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Dr. Karren Dunkley

Many adjectives could describe Dr. Karren Dunkley, but we have chosen to sum her up as a dynamic powerhouse who knew what she wanted from an early age. No wonder she has been able to accomplish all that she has. As Dr. Dunkley recounts her childhood, it is evident that she held her own despite growing up in humble beginnings. She knew her value and that she would make her mark in the world, and even while doing so, she would identify with individuals in a humanistic way, which is her strength. It is what has caused her to stand out while many stand-in.

Women and Leadership – what are we doing right, and what are we doing wrong?

I think women are doing these three things right: 

1. We are showing up and being visible and owning our space, and that is commendable. We are not seeking anyone’s permission.

2. We are creating allies to mobilise together; we know we are socialized to compete against each other, but I think we are catching on and saying, ‘wait for a second,’ if I light my candle and help Jackie to ignite hers, in a room full of women- by lighting each other’s candle, the room illuminates. Rather than me with my one candle-we are pulling together for the greater good.

3. We are also becoming more courageous and taking on social justice issues that require a lot of courage. We call out sexual assault and molestation, and we acknowledge that we don’t have to stay silent. We now understand it’s not our shame to carry, and we are freeing ourselves. So, when we survive molestation, we are speaking out and sharing our stories to liberate ourselves and others. We are telling our stories to empower other women, and we are getting that right. The sexual harassment discussion needs some nuanced and expert attention. We need a better and more honest conversation with our peers and men about what constitutes sexual harassment and how to address it.

Three of the areas we need to work on are:

1. Lifting as we climb. That means we look around and, we say, who is not sitting within our circle that needs to sit within our circle. Who is not at the table that needs to be at the table? Who else should we include in this conversation?

2. We must have a pipeline for those coming behind us because someone went before us. As we think about the women behind us and within our peer group, we must facilitate and help ‘her work’ and, if possible, make her visible. Being a woman is so unique. Being a woman and embracing that womanhood is powerful but also terrifying. 

3. We also diminish each other by applying a rating scale, and some women will get more points than other women based on a patriarchal and colonial system. To provide some examples, If you sell in the coronation market, never married, are more African in your phenotype, and the list continues, then you don’t get as many points. We need to do better because we have womanhood as a commonality, and that binds us together. If we remove these artificial constructs, at the core, our struggles are no different. I have friends who are lawyers who have marital and emotional experiences that parallel a woman who is a housekeeper. We need to treat each other better and stop rating each other on what I call artificial scales. When I got married, women would say to me, “Oh Karren, I see you married Randall.” I had to correct them and say, “Wait up! He is not the prize”. “I am the prize,” and I expressed that sentiment before him. 

TBWM: What words do you have for women who might be struggling, from the stay-at-home mom to the executive.

Dr. Dunkley: You have to know who you are at your core because your core doesn’t change. You must know your beliefs, your absolutes, and your non-negotiables because within that struggle and how you define the fight, and how you respond, whether or not you overcome the adversity, depends on your core. What are you willing to sacrifice? What will you compromise? Sometimes compromise is necessary. If it’s a financial struggle, what is an untapped talent or skill that you can monetize? I have always stated that if I need money, I will Uber, I will work at Walmart. I am not immune to these activities because I know my core – that I prefer financial independence over-dependence. So, I will do what is required and what it takes to win. 

No one can tell you your core; that is a truth only you can know. When you are all alone in that time and space, that is the authentic you; that is your core. Understanding the essence of your being will get you through every kind of struggle that you encounter. If you gain a few pounds and you are comfortable with the pounds, then you are sexy just the same. If you put on a few pounds and are uncomfortable, you will lose them. If you decide to confront adversity head-on then, you will. If you prefer to retreat and allow the adversity to hover, then that is how you cope. 

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Dr. Marsha Smalling

When Winston Churchill wrote, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,”  he appropriately described Marsha Imghard Smalling. She is an alumnus and current Principal of Glenmuir High School. Having gained her Ph.D. at 37, she is one of Jamaica’s youngest to accomplish this achievement. Since being diagnosed in 2003 with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Marsha has faced each day with purpose, passion, and perseverance.  Dr. Smalling is the author of the recently published book, Powered Up: Leveraging 6 Pillars to Live out Loud, where she shares her personal journey in hopes of helping others cultivate greatness.

