SOMETHING EXTRA asks...

Who inspired you and how are you inspiring other women?

Doreen Frankson

My grandmother, Edith Frankson, believed in education and nurtured me. All her children had a university degree in that era; she understood the value of an education and knew that it emancipates you. So all the women in my family are professional and strong women. She also made it clear that I was responsible for looking after myself and that I should not depend on a husband; that was repeated in my head often.

I would love the next generation of women to believe in themselves and choose positive role models and continue to break glass ceilings, also to find the balance between their professional and family lives.

Paula Llewellyn

My mother, nurse Mavis Llewellyn, was always my greatest motivator-in-chief.

She inspired me by being an exemplar of service above self, hard work, courage with an ability to rise above any obstacle while maintaining grace, even under the most scorching fire.

I am told that I inspire others by maintaining a smile and grace liberally laced with mental toughness, courage, humility and a sense of humour as I execute my professional duties.

Dr Patrice Charles-Freeman

My inspiration comes from three places. My parents, who have always pushed me to be better and not to settle for less. Also, my three sons who I let them know that even though it is sometimes a struggle, just work harder. Underprivileged people have also served as an inspiration to me. I share my passion to help them by working with the Food For The Poor, where I work with children and families who have several needs and problems.

I would like the next generation to know that nothing is impossible as long as you have ambition. Focus on goals. Regardless of generation, the most important thing is that whatever you do, do it well, do it to excel.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton

President of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Alliance, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, says she is inspired by her father. "When I look at his struggles against all the odds and what he has achieved, and the little he started with, I think I should achieve more because I started with more than he did.

I am also inspired whenever I hear stories of the achievements of persons with disabilities. I look at that and I think I should do more because I have two hands and two feet.

I hope other women will see someone (in me) who is committed to a cause and focused on doing what it takes to achieve those objectives, while caring and looking out for others along the way."

Grace Silvera

Marlene Street, now general manager of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, taught me speech, etiquette and elocution in high school. It has had a profound impact on me and sharpened my instincts in those areas. I pass it on by doing speeches, mentorship to young people in school, as well as in the business and work environments. No matter how educated you are, unless you demonstrate those finer qualities, you are still lacking in something.

Nadine Molloy Young

If I have to choose one person, it would be my father. He has been very positive, given me encouragement and is very forthright in his assessment of what I do. And this has allowed me to look at myself in a critical way to improve on what I can do. And to also seek ways to do better on things I have done before.

I pass on his inspiration to others by telling them to prepare for opportunities. There are opportunities out there for you to take advantage of and you just have to be prepared. And remember every single opportunity teaches a lesson.

Joylene Griffiths-Irving

Children inspire Joylene Griffiths-Irving. "To make children happy, anything that I'm involved in and I can interpret that in a way that makes children happy inspires me. Children are the future and if they are happy, they will be inspired to become better citizens and to help others.

"I hope I inspire other women by constantly doing things to make a difference. Never slowing down but take on and keep stretching yourself. The more you stretch yourself, the more you are able to do."