Elaine Commissiong - a strong believer in personal development

Elaine Commissiong is a communications and business consultant and owner of CARA Communications Ltd. A loving mother, she has an extensive background in the field of communications, public relations, teaching and education.

Commissiong was selected for a scholarship in media production by the Ministry of Education, while providing instruction in biology. After completing her training in London, she returned to Jamaica and assumed the post of education officer, with direct responsibility for teaching biology and science at the then Educational Broadcasting Services. She has benefited tremendously from continued guidance and mentorship from her former teacher, the late Tess Thomas from her alma mater - St Andrew High School for girls.

A strong believer in personal development, she later pursued a course in public relations, at the only public relations firm in Jamaica at that time, under the tutelage of Ralston Smith. Her early exposure and persistence, as well as the training she received, served as the catalysts for her integral involvement in world of media production and communications.

She firmly believes that public relations was idealised as a man's job and this has a negative impact on women's participation, especially in the earlier period. At the inception of her company, there was only one other public relations company owned by a woman, as men dominated the field. She was not intimidated or perturbed by this as she enjoyed a good relationship with men, whom she regards as interesting and fun to work with.

Many successes

Commissiong has had many successes, the highlight of which is the joy she experienced during her early days at her agency. She was responsible for the management of the 'Clean as a Whistle Campaign', a public education activity for the Civic Affairs Committee of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce which was designed to change people's perception towards public cleanliness. She went on to manage several other successful campaigns, but believes that none were as special and dear to her heart.

She encourages persons to always aim for what they want to achieve and engage in personal development as long as the opportunity arises. Using her own experience as a point of reference, she utilises previous knowledge as a trained teacher to help her meet the various needs of her clients.

Commissiong maintains her first love by teaching communication and marketing at the University of the West Indies as a part-time lecturer. Her philosophy is that one is never too old to learn, and no learning is ever lost. Her desire is to later pursue a career in religion, as she believes that "if you can dream it, you can do it."

She attributes the growth and success of her agency to the persons who have inspired her. More importantly, she believes that her faith in God has sustained her through very difficult times. Five years ago she lost her husband to lung cancer, which has left a significant void in her life. She notes that he was more than a husband; he was her best friend and the financial director of her business.