Meet Lisa Soares |

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Soares and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, how do you think about risk?
I think about risk as trusting your gut feelings like they are your guardian angels. I’ve faced many uncertainties in my life and career, especially as a Caribbean woman with a global outlook and as an independent international development consultant. I’ve found that to believe in my truth whilst silencing the naysayers is easier said than done – hence the risk. It takes a lot to develop discipline in crafting your craftsmanship – knowing the optimal outcome of those lessons, at times, are not tangibles. However, it is knowing that you took the risk, and embracing what you learned from it (whether it be a triumph, a loss, or cause for reflection and/or restrategizing). Most important, when taking any risk in my life or career, I’ve always found it a blessing to be surrounded by a solid and trustworthy support system. It takes a village, and for this, I remain forever grateful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an international development consultant and sustainable development policy expert with 17+ years of extensive interdisciplinary experience in academia, non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, and government. I have committed myself to the development interests of the Caribbean, particularly by advocating and advancing the social and economic development of underserved and marginalized communities. I hold a BA (Cum Laude) in Marketing and Psychology from Eastern University, USA; a Certification in Investor Relations and an MSc (Distinction) in Global Affairs, specializing in International Business, Economics and Development from New York University, USA; and, a PhD in Politics and International Studies, specializing in the Sustainable Development, the Blue Economy, and Oceans Governance from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. I am originally from Jamaica but am currently based in Barbados.

My life’s work and involvement in grassroots community development has been built on an ethos of development from the bottom-up. What these experiences have taught me is that without people-centred development, the mark will be missed to develop sustainably. Relevant to this narrative is my work as a Youth Ambassador for the United States Diaspora for the Government of Jamaica (GOJ). I was tasked to lead a community development project that analysed the efficacy of the Dump residents’ relocation to Hague lands in Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica. The relocation of the Dump residents was framed within the broader context of the re-development of Falmouth as a result of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Ltd.’s and the Port Authority of Jamaica’s joint venture investment. This project eventually morphed into my Master’s thesis titled “What are the necessary factors to build a viable community in a Caribbean island? Addressing informal settlements and a culture of poverty: The Relocation of Dump residents to Hague-View, Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica, W.I.”

This project provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the creation and sustainment of informal settlements, measured against the achievement of Jamaica’s national development goals as outlined in Vision 2030 Jamaica and the GOJ’s Community Renewal Programme.

Dump was classified as one of the five worst informal settlements on the island due to housing highly unskilled people and a debilitating criminal element. However, although Dump was often described as an incubator for criminals; it was also the home to hard-working, honest individuals. What the Dump residents desired most was a formalising of their new community in Hague. As such, my team and I along with local stakeholders, namely, the Falmouth mayor, church leaders, the Urban Development Corporation, and the Social Development Commission worked with the community to first establish a viable community organization which became known as the Hague-View Citizens Association. By formalising community meetings, we then opened dialogue with international development partners to ascertain how we could re-socialise and transform the community to ensure that the residents were economically viable. This led to me crafting and analysing a community needs and skills assessment for the affected communities. These assessments came to serve as a basis for providing a prescriptive solution for sustainable community development championed by local and international development partners. The outcome being creating an effective and replicable community development empowerment/intervention model, the Providence Transformation Initiative (PTI), for similar communities in the Caribbean and other developing countries, where applicable.

This work provided the basis for me to complete my PhD in Politics and International Studies and return back to the Caribbean to give back to and provide service for the disenfranchised and marginalised communities. I currently work for a US development agency focused on grassroots development. I am the Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Specialist for the entire English-speaking Caribbean – Eastern Caribbean, Jamaica, and Belize.

It may sound cliche to say but one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in the work that I do is perseverance, hard work and determination are the keys to success. Believing in yourself and your truth, and never wavering in your truth no matter how high the mountain seems to be to surmount.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I refer to myself as a Global Citizen – born in Jamaica and migrated to the United States as a teenager and the United Kingdom as an adult, and I am now currently living in Barbados. For those who are not familar, Barbados is the most Easterly Caribbean island – the closest English-speaking Caribbean island to the African continent. Barbados has a rich history and is certainly one of the most beautiful places I have lived. A week’s trip is too short to see its wonders, but here are some recommendations:

1. Harrisons’ Cave – Located about 8 kilometers outside of Holetown in the parish of St. Thomas. Harrison’s Cave is a limestone cavern that features an abundance of stalagmites and stalactites as well as other calcite deposits. Its name is derived from Thomas Harrison, who was a well-known landowner in the region during the early 1700s.

2. St, Nicholas Abbey – St.Nicholas Abbey, located in the parish of St.Peter, was built in 1658 and is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the Western Hemisphere. Barbados is home to two of these mansions. St.Nicholas Abbey and Drax Hall. Take a tour through the great house to admire the architecture and historical furnishings. You can also explore the steam mill and rum distillery which are now in full operation and are used to produce St. Nicholas Abbey Rum. You may purchase rum and other sugar products at the gift shop.

3. Oistins – Oistins, in the southern parish of Christ Church, is a major fishing community in Barbados with a modern fishing market. At the Oistins fish market you’ll get the freshest fish, caught and brought to the jetty by the fishermen then skillfully skinned, cleaned and portioned by the vendors.

4. Animal Flower Cave – The Animal Flower Cave is located at the most northerly point of Barbados in the parish of St.Lucy. The name “Animal Flower Cave” comes from the sea anemones found in the pools of the cave. Some of these pools are deep enough for you to swim in. There are also several openings looking out to sea, offering spectacular views!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been blessed with a family of achievement and grace. My grandparents in particular, Rev. Dr. Horace Russell and Mrs. Beryl Russell have been a true source of support, mentorship, love and encouragement throughout my life and career. They were married for 63 years. My grandfather, Rev. Dr. Horace Russell, passed away last year – he was a scholar, pastor/theologian, a person of vision and light that walked with kings but never lost his roots. Most important, he was simply my best friend. My grandfather being born in Jamaica during the 1920’s was of West Indian African descent, and migrated to England for his studies. Upon his return to Jamaica in the late 1950s, he later would become the first West Indian of African descent to be appointed President of the United Theological College of the West Indies and would go to achieve the first of many feats on the world stage. My grandmother was also born in the 1920s in Southern England. She was the last of 5 children and the only girl. She was taught to be a warrior. Upon her migration to Jamaica alongside my grandfather as his new bride, she was also accomplised many feats as an English teacher, first female Vice Prinicpal at a prominent boys High School in Jamaica, and a trusted confidante and advocate for women’s rigts. My grandmother at the ripe age of 93 is still with us. Though they came from opposite sides of the Atlantic, they are world changers; advocates for the spiritually and materially dispossed and disenfranchised.

Through their collective efforts they taught me and every person that encountered them that humility is strength. To never look down on anyone as we each have our unique roles to play in making this world a better place. To always speak truth to vision with dignity and grace, and above all else to be a service for the betterment of mankind.

Instagram: @lisaksoares