Reviewing the current issue

This issue is special because it marks the migration to the new online format. View new format here. Though there are print copies of this issue that has been distributed, it will be the last print copy for the foreseeable future. I am looking forward to the feedback as to the new mode of distribution.

This issue itself featured dialogue with four women each contributing something different to the community they serve. Stella Tokar with the Miramar Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce spoke with the CBD as to how her organization seeks to help the community. Of note is that this organization seeks to integrate the larger companies in its membership with the smaller ones so each organization seeks to help others within the Chamber.

Gillian Smart talks enthusiastically about her project The Smart Group. Gillian seeks to actively be involved in community development. Jasmine Calder Esq. of The Calder Law Firm, talks about making the jump from career woman to entrepreneurship while being a wife and mother. She offers some insight into the different roles. I hope to visit back with Jasmine to follow up on how things are with her in the near future.

And there is Nerissa Street of The Artist Initiative. I particularly enjoyed this feature and am intrigued at the work that she does. The bottom line is that she seeks to help people in the pursuit of their dreams. As a side note, in my reading in general I came across the fact that art is now being used as a medium for investing. In the same way that one invests in real estate with a view for property appreciation, more and more people are now doing the same with artwork. If art is viewed as an investment vehicle it could mean more economic benefit for artists. This would add more than just the intrinsic value to Nerissa’s work of course.

Among the things I learnt from Nerissa is that there can be no bounds on willingness to build alliances. She seeks to do that as part of her firm’s effort to satisfy clients. The key of course is to work with others who share your ethics and vision. Another point worth mentioning is the need for individuals to take the “initiative” for their future and own well being. My favorite quote from her is that “your 401-K can easily become your 401-bye”. And that is no exaggeration. We can all point to news items that bear testimony to this.

This issue is insightful, informative and interesting and I hope my readers enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed bringing these stories to light. Further, I hope you all enjoy learning more about the different people that are a part of our Caribbean American community.