Jamaica – Phylicia Rashad Urges Jamaican Women to Pursue Their Ambitions

2026-02-28 - 13:35

Award-winning actress and cultural icon Phylicia Rashad delivered a powerful message of courage, purpose and self-belief to Jamaican women and young girls, urging them to pursue their ambitions boldly and without fear, reminding attendees that, “There’s no challenge that’s greater than you.” Rashad, widely celebrated for her role as Clair Huxtable on the groundbreaking television series The Cosby Show, made the remarks on Friday during the Women of Vision: A Visionary Salon, staged at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations for Plié for the Arts. The event created a space for intergenerational dialogue, allowing students, professionals and creatives to engage directly with accomplished women across multiple sectors while interacting with one of television’s most respected figures. A Message Rooted in Purpose and Spirituality Travelling from New York despite severe winter conditions and the aftermath of a major snowstorm, Rashad expressed deep gratitude for being in Jamaica, becoming visibly emotional as she reflected on faith, service and human connection. “I’m so privileged to be with you all here today. I love seeing the sunshine in every face I see. And recognising that light in everyone I see. Thank you, God, for the privilege to understand that,” she said. Throughout the session, young women openly shared anxieties about career paths, expectations and uncertainty about the future. Rashad responded with reassurance grounded in resilience and inner discipline. “There’s no challenge that’s greater than you. Okay? There’s no challenge that’s greater than you. And it’s not that it’s smaller than you either. You are equal to it.” She continued, “You have to draw your courage from inside. You have to be willing to be patient. You have to listen. And don’t stop. Don’t give up.” When one student expressed fear that her dreams were “too big,” Rashad offered a succinct response that drew applause: “Doubt the doubt.” Celebrating Caribbean Excellence In her opening address, founder and artistic director Marisa Benain emphasized the global relevance of Caribbean achievement, declaring that “the Caribbean is not peripheral to global excellence, it is central to it.” The programme highlighted women whose leadership spans business, law, sport, medicine and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the event’s goal of expanding young people’s vision of success. Among the honourees was Olympic sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, whose recognition generated excitement among visiting students, particularly those from The Mannings School in Westmoreland — an institution still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Educators accompanying school groups described the experience as transformational. Teachers from Ardenne High and other institutions noted that exposure to accomplished women across industries allowed students to visualize tangible pathways to achievement beyond traditional expectations. Dialogue, Mentorship and Leadership A featured panel including senior Jamaican executives and entrepreneurs explored qualities necessary for long-term success, highlighting focus, curiosity, honesty and discipline as foundational traits. The discussion received a standing ovation, underscoring the strong resonance of mentorship and representation within the audience. Addressing the panelists directly, Rashad praised their humility and purpose-driven leadership: “What I love most about this panel of women of vision, in hearing you speak and learning about what you do, there’s nothing pompous about you. And it’s not great statements that you make into the world.” She added, “But in your work, in what you’re doing and the way you’re doing it, you are serving creation and the one who made it. And you’re doing it very naturally. If we’re not here for this reason, why are we here? Life is a creative gift.” Regional Celebration Continues Attendees described the experience as inspiring and rare, with many expressing gratitude for witnessing a figure whose television legacy helped shape representations of professional Black womanhood for generations. The anniversary celebrations for Plié for the Arts will continue across the Caribbean, including stops in Trinidad and Tobago, before culminating in Kingston with an appearance by renowned ballerina Misty Copeland, the first Black prima ballerina at American Ballet Theatre. The initiative’s organisers say the broader aim is not only to honour achievement but to cultivate confidence, creativity and leadership among Caribbean youth, a message Rashad reinforced throughout her visit: ambition, when paired with purpose and perseverance, remains within reach.