Flair Magazine and the Gleaner for featuring me in their “What’s In Your Bag” series. Check out the full article on Flair Magazine’s website.

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