Empowering Women for Success: Insights from Carina Cockburn of IDB

In the realm of economic development, where strategic vision and impactful execution are paramount, few names resonate with our community of Caribbean and African women as strongly as Carina Cockburn. A Jamaican-born leader with over two decades of experience, Carina has carved out a remarkable career that spans multiple countries and continents. Her current role as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago is a testament to her commitment to fostering growth and positive change. Beyond her impressive resume, she is also a passionate advocate for women, particularly in the Caribbean and Latin American regions. Her insights into accessing success are not just words of wisdom, but actionable strategies that can empower women entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, and nonprofit leaders to thrive.

A Leader with a Vision

Carina’s career journey is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in both the public and private sectors, she brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, change management, and project portfolio management. Her academic achievements, including a Rhodes Scholarship, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Economics & Social History from Oxford University, are reflective of her dedication to excellence.

Her journey with the IDB began over a decade ago, during which she has held various positions across Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, Nicaragua, and the IDB headquarters in Washington, D.C. In April 2021, Carina was appointed as the IDB Country Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, where she continues to drive initiatives that promote sustainable development and economic growth.

Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

The IDB is one of the leading sources of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. With a strong focus on reducing poverty and inequality, the international organization’s projects and programs are designed to improve lives and create opportunities. One of the key areas where the IDB has made significant strides is in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Carina’s leadership in Trinidad and Tobago aligns perfectly with the IDB’s mission. Under her guidance, the IDB has been instrumental in supporting projects that not only boost economic growth, but also empower women across various sectors. For instance, the IDB’s “Women Growing Together in the Americas” program, under the ConnectAmericas platform, seeks to connect, train, and certify over 100,000 women entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative is crucial, as women-led businesses in the region often face significant challenges, including limited access to finance – a gap estimated at $93 billion. The IDB’s efforts to address these disparities are vital for economic recovery and job creation across the region.

How Caribbean Women Can Benefit from ConnectAmericas

For women entrepreneurs, ConnectAmericas is an invaluable resource. Launched in 2014, ConnectAmericas is a social network for businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean, designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access international markets. The platform offers a range of services, including access to potential business partners, market information, and financing opportunities, and also provides educational resources and training to help women navigate the complexities of international trade.

Carina has been a strong advocate for ConnectAmericas, encouraging women in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond to leverage the platform to expand their businesses and access new markets.

Carina’s 6 Tips to Empower Women for Success

Drawing from her extensive experience and leadership roles, Carina shares several key tips for women looking to achieve success in their careers and businesses:

1. Embrace Continuous Learning: Carina emphasizes the importance of education and continuous learning. Research shows that women who invest in continuous learning are more likely to advance in their careers. In fact, a study by the World Economic Forum indicates that upskilling women could increase global GDP by $5.3 trillion by 2030. “Continuous learning has been central to my journey,” Carina shares, noting that her own commitment to lifelong learning has been crucial in navigating complex professional landscapes. Having gained certifications in Project management, Scrum, Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement during her career, she says women should seek out opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, whether through formal education, online courses, or professional certifications.
2. Build a Strong Network: Carina notes that networking is a powerful tool for professional growth. Women who actively network are more likely to secure job opportunities, gain mentorship, and access resources that are otherwise unavailable. According to a LinkedIn survey, 85% of job positions are filled through networking. Carina encourages women to engage in both online and offline networking opportunities. Platforms like ConnectAmericas offer an excellent avenue for building connections that can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations. Acknowledging that a strong network has been crucial for her career, Carina underscores the importance of both building and maintaining professional relationships.
3. Be Resilient and Adaptable: The path to success is often filled with challenges and setbacks. Carina advises women to cultivate resilience and adaptability. Studies have shown that resilience is a key predictor of success, particularly for women in leadership positions. According to the American Psychological Association, resilience helps individuals manage stress and recover from setbacks, which is crucial in navigating the complexities of professional life. Carina explains that embracing change and learning from failures can turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.
4. Seek Out Mentorship: Mentorship can play a pivotal role in a woman’s career. Data from a study by the Harvard Business Review found that 67% of women consider mentoring as crucial to career advancement. Carina herself has benefited from the guidance of mentors throughout her journey, which is why she has led a collaboration with Amcham TT to host a mentorship program for women for the last 7 years. She encourages other women to seek out mentors who can provide valuable insights and support. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me through critical junctures in my career,” Carina notes, emphasizing the profound impact that mentorship can have on personal and professional growth.
5. Leverage Available Resources: Carina highlights the importance of utilizing available resources to grow and scale businesses. Whether it’s accessing financing through IDB projects or utilizing platforms like ConnectAmericas, women should take full advantage of the tools and opportunities at their disposal. The International Finance Corporation estimates that closing the gender gap in access to finance could boost global GDP by up to $160 trillion. “Accessing the right resources can make all the difference,” Carina asserts, encouraging women to actively seek out and leverage the opportunities available to them.
6. Champion Gender Equality: Finally, Carina advocates for women to be champions of gender equality in their respective fields. Achieving gender parity in the workforce could increase GDP by 23%, adding over $1 trillion to economic output by 2025. By supporting other women and advocating for policies that promote gender equality, women can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations. “It’s not just about being present in leadership roles; it’s about being influential in decision-making,” Carina stresses, pointing to the importance of diversity in leadership.

Carina’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about individual achievements, but also about lifting others along the way. Her commitment to empowering women is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of leadership.

Join ConnectAmericas for Free!

For women entrepreneurs, professionals, and nonprofit leaders looking to expand their horizons, ConnectAmericas offers a valuable platform to access new markets, build meaningful business relationships, and tap into a wealth of resources designed to support their growth. As Carina Cockburn’s work illustrates, leveraging these opportunities can be a significant step toward achieving sustained success in an increasingly interconnected world.

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