We will be featuring each of the Queen's Young Leaders of the OECS, their stories in youth development, their experience in being a Queen's Young Leader and their plans for their country. In this interview we speak to Tevin Shepherd of St. Lucia.
OY: For people across the OECS who may not be familiar with your work, what youth programs/initiatives are you involved with in your country/across the region?
TS: On a community level, I’ve been involved with Project Can which focuses on youth empowerment and engaging young people. Nationally, I am the 2nd Vice President of the St Lucia National Youth Council. My work with the National Youth council has been focused on Education through activating student councils around the island. We also started the Mario Michel-NYC Education Fund to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged students.
OY: What sparked your involvement in youth development and affairs?
TS: When I was 13, a friend and I started a Computer Summer Program for kids in the community. This program helped me realize that I was passionate about working with young people and helping them succeed.
OY: Undoubtedly the Queen’s Young Leaders week was an unforgettable experience. What activity/event/experience had the greatest impact on you?
TS: Meeting other outstanding leaders, business professionals, global movers and shakers and hearing their take on life and their experiences, had the greatest impact on me. Now all of these individuals are part of my network and we can help each other propel our visions further.
OY: What are specific tools/ideas/concepts from the experience were the most important/useful to you?
TS: Through the Training program at the University of Cambridge I was able to gain exposure to world class educators and their perspectives on leadership. They encouraged us to deal with challenges through Innovation. A lot of the time we say we innovate, but we are just modifying existing solutions - here we were truly encouraged to truly innovate and think without limits.
OY: How do you plan on taking the knowledge & experience you gained and applying it to your country/region?
TS: Now that I am part of such a diverse network of leaders I’m going to take a chapter from what they’re doing and also use my University of Cambridge experience for my plans. This award also validates what the work I am doing. I can use this experience to encourage other people to volunteer and participate as well.
OY: What’s the next step for you? What can we expect to see from Tevin Shepherd?
TS: Definitely you will see me continue supporting and inspiring other young people. I’ll also be positioning myself to make even more impactful contributions.
OY: What advice/encouragement/message do you have to share with young people in the OECS?
TS: You are the architect of your future.
