About Me

I was born in Portsmouth in the Commonwealth of Dominica. By the age of sixteen, I was obsessed with two things—higher education and politics. I chased higher education first, traveling to Togo in West Africa to complete a Bachelor’s degree in French Studies from the University of Benin. I later completed my Master’s degree in Curriculum at Emporia State University in Kansas in the United States as a Fulbright scholar. I then earned a PhD in Education Policy and Leadership at the University of Maryland at College Park where my dissertation was called “as good as it gets.”

In 2007, I was working as a University Professor in the United States when I was recruited by a former student to both lead a mission-driven organization that Dominica had recently joined and to serve as Ambassador to Venezuela—the first state to recognize Dominica’s independence. That former student was now the Prime Minister.

When I formally took office in 2008, my two obsessions had come full circle. I sat in the Office of the Prime Minister, deepened international relations, advised on and interpreted government policies and continuously found ways to educate the public on political topics, through appearances on talk radio, television, Youtube and on social media. I’ve also authored publications featured in prominent media outlets, and a book on political independence. At the same time, I was the chief spokesman for the ruling Dominica Labor Party and differentiated the DLP from other rival political parties.

After a decade working alongside some of the best-known international leaders, I have learned some valuable lessons on what makes them rise to the top.

Images shot by Elias Dupuis.