The women inspiring my journey in District 78

My journey in Optimist International District #78 - the Caribbean District - has been filled with nothing but absolute inspiration. Recently I have been reflecting on how much OI as an organisation has changed from its early 20th Century all-male orientation to a more progressive embrace of gender equality, and consequently, supporting the rise of women at all levels. (I am working on a special feature looking at the amazing trend of women governors in the District).

This reflective exercise has also had me thinking about the impact women have had on my own trek in Optimism - the best of the world's largest voluntary service organisations - and especially how much of the inspiration I feel is under girded by the unflinching support from many of these women. 

I was invited to join Optimism by one of my dear friends, Dahlia Vanriel. Her line was simple and went something like this: You work so well with young people and in so many communities; why don't you join my Optimist club where I am sure you will feel a new sense of fulfillment bringing out the best in kids?
So began my journey as an Optimist and what has become an awesome engagement with some extremely marvelous, brilliant, and outstanding Caribbean women. Since then I have adapted Charlie's council of an always-ready and reassuringly loyal triad of angels - Dahlia, Heather Chin-Walker and Latoya Wade (Sunset Liguanea). 

Across the District are some young motivators who never allow too much time to pass without  sharing with me their innovative and creative ideas on how we can and do make a difference as Optimists. Among them, the likes of Shalana Waterman and Darshani Workman (Bridgetown Barbados), Andrea Samuels (Kingston Breakfast/West St Andrew), Kerisha Pinnock (Mammee Bay), Maxine Francis (North Portmore), and Keitha Glace (St Lisi).
Then there are those women in whom certain focal points of Optimism just seem to find perfect match. They include the long-standing torch bearers in JOOI, Lisa-Gaye Anderson (Kingston Breakfast) and in Childhood Cancer, Pat McLean (Constant Spring); both of whom have seen remarkable triumphs (and thus adversities) in what they do.
And, there are still others who have been so open to sharing their leadership and management experiences with me, fully conscious of my belief that wisdom lies with those who make lessons from all that life offers. Past LtG Margaret Wright (West St. Andrew), Past IVPs Shirley Jarrett (Ocho Rios) and Dr. Carol Haynes (Barbados Bridgetown), along with CP Faith McFarqhar-Gordon (Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston) find favour in this group.
Finally, there is yet another triad I cannot help but love for their generosity of spirit, guidance and direction - Past Governors Cecille Hale (Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston) and Gene M. Douglas (North St Andrew) as well as IVP Sonia Anderson (St. Ann's Bay). My interests in training and education as critical tools for personal and collective development, my eagerness to understand and appreciate the rules of the game and how to creatively operationalize same as we seek to remain modern and relevant, and the value placed on building mutually respectful and broad-based people-centered relationships have been so deepened by especially these three women of the Caribbean District.
Optimist International Caribbean District will see another of its remarkable women in pole position come 2013-2014 with Governor Nutilia Simon (Antigua and Barbuda). I want to believe that not only are the women of the District proud of their achievements but many of the men will have also felt, like I have, the positive impact of their being a part of this most wonderful voluntary service organisation called Optimism - and in such a short period of time! (The other story cometh soon)

To all the women of our great Caribbean District I say, Respect and thanks for the inspiration on this tremendously positive and fulfilling journey in Optimism!