Leadership

Marsha was a leader long before she even thought about what being a leader entailed.  At the primary level, she remembered her principal used to ask her to take over a class if the teacher was absent or had a staff meeting. She loved it, adding “for the wrong reasons.” Recalling how she loved being in charge, she shared that whenever she was asked to take over a class, the first thing she would do was to go and cut some willow whip.  Once she became an educator, stepping into the classroom, she realized that leadership was more than just being in control and intimidating others. It was about service and uplifting others.

Dr. Smalling’s leadership focus, consistency, compassion, care, and perseverance are not about accolades and awards, but she has been recognized for them.  Marsha received the Governor-General Achievement Award for leadership and achievement of excellence. At Bethlehem Moravian College, she was the president of Key Club for two consecutive years and has received the Vice Principal’s award for community leadership. She was also recently recognized by the Jamaica Teaching Council on World Teachers Day for her leadership during the pandemic. Each came as a surprise. She saw herself as simply serving, identifying where the needs were, and working to meet them.  

Becoming an Educator

Marsha’s path to becoming an educator was inspired by educators like her aunt, Mrs. Merleta Copeland a retired principal.  She fondly recalls, “As a little girl growing up, I used to see her having her students at her house all the time, Christmas, summer, weekends, afternoons. I remember her dancing to songs that she would make-up teaching them how to read and teaching them how to remember certain things. And I just found that amazing.” Her primary school principal, Abraham Cockett, Dr. Henrietta Stewart as well as other teachers also influenced her path. Their confidence in her and commitment to their calling and their students sparked her passion. 

Despite the discouragement of others about being a teacher, especially those citing the low salaries, she was undeterred. “I believe that we must pursue things that we’re passionate about. We must pursue things that propel us to wake up in the mornings, even when we don’t feel like it, and drive our passion with fierce commitment.”  As for the satisfaction from being an educator, Marsha says, “there is nothing more fulfilling, nothing more rewarding than seeing your efforts, your hard work, your commitment, and your care, help to transform students, help them to believe in themselves and just create a ripple effect where they also start to inspire others.”  After completing her training and becoming immersed into the system officially, she realized that being an educator was her true love.

Being the Principal

For Dr. Smalling, as the Principal, she understands her students and empowers them to realize that they are capable, and it does not mean that they should have a bad outcome because they had a bad start.  She believes, “they can always pick up momentum, change dreams, adjust attitudes, and just go for it.” Using her experience as a student, Dr. Smalling deviates from the norm where students would go to the principal’s office, either if they were an outstanding student or in big trouble.  Instead, she changed that narrative, becoming more accessible. “I just believe that, as a leader, you should be accessible to your students, your staff members should feel comfortable to approach you and to talk to you about anything, and I think that I have achieved that.”

The confidence of her students in her, and her desire to reach more students, gives Dr. Smalling the added “reason to keep fighting an illness like lupus.”  She explains that she would love to know the names of each one of her students, but with 1600 students under her supervision, it is extremely difficult to do that.  Instead, she has developed “a secret method” for being able to identify each one, “because it makes a difference when you call a student by their name.”

As Principal, the best advice Marsha has been given is to put her students first. While she understands that this sometimes offends some persons, she is staying true to it, explaining “we are because of them, and they are because of us.” She quickly clarifies, “this does not mean I do not value the various categories of staff, because I say they are the engine that runs the school. Without our committed teachers and guidance counsellors, we cannot have the kind of outcomes that we strive to achieve.” Yet, she emphasizes that “we must put our students first and let them know that we are here to serve them and not to be served.” Dr. Smalling has stayed true to that advice, and it pays off.  On being an educator generally, she declares, “I like teaching, I like to serve, and I am a compassionate person. I believe that I must demonstrate integrity. I am striving to ensure that everything I do is definitely in alignment with my purpose, — igniting hopes, dreams, and possibilities for all or for those who are within my influence.”

