Written by Neki Mohan, 2022 Girl Scouts Lead the Way Honoree
Growing up in the British Caribbean I was a Girl Guide, the same foundation as Girl Scouts but in a different part of the world. It was the first organization that let me know I could be a leader and work with other women to work as a team. We were always told that we had no limits and that is a very important message for young women. It was where I got my first mentors, other young women doing great things to look up to. I went to international camp in 1983 which was in the south of Trinidad and I met young women from all over the world! It helped me dream big and realize I was capable of whatever I worked hard at.
When I think of words like innovator, risk taker, go getter and leader, I would consider myself all of those things now. More importantly though, I would like to let other young women know I came to these titles out of necessity. I grew up with very limited resources and was very intentional in making the best of every opportunity available to me. Here are some examples:
Risk Taker: I transferred to Journalism School at the University of Maryland with a deficit of about $2,000 and I had no way to pay it in the time allotted. The last week it was due I went every day to the financial aid office and sat in the lobby doing my homework until they helped me find some more funding. They found some just hours before I got kicked out of classes.
Innovator: When I left my TV News job in 2020, I started a little voice over business with my mic and computer in my closet. I also wrote PR copy for whoever needed it. No job was too big or too small. I live by that ethos. I have also worked for ten TV stations in five cities. I am not afraid to move or start over as long as it achieves my goals. In my new role, I am always consuming as much information as I can
Go Getter: I don’t wait for opportunity to come to me. I always take a chance. My grandfather also told me if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Leader: I didn’t get here alone. I believe in the power of mentoring. Someone gave me a shot, I always try to pair hard workers with access they may not have. I am a big believer in teamwork and leading by example.
Hear more from Neki and our other amazing honorees at the Girl Scouts Lead the Way luncheon on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at the Signature Grand in Davie. Purchase tickets online before registration closes on September 6, 2022.