10 things you didn't know about Donna Duncan-Scott

A recent story in the national media, alleging that Jamaica was one
of the most difficult places in the world for women entrepreneurs to
succeed, had many up in arms, as they say. That claim, however, was not
substantiated by the facts on the ground. And in this respect, those
rebutting the moot argued by presenting several successful home-grown
and bred women entrepreneurs, who are living testimonials, making a lie
of the assertion.

Indeed, it has been said of the widely respected
and admired Donna Duncan-Scott, head of Jamaica Money Market Brokers,
that she is head and shoulders above her male colleagues, leading and
shining like an exemplar in a field dominated by men at the top, the
middle and the bottom. And little wonder, as by all accounts, Donna
Duncan-Scott is a wholesome success story in that she is an astute
businesswoman and a very successful wife!

For many, she is the
ideal role model, as she has managed to have it all - family, business
and her dignity, without sacrificing principles, essence, or her core
beliefs in pursuit and maintenance of a successful business whose model
is transformational leadership!

Today, Outlook shares with our readers 10 things previously not known about the trailblazing Donna Duncan-Scott.

1.She and her twin brother were born three months premature and were not expected to live. "The doctors asked my parents' permission to move us to the research unit. We could fit in the palm of an adult hand, we had hair all over our bodies and our tongues were stuck to the roof of our mouths. The doctors were amazed after sometime that we remained alive and we were considered miracle babies as we survived."

2.Duncan-Scott would not say she was a problem child, but attended four preparatory/primary/all-age schools and three high schools (up to fifth form).

3. She was very shy and quiet in high school, unlike today. This is why she is an advocate for transformation because she knows transformation is possible!

4. Her first full-time job was in a candle factory - where she poured the wax into the moulds - and suffered lots of burns. Also, she held a part-time job working as a nanny looking after a little girl and doing light housekeeping for her family. And this helped her through junior college.

5. When she was ready to go to university, she was advised by her mother that, if she wanted to go to university, she would have to get a scholarship. She gave her the application form. She went to university on a scholarship.

6. She is a trained industrial engineer.

7.She remembers her second car being a red VW bug, to which she added funky racing stripes to the sides and a blue neon licence plate border.

8.Her best childhood vacation was camping out by Reach Falls with her mother and eating some big, tough dumplings and corned beef for breakfast prepared by a gentleman who lived in the area.

9.Her favourite food is curry - curried anything - chicken, goat, chick peas, etc.

10. She had no idea that children would bring such unspeakable joy to her life and considers her children an amazing blessing.