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Dr Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh

When you hear Dr. Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh’s story, you may think -a highly motivated go-getter, and – you may be correct. But is it wrong to be a go-getter? It depends on whether the individual understands the importance of life balance and ensures that the desire is not fueled by selfish gain but wanting to be the examplar. In this case, a woman can go after all that she desires and the opportunities that come her way. As you read Dr. Sinclair-Maragh’s story, you will understand.  The resounding message is to be purposefully driven.to reach for your “what’s next” best.

TBWM: What are some of your core values as an educator, individual, and woman?

Dr. Sinclair-Maragh:  My personal mantra is “purposely I am on earth to serve mankind”, and I have a purpose through education and training to do that. I serve others in this way; students, associates, family, friends, colleagues, church and other communities. If I am unable to assist, I point people in the direction to get the needed help. I endeavor to encourage young people, especially those whom I serve directly through my various job responsibilities at UTech, Jamaica.

I believe in empowerment; a woman must empower another woman and not compete with each other.  This is because we all have our individual purpose here on earth. I selflessly share my story with mothers who are curious to know how I accomplished all of this with my daughters because I wish the same level of success and more for them and their children.   I advise these mothers not to limit themselves or their children. I encourage them to not look at the challenge but instead move in faith, and the opportunities will unfold as they should. I usually begin my response with : silver and gold, I have not, but what I have I will give to you, and what I have are encouragement and motivation, and whatever information I can find and who I can find to help you. Today, I stand by those same precepts and continue to help as many people as I can. I believe, in being trustworthy, and building a safe haven so persons will ask for help. Perseverance is also a big part of my story in addition to high levels of tenacity. I keep going, and I never give up.

TBWM: You mentioned the phrase “it will happen,” and I equate that with faith. How has faith played out in your journey?

Dr. Sinclair-Maragh:  I believe in the power of faith. My Christian doctrine and conviction have significantly helped throughout my journey. I believe that faith can move mountains. We only need to start, and the other things will come forth. I am also an optimist while being a realist. I believe things will happen once you have that positive mindset, and that ‘opportunities abound for success.’ Faith has allowed many things in my life to happen because of my  positive mindset, and I have faith in the Creator – God, and I believe “it will happen” for all who believe. 

TBWM: What is your take on the statement “it’s never too late.” 

Dr. Sinclair-Maragh: Age is not a barrier, neither is your race nor ethnicity. Your religious belief,  financial situation or address should not be allowed to be barriers; so, it is never too late to accomplish your purpose for living. We all have a purpose for which we were born, to make a difference in this current life and life to come. It may take a longer time for some people to get to their ultimate purpose, but it will never be too late. The race is not for the swift but for those who can endure. We all have different contexts in which we live, and so our stories and timelines will be dissimilar. With respect to age, I was the oldest in my Ph.D. cohort, but I embraced everything, including my younger colleagues and the statistic classes that were a bit challenging. I was never intimidated as I was focused on achieving my goal . It is never too late, go for it. 

TBWM: What does success looks like?

Dr. Sinclair-Maragh: Our success (I include my children) is not based on money but on how we can use our God-given talent to help others. Thankfully, my daughters see it this way also; demonstrating it in their medical practice. I measure success by the way they live their personal and professional lives. My success is also when I can help others to realize their potential and make themselves better. This includes my students and mentees with the latter spanning across different age groups, jurisdictions and geographical spaces. Seeing them being successful at their differing endeavours spells success for me. I feel successful when I observe my plants blooming, it excites me. Success is remaining in good health and being the anchor for my family and friends, one whom they trust and can rely on. Success correlates to the published journal articles and book chapters authored. I recall that while pursuing doctoral studies how limited the literature was.  Today, I write and share literature in the discipline of tourism that will be of benefit to other post-graduate students. Thus, I am committed to continue doing this. All of these measures of success give me internal satisfaction, the one that allows me to say ‘Amen’.

On the other hand, we must be realists who recognize that we need money to make our standard of living better. Therefore,  it is good to create the balance while realizing that money should not be the ultimate  focus but a means to be purposeful to mankind.

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND