About Me
JIHAN, THE AUTHOR
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been writing! From letters, poetry or entries into my childhood diaries (remember those with the little locks and key?) to articles and commentaries as an adult, it has always been easier for me to express myself in writing. I look forward to publishing more as time goes on.
Lifting the Weight of Miscarriage: Healing Insights for Pregnancy Loss Sufferers and the People Around Us” is my first published book. It was self-published under my imprint, Bouncing Daughter Publishing in 2021.
After suffering the tragic loss of my pregnancy at 26 weeks (6.5 months) pregnant, I began to process my emotions in writing and found it was cathartic! My healing began in writing and soon after I felt compelled to share my thoughts and the tips and resources that helped me, in the hope that it would encourage other pregnancy loss sufferers and the people around us to process the grief and uncertainty around losing a baby. I was also 37 years old when I lost my son and that was my first pregnancy. Women who have struggled to conceive may find this book very relatable.
Read book reviews and learn more about accessing the book here.
JIHAN, THE ADVOCATE
I believe that my purpose is to help elevate the life experiences of people, especially Caribbean women and young people, so that we enjoy the peace, security, stability and joy that we all deserve. I strongly believe in the power of sharing information and supporting activities that encourage enlightenment, empowerment and self-sufficiency. When you know better, you can do better.
I have pursued this purpose in several ways throughout my lifetime, such as:
- Promoting the performing arts as a platform of self-expression and social advocacy as a poet, spoken word performer and former organizer of Island Xpressions, a monthly open mic performing arts show
- Bringing public awareness and voice to positive youth centered initiatives, social causes and national development issues related to politics and governance as a radio personality (co-host of Alarm Clock on WINN Media 98.9 FM and former host of Youth Beat on Freedom 106.5 FM)
- Advocating for and facilitating policy and legislative development and public education on the transformative potential of intellectual property rights for Caribbean creatives and entrepreneurs as an Attorney with an Intellectual Property Law specialization
- Advocating for increased attention and resource allocation for initiatives that support and empower women and girls. Outside of my personal efforts, from 2008 to 2012, through Hope Tears, a NGO that I co-founded, I ran a national mentorship programme for teen girls that promoted confidence, health and well-being and academic growth. I’ve also been involved in several woman-focused initiatives such as the Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWIL), which primarily advocates for more women in politics.
- Using my experience as a former Member of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association and former Deputy Clerk of the Federal Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis to teach persons about parliamentary procedures and law towards deepening their appreciation and understanding of how policies and laws are developed and changed.
- Promotion of tertiary education through membership with the St. Kitts and Nevis Chapters of the Chevening Alumni Association and the University of the West Indies Alumni Association
- Supporting literacy and the efforts of students of my primary school alma mater, Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School through continuous engagement with the school and an annual award to the Best Language Arts student since 2006
These activities and more have led to invitations to present to various groups locally, regionally and internationally. I love what I do, and the work continues!
JIHAN, AUTHENTICALLY
I have always struggled to fit into one societal box. The bluntness of my poetry performances and my penchant style of T-shirts, jeans and sneakers (99% of the time with no handbag or makeup) made some question whether my life outside of work was “fitting and appropriate” for my standing as an Attorney. Other times, my professionalism in the high-level positions that I have held in the Public Service in St. Kitts and Nevis, and my introverted personality have created expectations that I am unapproachable and unrelatable. I realized that I did not have to choose one box or label, nor did I have to be bound by anyone’s expectations.
I am serious and silly, professional and playful and while I love quiet and calm, I have no qualms being loud for the people and causes that are close to my heart. I embrace my multi-faceted nature, every layer of my experiences is me and I am them, authentically.
