There is no singular, clear-cut path to success in life. That’s a message community leaders tried to convey with the recent return of the Youth Empowerment Symposium.
The two-day conference featured speakers from a wide range of fields and life experiences, according to Camille Angel, coordinator at the Youth Services Unit, one of the organisers of the event.
“The vision has always been to create a space where the voices of young Caymanians are valued,” she said.
At the symposium, held on 23 and 24 May, young people heard from community leaders about their own paths to finding personal and career success. Participants also had the opportunity to network and discover new resources for becoming movers and shakers in the community.
The first keynote speaker was Caymanian model Treveen Stewart, known professionally as Nik Stewart.
Stewart, who won the inaugural Caribbean season of ‘Next Top Model’, has modelled in major world cities, acted in a short film, and pursued several business ventures, including a mentorship service.
Stewart said she saw the value of determination from a young age, learning how to navigate leg braces at age 5 and fostering a passion for athletics.
She said she took pride not only in winning the title of top model during the 2013 season of the competition show, but also in consistently excelling in the weekly challenges, all while dealing with a dramatic physical makeover.
“I was furious at first,” she admitted. “But I didn’t lose sight of the prize. It lit a fire under me.”
The win was a pivotal moment in her career, she said, though she shared the challenges of finding supportive representation in an industry that can still perpetuate harmful narratives concerning body image and place heavy financial burdens on models.
She emphasised the importance of adapting, overcoming and creating new spaces.
Stewart formed her own modelling agency, landed deals with Nike and other high-profile brands, and has worked to build her own business, St. Cayman.
Armed with the knowledge of what challenges young go-getters face, Stewart spoke to the importance of reflection and safeguarding one’s thoughts. She offered colourful journals to attendees and told them about the power of activities like writing and meditation.
“It taught me to be grateful and be careful with my words,” she said. “Thoughts become feelings, feelings become words and words become actions.”
Challenges of entrepreneurship
Later that evening, Stewart joined local entrepreneurs Mariah Tibbetts and Keevon ‘DJ Von’ Douglas for a panel exploring their career paths.
Tibbetts claimed the title of Miss Universe Cayman Islands amid the COVID-19 crisis in 2020.
She pursued finance as a profession, embarking on a career in accounting while also exploring her talents as a radio host and mentor.
Douglas started as a deejay and is now the CEO of his company Partyrockers Entertainment. He is also one of the driving forces behind large events like FOG, Cayman’s Color Festival.
All three panellists offered career advice to the young people in attendance, focusing particularly on entrepreneurship.
While they agreed that creating one’s own business or investing in a side hustle can be rewarding, they cautioned listeners not to underestimate the time, dedication and passion needed to pursue an independent project.
The panellists encouraged those attending to take advantage of such things online resources, scholarships and mentorship opportunities to learn more about their passions.
Douglas also shared advice that has resonated with him – there are no losses along the way, just lessons.
Exploring non-traditional education
The symposium’s second day centred around setting and achieving goals, whether they be through formal education or another form of development.
Leading the discussion on breaking out of the box were panellists Dejea Lyons, Jason Ritch and Rickeem Lashley.
Environmental advocate Lyons, a student at Bath Spa University, earlier this year received the Legacy Award, which honours Princess Diana.
Ritch brought his insights as a computer expert to discussion about the ever-changing tech industry.
Lashley shared his expertise on marine systems and environmental sciences.
The symposium concluded with a panel on goal setting, particularly in balancing home and work life.
Symposium participants encouraged attendees to challenge outdated ideas of what an education entails and to consider what new jobs may be available to them.
Shaping the nation’s future with youth empowerment
Deputy Premier André Ebanks delivered remarks commending the symposium’s participants on behalf of Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, who was abroad at the time.
“You are the generation that will shape our nation’s future, and your empowerment is critical to our collective success,” he said, noting a strong educational foundation can follow many paths, be it a four-year degree, vocational programme or something else entirely.
Ebanks also touched on the importance of valuing one’s worth along the journey.
“No matter what you pursue in becoming a productive citizen, make sure you take care of yourself, physically and mentally,” he said. “Do not be afraid to reach out, because all of us feel pressure.”
He encouraged attendees to figure out the best way to weather the storms, utilise the advice of others to adapt, and press forward.
The event was a collaboration among the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Heritage, the Youth Services Unit, Caribbean Utilities Company and Cayman Islands Credit Union.
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